About medical and e-Medical visa categories: Eligibility, documentation, duration, and other conditions can vary depending on the patient's nationality and visa category.
Patients should verify the latest requirements directly through the official Government of India visa portal before making travel arrangements.
What Should Patients Bring to India?
International patients should prepare a medical travel folder containing relevant health and identification documents. A useful checklist may include:
- Passport and Visa documentation
- Hospital appointment details & Doctor's referral (if available)
- Medical reports, imaging reports, and X-rays
- Previous surgical records & surgical history
- Current medication list & allergy information
- Emergency contact information
- Travel insurance documents (where applicable)
Important Note: Keep essential medical records accessible in your hand luggage rather than placing all documents in checked luggage.
What Happens After Arriving in India?
After arriving in India, the patient may be taken to the hotel or accommodation before attending the hospital, depending on the treatment schedule and medical team's recommendations.
The hospital may then conduct additional assessments before surgery, which may include:
- Clinical examination and health review
- Review of previous imaging & new X-rays/investigations
- Blood tests and Anaesthesia assessment
- Evaluation of pre-existing medical conditions
- Final confirmation of the surgical plan
The treating team may modify the treatment plan if the in-person evaluation identifies information that was not available during the preliminary remote assessment.
Hospital Admission and Treatment
Once the medical team confirms that the patient is ready for surgery, the hospital admission and treatment process proceeds according to the treating team's plan.
The patient's hospital stay may involve:
The exact hospital stay and recovery requirements vary between patients. International patients should not make fixed return-flight plans without considering the treating team's advice.
Planning Accommodation After Discharge
Patients may need to remain in India for a period after leaving the hospital, depending on their recovery and follow-up requirements.
When selecting accommodation, international patients should consider:
- Proximity and distance from the hospital
- Elevator availability and wheel-chair access
- Accessible bathroom facilities and room layout
- Availability of food and room service
- Easy local transportation options
- Assistance for mobility limitations
An accommodation option that is suitable for a healthy traveller may not be appropriate for someone recovering from joint-replacement surgery.
Recovery Planning for International Patients
Recovery continues after hospital discharge. The patient may need physiotherapy, prescribed medicines, wound care, and follow-up assessment. Before leaving the hospital, the plan should address:
- Physiotherapy schedule & mobility guidelines
- Wound care and medication instructions
- Follow-up appointments schedule
- Activity restrictions and fit-to-fly clearance
When Can an International Patient Return Home?
There is no universal number of days that applies to every international patient. The timing for return travel depends on:
- Type of surgery performed
- Recovery progress and mobility
- Wound condition and pain control
- Absence of medical complications
- Doctor's final fit-to-fly clearance
Follow-up After Returning to Your Home Country
International patients should have a clear plan for continuing care after they return home. Before leaving India, request copies of essential medical records:
- Detailed Discharge summary
- Operative report (where provided)
- Medication instructions & prescriptions
- Post-op imaging reports and X-rays
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation instructions
- Emergency contact details of the treating hospital
What Should International Patients Ask Before Choosing Treatment?
Before confirming hip replacement treatment in India, ask your healthcare provider:
Who will evaluate and perform my surgery?
What type of hip replacement and implant brand is recommended?
How long should I expect to remain in India?
Which services are included or excluded in the treatment package?
When might I be medically fit to travel home?
How will my follow-up be coordinated after returning home?
How Ekam Supports International Patients
Ekam assists international patients with all coordination aspects of seeking medical treatment in India—from organizing records and booking appointments to coordinating travel, accommodation, and post-discharge follow-ups.
- Collecting and organizing medical records for specialist review
- Coordinating preliminary medical evaluations & hospital opinions
- Connecting patients with top accredited hospitals and surgeons
- Assisting with travel, airport transfers, and accessible stay
- Providing continuous post-discharge and follow-up support
Disclaimer: Ekam's role is to facilitate your medical journey. Diagnosis, surgical decisions, treatment, and clinical care are provided exclusively by treating healthcare professionals and hospitals.
How Much Does Hip Replacement Treatment Cost for International Patients?
The total expense for an international patient involves more than the surgical procedure itself. Potential expenses include medical treatment, implant, hospitalization, flights, visa, accommodation, and physiotherapy.
For a detailed breakdown of treatment costs and budget planning, visit our dedicated guide:
Why Planning Before Travel Matters
Travelling internationally for major surgery requires structured planning:
Start Planning Your Hip Replacement Treatment in India
If you are considering hip replacement surgery in India as an international patient, the first step is to understand your medical condition and obtain an appropriate specialist evaluation.
You can share your available medical reports and treatment history to begin the coordination process. Based on the medical evaluation, appropriate treatment options and healthcare providers can be discussed before you make travel arrangements.
Note: Medical information on this page is for general educational purposes and does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Treatment suitability, surgical decisions, travel fitness and follow-up requirements should be determined by the treating medical team.
