General information

1: What accreditation standards are followed in India?

The hospitals align to JCI or the NABH accreditation which are stringent and oriented to the highest standards for medical delivery

2: How much time will I have to wait for admission to a hospital and for procedure to get done?

  • In India there is no waiting period or queuing up, either for diagnostic procedures or for treatment. Healthcare is not worth it when there is a prolonged waiting time.
  • After the initial diagnosis is done and the medical procedure decided upon, your surgery/intervention will be scheduled quickly. In a matter of days any medical procedure can be completed, unlike in some countries where even the diagnostic procedure could take many weeks or months.

3: When making a trip to India for a medical treatment, what are the essential documents I need to carry along?

  1. Medical History/ Records/ Test reports/ Doctor referral notes/ X-rays
  2. Contact details – Residence/ Driver’s license/ Passport copies
  3. Passport size photos – keep 10-15 in hand for various purposes
  4. Bank statement/ Details of Health insurance, if any.

4: Should I take vaccinations before coming to India

Vaccinations and up-to-date immunizations are a safeguard for any international travel. However, please check with the doctor in your home country, any Government advisory and also the hospital in India as to what should be taken. The recommended vaccinations would normally be from the following list:

  1. Diptheria Pertussis and Tetanus (DPT)
  2. Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
  3. Polio (Oral Polio Vaccine or Injectable Polio Vaccine)
  4. Hemophilus b conjugate vaccine (Hib)
  5. Hepatitis A
  6. Hepatitis B (when stay goes beyond 60 days)
  7. Typhoid
  8. Japanese B encephalitis (JBE)
Essentials Prior to Visit

1: What is the procedure for booking a treatment at a hospital?

GM Medicare will help you to do your booking a hospital or an appointment with a physician.  You can send us your inquiry in the given format, or drop a mail into our team directly and wait for our quick response. One of our team members will contact you soon after receiving your inquiry. From that point, our person will collect for more details on your health, the condition for which you need treatment and the possible options. Our staff will guide you fully on the requirements from thereon.

Note: Contact details can be taken from our contact us page

2: How can I book for my family/attendant’s accommodation?

GM Medicare is a designated medical service division from Gateway Malabar Holidays Pvt Ltd. Gateway Malabar Holidays is one of the leading holiday companies in India, handling thousands of Arab travelers every year which has made us the pioneers in this field. From your airport pick up to maneuvering the journey to the hospital to providing you best stays in the city, we shall take care of all those major and minor aspects as you renew your mind body and soul. Since we have a very strong relationship with the hotels across major cities of the country, we can provide you stay at the most competitive prices. Apart from this our fleet of vehicles and Arab speaking drivers ensures that you will not have to face any kind of hassle as you travel in the country.

3: Can I obtain an estimate of the cost of treatment?

Yes, we will provide that. Please ensure that you get this in hand. The cost as you may be aware, depends on the medical condition, the choice of treatment, the type of room opted for etc.
All your medical history and essential treatment details would be analyzed by the team of experts in the hospitals. They will also provide you the various types of rooms / accommodation packages available and you have to make the selection. Charges are likely to vary by the type of room you take.

4: Do the hospitals in India accept health insurance?

If you have health insurance that’s internationally valid / valid in India, please alert us about it. If it’s an approved insurance provider, hospitals might request you to get an advance payment guarantee which you will have to co-ordinate from your home country.

5: What are the inclusions / exclusions in the cost?

Hospitals will provide details very clearly.

Usual inclusions are:

  • Stay and beds
  • Diet – for patient and bystander
  • Surgeon and anesthetist’s fee
  • Nursing
  • Doctor’s / specialist consultation and fee
  • Fee for surgery, theatre room
  • Consumables used for surgery (sutures, tubes etc.)

Exclusions

  • Implants and special consumables
    these are choice driven. If the medical procedure needs implants or special consumables, the doctors or staff will intimate you. Implants, consumables are of different sizes, types, materials and cost options. Depending on what suits your body condition, there will be a range of choices. You can make the selection on the brands and/or their quality options based on the cost suitability and suggestion of the specialist.
  • Stay beyond the usual time in the hospital, depending on your recovery is likely to be additional.
  • Special tests, special medications and high value drugs will be charged extra.
Medical Visa

1: Will you assist us in obtaining Medical Visa?

GM Medicare will assist you in this regard. Once you decide on India as your medical travel destination and confirm your hospital through us, an invitation letter from the respective Hospital will be required for visa processing. We will send this letter to you; this has to be presented at the ‘Embassy’ or ‘High Commission of India’ in your country. We need you to send us a copy of your passport for this.

2: Is it possible for my family members/ attendant travelling along with me for my treatment to obtain Medical Visas?

Attendants/family members of patients coming to India for medical treatment will have to apply for Medical Attendant visa (MEDX) co-terminus with the Medical visa of the patient. The letter from the hospital will be useful here as well.

3: Who are the permitted attendants and how many can travel?

Attendants should be spouse/children or those having blood relations with the patient. Not more than two attendants are allowed.

4: What are the requirements for obtaining my medical visa?

  • Passport with 6 month validity
  • Passport size photographs
  • Photo copy of passport
  • Copy of online Filled form
  • Proof of Residential Address
  • Recommendation from the home country doctor to visit particular specialized medical centre for treatment
  • Passport copy of the attendant
  • Proof of relationship with the attendant
  • Medical reports

5: How long is a medical visa valid for?

Initial duration of the visa is one year or the period of treatment, whichever is less. Visa will be valid for maximum three entries in a year.

6: If a necessity of a repeat visit arises, how many are allowed?

A maximum of 3 entries are allowed in one year.

7: What would be the approximate fee for a Medical Visa?

A visa fee for Medical visa is different by countries. It ranges from $13 to $153.

8: Are there any formalities with the Medical Visa after my arrival to India?

GM Medicare or respective hospitals will help you with such formalities. You would have to register at the Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office within 14 days of your arrival. Attendants also have to get registered themselves with the local FRROs / FROs within 14 days of entering India.

9: If my treatment is being prolonged, would I be provided assistance with extension of my visa?

Medical and Medical Attendant visas are extendable by FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) in India depending upon the condition of the patient on the production of the required medical documents.

Do and Don’ts while staying in India
  • Always carry an emergency local and home contact with you. Contact your countries embassy in India for any legal help. GM Medicare will help you in this regard.
  • Always update your travel details and contact with your travel agent / hospital
  • Public smoking is a punishable offence in India.
  • Do not violate the VISA terms while you stay in India. Consult with us for any clarifications on this regard.

1: What accreditation standards are followed in India?

  • The hospitals align to JCI or the NABH accreditation which are stringent and oriented to the highest standards for medical delivery

2: How much time will I have to wait for admission to a hospital and for procedure to get done?

  • In India there is no waiting period or queuing up, either for diagnostic procedures or for treatment. Healthcare is not worth it when there is a prolonged waiting time.
  • After the initial diagnosis is done and the medical procedure decided upon, your surgery/intervention will be scheduled quickly. In a matter of days any medical procedure can be completed, unlike in some countries where even the diagnostic procedure could take many weeks or months.