Medical Tourism India — Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, honest answers for patients from Africa and worldwide who are planning medical treatment in India. No jargon, no sales pitch — just the information you need.
🇳🇬 Nigeria
🇰🇪 Kenya
🇬🇭 Ghana
🇺🇬 Uganda
🇹🇿 Tanzania
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
🇿🇲 Zambia
🌍 + 70 more countries
Cost & Payments
Medical treatment in India costs 60–80% less than in Western countries and significantly less than private hospitals across Africa. For example, heart bypass surgery costs approximately $5,000–$8,000 in India versus $30,000–$50,000 in the USA. Cancer treatment, kidney transplant, knee replacement and spine surgery follow similar savings.
Most African national health schemes do not cover overseas treatment. However, some private insurance providers and corporate health plans do cover treatment in India — check your policy documents or contact your insurer directly. Big Hope Medicare can provide itemized cost estimates and official hospital documents to support insurance claims.
Visa & Travel
You need an e-Medical Visa (M-Visa) from the Indian embassy or consulate in your country. Big Hope Medicare provides a hospital invitation letter on official letterhead — this is the most important document for your visa application. The visa allows a stay of up to 6 months and permits up to 2 attendants (MX visa). Processing typically takes 3–7 working days.
Nigerian passport holders can apply for an e-Medical Visa online through the Indian government's official visa portal. You need: a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, a recent passport photo, a hospital invitation letter (which Big Hope Medicare provides), proof of sufficient funds, and your medical reports. The visa fee is approximately $25 USD and is usually approved within 72 hours to 7 days.
Yes. Up to two family members or caregivers can travel with you on an Attendant Medical Visa (MX visa). During hospitalization, one attendant can stay in the patient's room at no additional cost in most hospitals, with complimentary food and accommodation provided.
Hospitals & Safety
Yes. India has 700+ NABH-accredited hospitals and 28+ JCI-accredited hospitals — the same international accreditation standard used in the USA and UK. Top hospitals like Apollo, Medanta, Fortis and Max use the same equipment and surgical protocols as leading Western hospitals. Indian doctors are often trained in the USA, UK or Germany.
The most trusted hospitals for African patients include Apollo Hospitals (Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad), Medanta (Gurugram), Fortis Healthcare, Max Super Speciality Hospital, BLK-Max Hospital and Kokilaben Ambani Hospital. All have dedicated International Patient Services departments with coordinators who speak English and assist with airport pickup, accommodation and appointments.
No. English is an official language in India and virtually all doctors and senior nursing staff at top hospitals are fluent in English. Major hospitals also have Arabic, French, Swahili and other language interpreters available for African and Middle Eastern patients. Big Hope Medicare also provides a dedicated coordinator who assists you throughout your stay.
Treatment & Length of Stay
The most common treatments for African patients in India are: cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplant), cardiac surgery (bypass, valve replacement), kidney transplant, liver transplant, orthopedic procedures (knee and hip replacement, spine surgery), neurosurgery, IVF and fertility treatment, and pediatric cardiac surgery.
Stay duration depends on the procedure. Simple surgeries like cataract or hernia repair may need 7–10 days. Major surgeries like cardiac bypass or knee replacement typically require 2–4 weeks. Cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiation) may need 4–8 weeks. Organ transplants (kidney, liver) usually require 4–6 weeks minimum. We will give you a specific estimate once we review your medical reports.
Yes. Up to two family members or caregivers can travel with you on an Attendant Medical Visa (MX visa). During hospitalization, one attendant can stay in the patient's room at no additional cost in most hospitals, with complimentary food and accommodation provided.
Yes. Major Indian hospitals that regularly treat African patients offer halal food options, international cuisine and can accommodate dietary preferences. The hospital attendant companion is also provided meals. Outside hospitals, Indian cities have many African, Arabic and international restaurants, and your Big Hope Medicare coordinator will help you find suitable food options near the hospital.
How Big Hope Medicare Helps You
No. Big Hope Medicare's services are completely free for patients. We work as a facilitation partner and do not add any charges to your treatment bill. In many cases, our hospital partnerships allow us to negotiate better rates than patients would get if they contacted hospitals directly.
Send your medical reports to Big Hope Medicare via WhatsApp or our enquiry form. Within 24–48 hours we provide a treatment plan, hospital options and cost estimate. Once you select a hospital, we arrange the doctor's appointment, send the hospital invitation letter for your visa, assist with flight booking and receive you at the airport on arrival.
You can send reports via WhatsApp to +91-7303290038 or through our enquiry form at bighopemedicare.com/enquire-now. We accept photos of reports, scanned PDFs and digital files. Our medical team reviews your case and shares a detailed cost estimate and hospital recommendation within 48 hours — completely free with no obligation.
Bring all previous medical reports including X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound images, blood test reports, biopsy results, and any hospital discharge summaries. Also bring your valid passport, visa, passport-size photos, and sufficient funds or a letter from your bank confirming financial capacity.
Big Hope Medicare arranges follow-up consultations via video call with your treating doctor in India after you return. Most top hospitals offer telemedicine follow-ups for international patients. Your doctor will provide a complete discharge summary, medication list, and follow-up protocol that you can share with your local doctor at home.
Still have questions?
Send your medical reports and we'll respond within 24 hours — completely free.
Get Free Quote WhatsApp Us+91-7303290038 · Available 24/7
Top treatments for African patients
Trusted hospitals we work with
- ✔ Apollo Hospitals
- ✔ Medanta Hospital
- ✔ Fortis Healthcare
- ✔ Max Super Speciality
- ✔ BLK-Max Hospital
- ✔ Kokilaben Ambani Hospital
- ✔ Artemis Hospital
Ready to start your treatment journey?
Send your medical reports today. Our team reviews every case within 24 hours and provides a free, detailed treatment plan with hospital options and cost estimates — no obligations.
Get Free Cost Estimate WhatsApp +91-7303290038
