When you are decided to seek medical treatments outside your country or inside in India the first step is to find the right and trusted Medical Tourism Provider. We at GetVell is at your service with utmost caring and concern

A personal health record can be as detailed or simple as you’d like but there a few elements it should definitely include:

1. Your Name, Age, Contact Details etc.
2. Names and phone numbers of your health care providers
3. Emergency contact numbers
4. Your health/medical history report(s) or any statements relating to the past or ongoing treatment sessions(including most recent surgeries or hospitalizations) written by your physician. Make sure that it include medical reports and associated medication (including any over-the-counter drugs or supplements)
5. A list of any allergies you may have

Keep in handy when you decided to travel:

1. Your valid insurance identification, policy number and phone number if any
2. Copies of Vaccination Certificates (Yellow Fever, Polio, etc.), X-Rays, MRI’s, immunisation records, prescriptions, and relevant medical documents including records of previous surgeries. Make sure you have these medical reports and associated medication (including any over-the-counter drugs or supplements) with you at all times in your bag or carry-on luggage.

Once we receive your medical records and payment for second opinion, we will take it to the concerned surgeon/doctor from our panel of expert doctors in your preferred location where you wish to avail treatments. After receiving his/advice we will go to the next step

Here we are in co ordination with the treatment hospital, chart a plan for your surgery procedures and cost of treatment. Once we have done that, we will send you the Estimated Cost & Trip Plan

Patients travelling abroad for medical care the first time, please read the useful points given below to help you plan your journey. Always check with your current treating doctor in your country and also receive a second opinion through online consultation with any one of the specialist Doctors in our panel to determine if you are fit to travel overseas in your current health and medical condition.

• Once you decide to continue your treatment abroad, make sure to keep your local doctor in loop and keep informed the process happening here and the treatment availing to continue your follow ups in your home country.
• It is always good to know by yourself about the procedure, your expectations and what can be achievable from the surgery. Check with your doctor what can be expected during your recovery in the destination country and if any physical therapy is required.

• You may can consult with your treatment doctor regarding the trip plan and accordingly confirm your plan and arrival. Once we receive your confirmation we will send the details you have to prepare before your departure. Patients and their attendants must send a copy of their passports to receive a Visa invitation letter from the concerned hospital. Once the patient receives the hospital’s invitation letter, it is very important to share their flight itinerary with the International Representatives in our office.
• You have to bring along all important documents with you including Visas, immunization records, MRI scans, and other medical documents. (For a full list of required documents, view our Documents Needed section.)

Foreign nationals who wish to avail of medical treatment in India should obtain a Medical Visa ("MV"). Such a visa is granted to those seeking medical treatment in reputed or recognized specialized hospitals or treatment centers in India. According to information available on the official website of the government of India, MVs can be granted for different types of treatment including for neurosurgery, ophthalmic disorders, heart-related problems, renal disorders, organ transplantation, congenital disorders, gene-therapy, radio-therapy, plastic surgery or joint replacement surgery. Indian consular posts also consider MV applications for treatments under India's traditional medical practices like Ayurveda.

Each application for a MV must clearly establish that the applicant has been advised specific medical treatment by a practitioner in his or her country of nationality or residence. It is advisable to add information regarding the potential treatment in India, a description of the credentials of the institute where the medical treatment will be administered along with a letter from this institute describing the treatment. If possible, the applicant should also add a letter from the medical practitioner in India who will administer the medical treatment confirming that the applicant is scheduled for the relevant treatment.

A MV is granted for a period of one year or for the duration of the treatment whichever is less. It is possible to obtain an extension if the treatment takes longer that a year or the anticipated duration. Additional extensions may be granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs in certain circumstances.

Up to two attendants who are close relatives of the patient are allowed to accompany the patient. Each of the accompanying individuals must obtain a separate Medical Attendant visa ("MXV"), which will be issued with the same validity as the MV. Both MV and MXV visas grant multiple entries of up to three visits. The processing times vary at different consular post. However, US born American citizens are usually granted a visa within two to three working days.


All foreign nationals on an MV or an MXV need to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office ("FRRO") or the Foreigners Registration Office ("FRO") within 14 days of arrival in India. The office where a foreign national should register depends on the place of residence of the individual. There are seven FRROs in all – one each in Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Amritsar. The relevant FRO is the office of the District Superintendent of Police in the relevant jurisdiction. Pakistan Nationals are required to register within 24 hours and Afghanistan Nationals are required to register within 14 days of their arrival in India (days should be counted from the date of arrival). There is no fee to be paid at the time of registration but if there is a delay in registering a penalty of US$ 30 will be levied.

In addition to the standard documents required for registration, individuals on an MV need to provide as evidence of the proposed treatment, a copy of a medical certificate or prescription issued by a recognized, reputed or specialized hospital in India. Individuals on MXV need to establish their relationship with the patient and also provide evidence of the treatment as set out above.


Foreign nationals on a business visa or an employment visa in India can apply to convert their visas to a MV if they fall ill, are unable to travel and require specialized medical treatment in India. A change of visa may be required if the individual falls out of status, for example if he is on an employment visa and the visa expires. Such individuals will be granted an MV provided they fulfill all the criteria to be eligible for an MV and can provide a medical certificate from a government or government-recognized hospital. In such cases qualifying members of the principle applicant could apply for an MX, which is usually granted to co-terminate with the principle applicant's MV. The MV and MXV will bear an endorsement stating that employment or business is not permitted.

FRROS/FROS FOR VARIOUS VISA RELATED SERVICES

1. REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS VISITING INDIA:
   • All foreigners (including foreigners of Indian origin) visiting India on long term (more than 180 days) Student Visa, Medical Visa, Research Visa and Employment Visa are required to get themselves registered with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO)/Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) concerned having jurisdiction over the place where the foreigner intends to stay, within 14 days of arrival. However, Pakistan nationals are required to register within 24 hours of their arrival. All Afghan nationals are required to register with the FRRO/FRO concerned within 14 days of arrival except those Afghan nationals who enter India on a Visa valid for 30 days or less provided the Afghan national concerned gives his/her local address in India to the Indian Mission/FRRO/FRO. The Afghan nationals who are issued Visas with 'Exemption from police reporting' are exempt from Police reporting as well as Exit permission provided they leave within the Visa validity period.
   • Foreigners other than those mentioned above will not be required to get themselves registered, even if they have entered India on a long term Visa provided their continuous stay in India does not exceed 180 days. If the intention of the foreigner is to stay in India for more than 180 days, he/she should get himself/ herself registered well before the expiry of 180 days from the date of arrival with the FRRO/FRO concerned.
   • Foreigners (including minors above 16 years of age) have to report in person or through an authorized representative to the appropriate Registration Officer for registration. Medical patients may be exempted from appearing in person for registration

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED ONLINE FOR OBTAINING SERVICE :

1. Applicant’s Photo.
2. Photo Page, Page indicating validity, Page bearing arrival Stamp of Indian Immigration, Visa with endorsement.
3. Form C copy from Hotel or Lodge/Electricity bill/Landline Telephone/Municipal Bill of the landlord in case of staying in a house of a relative or friend along with a letter and photo ID card of the landlord. In case of rented accommodation copy of the Lease and License agreement (1st and last page & page containing its validity).
4. Letter from recognized/reputed hospital where treatment is being taken

MEDICAL VISA/MEDICAL ATTENDANT VISA (OTHER THAN PAKISTAN AND BANGLADESH NATIONALS)

The initial period of validity of Medical Visa (MED Visa)/Medical Attendant Visa (MED X Visa) may be up to a period of one year or the period of treatment, whichever is less. This period can be extended for a further period up to one year by the FRROs/FROs on production of medical certificate/advice from established /recognized/specialized hospitals/treatment centres in India. Any further extension will be granted only by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the recommendations of the FRRO/FRO concerned supported by appropriate medical documents. Two medical attendants allowed

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED ONLINE FOR OBTAINING SERVICE

1. Applicant’s Photo.
2. Photo Page, Page indicating validity, Page bearing arrival Stamp of Indian Immigration, Visa with endorsement.
3. Form C copy from Hotel or Lodge/Electricity bill/Landline Telephone Municipal Bill of the landlord in case of staying in a house of a relative or friend along with a letter and photo ID card of the landlord. In case of rented accommodation copy of the Lease and License agreement (1st and last page & page containing its validity).
4. Letter from recognized/reputed hospital where treatment is being taken

MEDICAL VISA /MEDICAL ATTENDANT VISA(PAKISTAN NATIONALS)

The initial period of validity of Medical Visa /Medical Attendant Visa may be up to a period of 3 months or the period of treatment, whichever is less. This period can be extended by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the recommendations of the State Governments/FRRO supported by appropriate medical documents. Only one Medical Attendant allowed

1. Applicant’s Photo.
2. Photo Page, Page indicating validity, Page bearing arrival Stamp of Indian Immigration, Visa with endorsement.
3. Form C copy from Hotel or Lodge/Electricity bill/Landline Telephone Municipal Bill of the landlord in case of staying in a house of a relative or friend along with a letter and photo ID card of the landlord. In case of rented accommodation copy of the Lease and License agreement (1st and last page & page containing its validity).
4. Letter from recognized/reputed hospital where treatment is being taken

MEDICAL VISA/MEDICAL ATTENDANT VISA (BANGLADESH NATIONALS)

The initial period of validity of Medical Visa/Medical Attendant Visa may be up to a period of one year or for the period of treatment whichever is less. The Medical Visa and the Medical Attendant Visa will be extendable by another one year subject to production of the required medical report. Three Medical Attendants are allowed.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED ONLINE FOR OBTAINING SERVICE:

1. Applicant’s Photo.
2. Photo Page, Page indicating validity, Page bearing arrival Stamp of Indian Immigration, Visa with endorsement.
3. Form C copy from Hotel or Lodge/Electricity bill/Landline Telephone Municipal Bill of the landlord in case of staying in a house of a relative or friend along with a letter and photo ID card of the landlord. In case of rented accommodation copy of the Lease and License agreement (1st and last page & page containing its validity).
4. Letter from recognized/reputed hospital where treatment is being taken

TOURIST VISA CONVERSION TO MEDICAL VISA

Tourist Visa of a foreigner who falls ill after his/her entry into India rendering him /her unfit to travel and who requires specialized medical treatment may be converted to Medical Visa by the FRRO/ FRO concerned if he/she is eligible for grant of Medical Visa and a medical certificate is obtained from a government/ICMR recognized hospital.

1. Applicant’s Photo.
2. Photo Page, Page indicating validity, Page bearing arrival Stamp of Indian Immigration, Visa with endorsement.
3. Form C copy from Hotel or Lodge/Electricity bill/Landline Telephone Municipal Bill of the landlord in case of staying in a house of a relative or friend along with a letter and photo ID card of the landlord. In case of rented accommodation copy of the Lease and License agreement (1st and last page & page containing its validity).
4. Letter from recognized/reputed hospital where treatment is being taken

CHILD BORN IN INDIA (OTHER THAN SURROGACY CASES) ENDORSEMENT OF VISA/EXIT PERMISSION

• In all cases relating to child born in India (other than surrogacy cases), Visa endorsement/exit permission may be granted by FRROs /FROs subject to usual checks. Any further extension of Visa may also be granted by FRROs/FROs
• Letter from the Embassy of the foreign country in India
• Discharge letter from the hospital where child is born
• Birth Certificate(s) of the child/children
• A copy of the passport issued to the child by the respective foreign country
• A copy of the passport and Visa of the foreign parents
• Residence Proof.

Note: Patients from Pakistan and Bangladesh are required to complete their registration within the first 24 hours at the nearest Police Station/ Commissioner’s Office. Visa and Transit documents and instructions are further provided by an Apollo Hospitals International Patients Care Representative. For specific questions and assistance with preparing your travel documents, simply fill in the form on the right-hand side to talk with our International Representative.

We will arrange the Ambulance or other transport services according to your condition of health to take to the treatment hospital or to the accommodation place.

If you prefer to stay at a hotel or an apartment near the hospital during your treatment, the International Patients Division can help you with said arrangements, according to your preferred budget. For availing these facilities and to know more please contact our International Representative before you plan your travel.

On arriving, you have to show your passport at the registration counter of the concerned hospital to complete your patient registration with the hospital. The hospital will keep a copy of your passport (the photo and Visa page) for your hospital record. Please take note that this is a mandatory step according to directives from the Government of India and from other Government s in other countries.

Upon admission you will be allocated a room in the concerned department and the Doctor will be visiting you for further investigation, diagnosis and treatment. You may please feel free to ask your concerns, questions about the treatment to the Doctor. After verifying your health conditions with your diagnosis reports and discussions with panel of Doctors you will be treated accordingly. You may be required to stay in the hospital for few more days after the procedures for further investigation and monitoring. Once everything will be fine with you health, you will be discharged with medicines.

For some patients upon discharge you may need to stay near the hospital for further rehabilitation and post surgery checkups. After a serious health event that requires hospitalization, many people will need rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, speech therapy or nursing care until they are fully recuperated.

Rehabilitation may be started in the hospital but is usually completed at home, in a relative’s home, at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or in an assisted living community. The most important factor in determining where to complete rehabilitation is to find a setting that will reduce their risk of hospital readmission while helping them regain their strength and confidence as quickly as possible.

Upon discharge and when you are fit and fine to travel to see and experience places, we will be arranging leisure trips for you and your people. There are amazing locations available be it Hill Stations, Wildlife, House Boats in Back Water, or Beaches, Spa or wellness

There are days in our lives that bring great joy to our hearts and a smile to our faces. Then there is the day we get to go home from the hospital after a surgery or sickness. We view this day as a major step from illness to recovery.

THE 2 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW

MEDICATIONS: It seems obvious, but this is the greatest source of confusion. You have the medicines at home that you were taking before you came to the hospital. When you checked into the hospital, these same medicines may have been changed to a generic or another equivalent medication that was substituted for the one you took at home. DO FOLLOW THE MEDICATIONS WHICH THE LAST DOCTOR ADVICED TO YOU

FOLLOW-UP: One of the main causes of readmission to the hospital is that the patient has not had appropriate follow-up after they leave the hospital. You may be told to see your regular doctor in 10 days, but when you call, they cannot see you for six weeks. Have the nurse or case manager at the hospital you are leaving call and make the appointment. Insist on it.

Return home happy and healthy after your medical treatment and feel good. You can consult your local physician for further treatments and follow ups.

A web-based follow up assessment may be a feasible, cost-saving alternative of tracking patient outcomes after a major surgery or treatment when you are away from the treated hospital. A web-based method of conducting follow ups, including review of radiographs through tele-radiology and patient symptoms, would allow surgeons to detect such complications. This method could decrease wait times in the event if an immediate treatment n procedures are required.

At most of the Indian as well other Hospitals elsewhere, they work with a number of International Insurance providers. You can get the list from the International Patients Service Desk/Admission Counter or contact our International Representative to learn more. As an added note, we are unable to process or accept any foreign insurance coverage not provided on the list.

The insurance coverage for companies in their list is valid only for inpatient procedures (48 hours hospitalisation) and approval from the insurance provider is required. A deposit is required during admission at the in-patient billing department. The deposit amount will be refunded once your insurance provider authorises the treatment payment. In the case insurance coverage is not provided within 48 hours of admission, you must settle the hospital bill and claim reimbursement from your insurance provider at a later date in your country.

Here is a list of documents you need to bring before your departure to India:

• Your health/medical history report(s) or any statements relating to the past or ongoing treatment sessions written or prepared by your local Doctor
• Copies of Vaccination Certificates (Yellow Fever, Polio, etc.), X-Rays, MRI’s, immunisation records, prescriptions, and relevant medical documents including records of previous surgeries. Make sure you have these medical reports and associated medication with you at all times in your bag or carry-on luggage.
• Passports and Visas are a must; check with our International Travel Desk regarding Visa requirements, depending on the country you are travelling from.
• Bring along local currency, traveller’s checks, and/or credit and debit cards.
• Bring along your driver’s license or any other forms of identification, even if you may not plan on using them. The additional identification ensures your proof of identity when requested.

Read the Terms and Conditions, Disclaimer and Privacy given on the footer below.

Medical Tourism is where people who live in one country travel to another country to receive medical, dental and surgical care while at the same time receiving equal to or greater care than they would have in their own country, and are traveling for medical care because of affordability, better access to care or a higher level of quality of care.

"Domestic Medical Tourism" is where people who live in one country travel to another city, region or state to receive medical, dental and surgical care while at the same time receiving equal to or greater care than they would have in their own home city, and are traveling for medical care because of affordability, better access to care or a higher level of quality of care.

A Medical Tourism Facilitator is an independent company that helps coordinate a patient's trip to another country for medical care.

As mentioned before, you will require certain preoperative exams before your surgery. Depending on your age, health, and the type of procedure you are undergoing, you may require simple tests like a blood exam and an electrocardiogram, or more in-depth analyses that could include a thorax X-ray, ultrasound, gastroscopy and an evaluation by a psychologist among other things.

Ideally you should try to get your tests done before leaving for your Medical Tourism Trip. This will allow your overseas physician to be absolutely sure that you are fit for your surgery. Finding out that you're not a candidate for a hip replacement – after flying half way around the world, can be an emotionally devastating experience. The truth of the matter, however, is that many medical tourism patients will opt for the convenience and lower cost of getting their preoperative exams done at the international hospital.

That is the ideal situation, unfortunately it is not always possible due to the stigma that medical tourism has for some doctors. As mentioned earlier, making your doctor an active participant in the medical tourism process is the best way to get him or her involved in your after care once you have returned home.

Yes, by all means do so if at all possible. The moral and physical support of a family member or a friend can do wonders for your spirit and probably even help speed up your recuperation time as well. For more invasive procedures such as heart surgery and hip and knee replacements, it would be ill advised not to.

Most international hospitals can provide various levels of assistance depending on your surgery and your particular needs. Moreover, a companion is not absolutely necessary for every type of procedure, and depending on your level of independence you can, in certain instances, get along fine without one. Make sure to check with your hospital liaison or medical tourism facilitator in order to see the type of assistance you will be receiving before and after your surgery, and whether or not they believe you will require someone to accompany you. If in doubt, bring someone along.

You can but you probably shouldn't. The level of stress you will be under is already great enough without throwing children into the mix. Of course, if your spouse is with you and your children are well behaved – or of a reasonable age to be well behaved, then this could be an option for you. Your destination and the type of activities available will also play into your decision. Do keep in mind that a hospital room is not a playground and you will need to find ways to keep your young ones occupied.

Many international hospitals allow companions to stay overnight free of charge. However, check with your particular provider for details such as if meals will be included or not.

Where should I stay before and after surgery (hotels / recovery retreats)? Most international hospitals and some clinics will provide you with a list of accommodation options suited to your needs as a surgery patient, sometimes referred to as recovery resorts or recovery retreat. Hospitals with good international patient programs may go so far as arranging your lodging for you.

When choosing an accommodation, ask yourself the following questions:

Depending on your condition this could mean limited or 24-hour nursing assistance, access to special diets, availability of handicap friendly facilities such as roll-in showers, a raised toilet seat, horizontal and vertical bars, and large spaces to move around easily with a wheelchair. Spotless sanitary conditions should also be a top priority.

If you do have a complication, you want to make sure you can get to the hospital as quickly as possible. Ask your hospital liaison or medical tourism facilitator what contingency plans are in place for this. Traffic and driving conditions at some medical tourism destinations may be heavy. You will want to know how long it should reasonably take for you to get to and from your hotel. At the same time, you will want your hotel to be located in an area that is conducive to rest and relaxation, or simply safe for strolling about. Some countries offer medical tourism patients the option of staying at so-called recovery retreats. These are usually all-inclusive facilities, sometimes located in the mountains or by the beach, that cater specifically to surgery patients. In recent years, medical tourism patients undergoing more invasive procedures have also begun to explore this option. This type of facility (recovery resort) is attractive for medical tourism patients who prefer personalized care and the opportunity to socialize with other people who are in a similar situation as they are. Are you sporting the results of an unsightly two day old facelift? Who cares, you're sitting across the table from three others who look just as bad as you do. Not standing out from the crowd and the camaraderie that develops from exchanging stories, tips, and gossip, is for obvious reasons, an irresistible draw for cosmetic surgery patients. You may ask, is this a good option for medical tourism patients with more invasive procedures, such as a total knee replacement? It depends, some recovery retreats may be located in mountainous areas, have limited wheelchair access, and require medical tourism patients to walk up and down stairs. Other retreats will not have these limitations and can be an excellent option for medical tourism patients who have undergone more invasive procedures. When choosing between a regular hotel and a recovery retreat, keep in mind that the former was not built with medical tourism patients in mind, nor will it offer the personalized care and attention of the latter. Some people prefer this and are okay with the anonymity of a regular hotel. At the same time, a recovery retreat's relative isolation from the "outside" world is sometimes seen as a drawback by some medical tourism patients and their family members.

What you need to bring will be dependent on your destination (weather), accommodations and other variables associated with a normal trip or vacation. However, traveling for surgery does require some important extras: . Your medical information and/or lab tests
. Copy/originals of all medical reports and medication details
. CD copies of any scans like MRI/CT/ECHO
. Any referral notes from your doctor
. Passport
. Eye Glasses/Contact lens equipment
. International Calling Cards Credit Cards
. Contact Information for friends, family, hotels, physicians, embassies, and airlines