Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Medical Tourism or Health Tourism to be precise?
A: Medical or health tourism is like killing two birds with one stone. It is all about traveling to other countries with cheaper healthcare facilities to get treated for ailments and explore the nation afterwards. Patients, particularly those from western countries often undertake journeys in order to regain their health and obtain cure for several diseases. It is also known as health tourism or wellness tourism.

Q: Why should I choose India for undergoing treatment or surgery?
A: With equipments and infrastructure at par with the best healthcare service providers in the world, India is second to none in terms of advancements in medical science. India also boasts of economical prices at which this medical expertise is offered, making it a perfect destination for undergoing a vast variety of treatments and surgeries. Indian doctors are reckoned among the best in the world and their healing hands have helped many people across the globe. Medical tourism in India thus enables you to enjoy an exotic country, recover in the best of private hospitals at par with those in the west, and return home to enjoy your savings.

Q: Is it really worth it to fly all the way to India?
A: You will find that the cost disparity is so wide for each and every medical treatment that the air ticket will well be compensated for. In short, your medical treatment with airfare costs added will still work out to be much cheaper than the cost of treatment alone in many western nations. Once you recover you can enjoy the many scenic splendors India has to offer.

Q: Are air tickets part of my medical tourism package booked with Indian Holiday?
A: Medical tourism packages by Indian Holiday do not include air tickets. Please note that air travel tickets, if purchased within the country of commencement of journey are always cheaper than those purchased from outside the country. We suggest you get in touch with your local agent for the same. However, if you still wish Indian Holiday to make the arrangements for the same for you, kindly let us know and we will be more than happy to do the needful.

All other costs from the moment you land here are covered in the package like transfers, hotel stay, meals, sightseeing, entry fees at monuments, museums, and the like. However, expenses of personal nature such as laundry shall be borne by the individuals themselves.

Q: How much do I stand to save overall?
A: Broadly speaking, patients stand to save an average of 40-60% on their medical expenses when they choose to undergo treatments and surgeries in India. Obesity surgeries and cosmetic surgeries are particularly cheaper in India. Dental implant surgeries and cardiac procedures are also competitively priced.

Q: Why is medical care cheaper in India? Are standards of quality compromised?
A: No, the standards of medical facilities are not compromised. The difference in cost is due to India being at a different stage economically. The costs for malpractice insurance and other related charges levied on medical facility operators in the western world are much higher. The patient naturally has to bear these costs as part of their medical fee. Those in developing nations such as India do not have to pay exorbitant amounts. As a result the bill is slashed to quite an extent.

As far as quality is concerned, we are working in close coordination with Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, which is recognized by JCI (Joint Commission International) USA. The hospital has world-class facilities as well as highly skilled doctors. Exactly the same instruments, technology, and equipment for diagnosis and treatments is used as in the west. You don�t have to compromise on anything.

Q: Do the hospital staff and tour guides speak English?
A: Yes, almost the entire staff at the hospital as well as the tour guides speak in English.

Q: What role does Indian Holiday have to play in the process of medical tourism?
A: We at Indian Holiday are known for our efficiency, professionalism and dedication towards our clients. We act as mediators between patients and the hospitals. While taking care of the bigger picture we also look after the nitty grit ties like prescription medicines while you recover, discharge and other formalities, accommodation for your pre and post surgery stay, car rentals and the like.

Q: What about the tourism aspect of my medical tourism package?
A: According to the status of your condition and ailment you can choose to enjoy a post treatment holiday and be back in time for a final follow up with your physician or surgeon before you leave for home. You may also take up a pre treatment holiday to feel at ease. Our medical tourism packages are flexible and customized according to your needs.

Q: Can I go home immediately once my treatment finishes? How long do I have to stay in the destination country?
A: While the comfort of home is what one seeks the most after treatment in a hospital, it is not advisable to be up and about instantly. Most doctors will request you to stay back for a short time for follow-up visits and post treatment examinations in order to nurse you back to optimum health. So recuperate properly, enjoy the scenic vistas as you explore India and benefit from the follow-up advice of experts.

How long one has to stay is a case-specific concern. It depends on a number of factors like the kind of treatment you are required to undergo, the days you have at hand and the places you wish to visit.

Q: What if I need attention urgently?
A: We have emergency services for those patients who require urgent treatment and care. You can avail of services such as ambulance transfers direct from the airport to the hospital. Indian Holiday will do all the running around at the hospital for registration to ensure your treatment begins at the earliest. Also, there is hardly any waiting time for surgeries in India�s private hospitals like Apollo Hospitals. This makes it even better for patients who seek immediate help.

Q: Will I get personalized attention from the doctors?
A: Yes, with a large panel of competent doctors on your side, you are sure to get the best-personalized attention. In fact the concerned doctors themselves answer all your initial queries.

Q: Where can my companion stay while I get medical attention? Are there any hotels near the hospital?
A: Indian Holiday arranges a convenient accommodation option for your companion while you heal. Depending on your budget we choose from an array of hotels located near the hospital where you are getting medical care. A lot of these hotels are located only a stone�s throw away from the hospitals making it easy for your companion to ply to and fro. Furthermore, many of the Apollo Hospitals are located in prime locations in major Indian cities.

Q: What if I change my mind about undergoing the treatment once I arrive?
A: If you cancel the trip after commencement, refund would be restricted to a limited amount and that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.

Also note that since the payments to the hospital are direct, no cancellation is levied on the same by Indian Holiday.

Q: I don�t have a companion. What kind of help and support can I expect in such a case?
A: Our representative will take care of all your needs and requirements including waiting on you while you interact with the doctors, undergo diagnostic tests and surgeries, and during convalescence as well. Our staff is very knowledgeable and sensitive to your needs as a patient. If required we can also arrange for nursing services at your hotel once you are discharged from the hospital.

Q: How should I go about seeking treatment in India through Indian Holiday?
A: Please have a look at our Medical Process Flowchart to understand the course of action fully.

Q: Will my health insurance authority reimburse me if I get treatment from India?
A: Treatments at the Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals are covered by a large number of health insurance providers worldwide. The affiliations include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, ALICO (American Life Insurance Company), Cigna, International SOS and other such eminent names.

Q: What about follow-up once I go home after the treatment?
A: We can convey all your reports and documents related to observations and prescriptions to any doctor of your choice once you go home. In fact we encourage you to keep your local physician abreast of things and inform him about the proceedings of your medical trip.