India’s medical tourism sector is booming. In recent years the country has attracted millions of international patients seeking affordable healthcare in India and world-class treatment. In fact, credit-rating agency CRISIL reports India saw about 7.3 million medical tourists in 2024 (up from 6.1 million in 2023). Patients from the US, UK, Africa and Gulf countries travel to India for procedures, drawn by a unique combination of low costs and high quality. For example, even uninsured Americans and Britons now seek care in India – about 1,911 US citizens and 785 UK citizens obtained medical visas in 2024. Gulf nations like Oman and the UAE often sponsor treatment for their citizens in India, since Indian hospitals charge far less than Western ones.

Several factors make India the best country for medical tourism in 2025. Indian hospitals offer huge cost savings (often 60–90% cheaper than the US/Europe), world-class facilities, short waiting times, and English-speaking staff. Below we explore these benefits in detail and explain why patients from around the globe are choosing India.

Key Benefits: Cost, Quality, and Convenience

  • Huge Cost Savings: Medical procedures in India typically cost a fraction of Western prices. For example, heart bypass surgery may be just $5–15K in India (vs. $100K+ in the US), and knee replacements around $6–10K (vs. $50K+ in the US). Dental implants, IVF cycles and cosmetic surgeries are similarly 70–90% cheaper abroad. In short, affordable healthcare in India means a 10–20x cost advantage on major treatments.

  • World-Class Hospitals: India has hundreds of internationally accredited hospitals. Over 50 Indian hospitals hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation and 800+ are certified by India’s NABH quality board. Leading hospital chains (Apollo, Fortis, Medanta, etc.) feature cutting-edge technology and modern facilities.

  • Highly Skilled Doctors: Indian surgeons and doctors are often Western-trained and board-certified, with expertise in specialties like cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, fertility and cosmetic surgery. Many specialists speak fluent English, making communication easy. NirogYatra notes that “surgeons here have global training” and work in internationally accredited centers.

  • No Wait Times: Unlike many developed countries, India generally offers quick scheduling for urgent procedures. Patients often get appointments and surgery dates within days or a week, even for major operations. Long waiting lists are virtually non-existent, so traveling to India can save precious time for life-saving treatments.

  • Tourism and Hospitality: After treatment, patients can recover in comfortable settings or luxury resorts. India’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual sites and wellness retreats (ayurveda, yoga, spa centers) make recovery more pleasant. Hospitals often provide medical tourism packages including airport pickup, recovery suites and tour options. English is widely spoken and the travel infrastructure (flights, hotels) is excellent, especially from the GCC, Europe and North America. The Indian government even offers special e-Medical visas (up to 60–90 days) to streamline travel for treatment.

Affordable Treatment: Costs vs. US/UK

Cost is a primary draw for foreign patients. Popular procedures in India save thousands compared to Western prices:

  • Cardiac Surgery: A heart bypass or angioplasty can cost $5,000–15,000 in India, versus $100,000+ in the US. In other words, 80–90% savings. NirogYatra explains that India’s top cardiac centers charge only 10–20% of U.S. fees.

  • Orthopedics: Knee or hip replacement surgeries cost around $6,000–10,000 in India, compared to $50,000+ in the US.

  • Fertility (IVF): An IVF cycle in India is roughly $3,000, while it can exceed $15,000 in the US.

  • Dental and Cosmetic: Dental implants can be under $4,000 in India (vs. $30,000+ in the US). Cosmetic surgeries (rhinoplasty, liposuction, hair transplants) are often 70–80% less expensive.

  • Other Treatments: Cancer therapies, bariatric surgery, transplant operations and even expensive diagnostics are available at far lower cost.

Quality of Care and Hospital Infrastructure

India’s medical facilities rival the best in the world. JCI-accredited hospitals maintain rigorous standards in protocols, hygiene and patient safety. Apollo Hospitals alone has multiple JCI-certified centers nationwide. A recent report highlights that India boasts 50+ JCI-accredited hospitals and 800+ NABH-certified institutions.

Major metro hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and elsewhere feature ICU suites, advanced imaging labs and specialized centers for heart, cancer, neuro, and children’s care. Top physicians are trained on par with Western peers; many surgeons trained in US/UK systems return to India, bringing their expertise home.

India also combines Western medicine with traditional wellness. Many hospitals offer integrative care, including Ayurveda and yoga therapy for rehabilitation.

Ministry Support: The Indian government promotes “medical value travel” through initiatives like Heal in India. E-visas for patients and attendants are easy to obtain (typically valid 60 days, multiple entry).

Popular Treatments and Specialties

India has established expertise in many high-demand treatments:

  • Cardiac Care: Apollo and Fortis perform thousands of bypass, angioplasty and valve surgeries each year.

  • Orthopedics: Wockhardt and BLK Hospital specialize in joint replacements and spine surgeries.

  • Fertility (IVF): India’s IVF clinics (e.g. Indira IVF, Nova IVI) report high success rates and low costs.

  • Dentistry and Cosmetic Surgery: Dental clinics offer implants and veneers; India is also a hub for cosmetic procedures.

  • Cancer Treatment: Tata Memorial and Max Hospitals offer advanced chemotherapy and radiation.

  • Other Specialties: Transplants, neurosurgery, ophthalmology and holistic wellness therapies.