India is witnessing a sharp rise in medical tourism, driven primarily by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who are choosing the country for affordable, high-quality healthcare and insurance solutions. The combination of world-class hospitals, significantly lower costs, and cultural familiarity has positioned India as one of the top global destinations for NRI medical care.
The total number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) for medical purposes in India during 2025 (up to April) is 1,31,856, which constitutes approximately 4.1% of the total FTAs during this period, according to the Press Information Bureau, Government of India.
Why NRIs Are Returning for Treatment
The most powerful draw is cost advantage. For example, elective surgeries in India typically range from $2,000 to $15,000, while complex surgeries cost $20,000 to $40,000. In comparison, the same procedures abroad are many times more expensive.
- Heart bypass surgery: $5,000–$8,000 in India vs. $70,000–$150,000 in the US
- Knee replacement: $4,000–$6,000 in India vs. $30,000–$50,000 abroad
Most treatments in India cost just 10–20% of Western prices. Many hospitals further enhance affordability with bundled packages that cover surgery, accommodation, travel, and even follow-up care.
Cheaper Medication and Insurance Choices
India’s pharmaceutical sector, a global leader in generics, plays a crucial role in reducing the costs of long-term treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiac disease.
Health insurance adds another major advantage. Annual premiums in India average $120 to $300, far below what patients pay in developed markets. According to HDFC Life, insurers have introduced customized NRI health plans with simplified claims and overseas service support. Similarly, Niva Bupa has launched dedicated products for NRIs seeking smooth, cross-border coverage.
NRI Insurance Uptake Growing Rapidly
Over the past two years, the adoption of Indian health insurance among NRIs has increased dramatically. According to an Economic Times report, NRI participation has grown by more than 60%, with women and younger NRIs representing the fastest-growing customer segment.
These claims are also expanding beyond India’s large cities with tier-2 and tier-3 hospitals are now handling a growing share of NRI cases, supported by infrastructure upgrades and government-backed incentives according to linkedin news post
Cultural Comfort and Patient-Friendly Packages
For many NRIs, medical tourism is about more than financial savings. Familiar cultural settings, English-speaking and regional-language staff, and the ability to recover near family all add value. Hospitals are increasingly offering end-to-end services for international patients, including medical visa assistance, airport transfers, accommodation, and post-operative care.
Market Momentum and Growth
Government programs such as “Heal in India” are accelerating the boom. According to the Press Information Bureau, in just the first four months of 2025, more than 131,800 foreign patients visited India, accounting for over 4% of Foregn Tourist Arrivals.
Market projections are equally strong. India’s medical tourism industry is expected to reach $13 billion by 2026. Search behavior reflects the trend: queries for “health insurance India for NRIs” have surged 60%, while “medical treatment for overseas citizens in India” has risen 45% over the past 18 months.
Quality Care with Global Standards
India’s top hospitals meet international benchmarks, holding accreditations such as JCI and employing doctors trained in global institutions. Advanced technologies like robotic surgery and AI-driven diagnostics are now routine in many Indian hospitals which ensures outcomes on par with Western hospitals at a fraction of the cost
With its unique blend of low-cost treatment, accessible insurance, cultural comfort, and global-standard care, India has emerged as the premier destination for NRI healthcare. As private investment rises and government initiatives like Heal in India expand, the NRI medical tourism boom is expected to grow even faster in the coming years.
