India has become a popular destination for medical treatment, especially for people from African countries like the Republic of Congo, Liberia, Benin, Uganda, Mali, and Sudan. The reason is simple: India provides advanced healthcare at lower costs. People come for major treatments like cancer therapy, heart surgery, kidney transplants, and more.
To get treatment in India, patients need to apply for a Medical Visa (MED). This visa allows them to stay in India during their treatment. Along with the patient, up to two close family members or attendants can also travel by applying for a Medical Attendant Visa (MED-X) to support the patient during their medical journey.
To be eligible for a Medical Visa, the patient must have a genuine medical problem that requires treatment in India. They must show medical reports, a referral letter from a local doctor or hospital, and an invitation letter from an Indian hospital that confirms the treatment. Also, the patient should have enough money to cover all their expenses, including travel, medical treatment, and stay in India.
The application process is done online. Patients have to fill out the Indian visa application form on the official website. Along with the form, they must submit their passport, passport-size photos, medical documents, invitation letter from the Indian hospital, and proof of financial support. The visa fee usually ranges from $80 to $100, depending on the applicant’s country. The visa is generally processed in 3 to 5 working days, but it’s better to apply early to avoid delays.
Different African countries must apply through different Indian embassies. For example, people from the Republic of Congo must apply in Kinshasa, Liberia through the Indian Embassy in Abidjan, and Benin through Abuja (Nigeria). Uganda has its own Indian High Commission in Kampala. Mali and Sudan have Indian embassies in Bamako and Khartoum, respectively. It’s important to check the exact location of the embassy before applying.
The Medical Visa is usually valid for six months or for the length of the treatment whichever is shorter. If more time is needed for the treatment, patients can apply for an extension in India through the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office). They must provide updated medical reports and a letter from the hospital.
Because of COVID-19, travelers must follow India’s latest health and safety rules. This may include showing vaccination certificates, COVID-19 tests, or going into quarantine, depending on current government guidelines.
Many hospitals in India offer insurance packages designed for international patients. Some global health insurance providers may also cover treatment in India, so it’s good to check with your insurer. To make things easier, some patients hire medical facilitators who help with hospital appointments, visa documentation, travel, and accommodation. However, it’s important to choose only trusted and verified facilitators to avoid fraud.
Most Indian hospitals have staff who speak English, but if a patient speaks another language like French, Arabic, or a local African language, they can request a translator ahead of time to help communicate better with doctors and nurses.
Major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore have a wide range of accommodation options. These include affordable guest houses, budget hotels, and serviced apartments near hospitals. Some hospitals also provide or arrange places for patients and their attendants to stay.
Written By Simran Pawar