Which visa you need
If you are travelling to India for treatment, apply for a medical visa rather than a tourist or business visa. Treatment on the wrong visa can cause problems at the hospital and at immigration, and a tourist visa cannot usually be extended for medical reasons.
Most nationalities can apply online for the e-Medical visa. Up to two people travelling with you, such as a spouse, parent or adult child, apply for the e-Medical Attendant visa, which is linked to your application. Nationals of countries that are not eligible for e-visas apply for a regular medical visa (and medical attendant visa) at the Indian embassy, consulate or visa centre in their country. The official Indian visa website lists which countries can use the e-visa.
The invitation letter
The treating hospital in India issues a letter confirming that you are expected for assessment or treatment, with your name, passport number, the department and the planned dates. The e-Medical visa application asks you to upload this letter, and embassies ask for it for a regular medical visa.
MedPrax arranges this letter with the hospital once you have chosen where to be treated. Make sure the names and passport numbers on the letter match each passport exactly, including for anyone travelling with you. A spelling difference is one of the most common reasons for a delay.
Documents to prepare
For the online application you usually need a passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with at least two blank pages; a recent passport-style photo with a plain light background; a scan of your passport's photo page; and the hospital's invitation letter. Some applications also ask for a copy of a recent medical report or referral.
Attendants need their own passport, photo and passport scan, and the patient's application details. Keep printed copies of the visa approval, the invitation letter and your hotel or accommodation address, as immigration officers may ask to see them on arrival.
When to apply
e-Visa applications must be made at least a few days before you fly, and most are decided within three to five working days. Applying a week or two ahead gives time to fix a rejected photo or a missing document. Regular medical visas through an embassy take longer, so start as soon as the hospital letter is ready.
The e-Medical visa allows more than one entry within its validity, which helps when treatment is done in stages, such as dental implants or a transplant work-up followed by surgery. If your treatment takes longer than planned, the visa can usually be extended in India through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) online portal, supported by a letter from the hospital.
On arrival
e-Visa holders must enter through one of the designated international airports or seaports, which include all the major cities with large hospitals. At immigration your fingerprints and photo are taken. Carry your approval printout and invitation letter in your hand luggage.
Holders of a regular medical visa may need to register with the FRRO soon after arrival, depending on the visa conditions printed on it. The hospital's international patient desk and MedPrax help with this. Visa rules change from time to time, so always check the current conditions on the official Indian visa website for your nationality before you apply.