Self-pay treatment in India for patients from the UK
An alternative to long NHS waiting lists, with self-pay packages typically scheduled within days of arrival after in-person evaluation, and direct flights from London.
- Direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Delhi
- NHS elective waits often exceed the 18-week referral-to-treatment target; treatment in India is usually scheduled within days of arrival
- Estimated package ranges shown in USD and pounds sterling
- Discharge summary in English for your GP
Popular procedures for UK patients
Estimated package ranges in India compared with the US and UK.
| Procedure | India | United States | United Kingdom | Saving in India | In hospital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robotic Total Knee Replacement (TKR) | $4,300 – $7,300 | $35,000 – $60,000 | $15,000 – $22,000 | 51–93% | 4 days |
| Total Hip Replacement (THR) | $4,450 – $7,650 | $35,000 – $60,000 | $14,000 – $20,000 | 45–93% | 5 days |
| Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy | $2,550 – $4,200 | $20,000 – $45,000 | $9,000 – $14,000 | 53–94% | 2 days |
| Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal) | $1,400 – $2,150 | $12,000 – $25,000 | $6,000 – $10,000 | 64–94% | 1 days |
| Bariatric Surgery (Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve) | $3,900 – $6,450 | $15,000 – $30,000 | $9,000 – $15,000 | 28–87% | 3 days |
| TURP (Prostate Surgery) | $1,750 – $3,000 | $12,000 – $25,000 | $7,000 – $11,000 | 57–93% | 3 days |
Estimated package ranges in USD. Typically excluded: implant upgrades, specialised drugs and extended ICU days.
Detailed comparisons with United Kingdom: Robotic Total Knee Replacement (TKR) · Total Hip Replacement (THR) · Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy · Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)
Disclaimer: India Care Bridge is an independent medical travel facilitation platform. Hospital names, facility overviews, and doctor credentials referenced on this website are for general informational, educational, and nominative identification purposes only. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. India Care Bridge is not the official website of any hospital listed and does not directly provide medical diagnoses. Treatment estimates are indicative and subject to in-person clinical evaluation.
Estimated costs in GBP
- USD
- $4,300 – $7,300
- GBP
- £3,225.0 – £5,475.0
Indicative rate: 1 USD ≈ 0.75 GBP (as of 31 Jul 2026). Hospitals in India bill in INR or USD; your bank’s exchange rate and fees will differ. For patients from United Kingdom.
Indian e-Medical visa, step by step
- 1Send your reports for an independent review and estimated package range.
- 2When you decide to proceed, request the treating hospital’s visa invitation letter (your coordinator helps).
- 3Apply online on the official Indian e-Visa portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa), choosing the e-Medical visa. Up to two companions apply for e-Medical Attendant visas.
- 4Upload your passport bio page (valid for at least six months, with two blank pages), a recent photograph and the hospital letter, then pay the fee online.
- 5Decisions are commonly issued within about 72 hours. Apply at least a week before travel and print your approval for immigration in Delhi.
- 6After arrival, register with the FRRO online if your visa conditions require it; your coordinator helps with this and with any extension for longer treatment.
- British passport holders can apply for the Indian e-Medical visa online; eligibility has changed in recent years, so confirm on the official portal before booking.
- Treatment abroad is self-pay. Tell your GP about your plans; NHS follow-up after private treatment abroad may be limited.
- The e-Medical visa typically allows up to three entries; check the current validity and stay limits on the official portal. See also our medical visa guide.
Flights and transit to Delhi (DEL)
Several airlines fly non-stop from London Heathrow to Delhi daily; other UK airports connect via London, the Gulf or Europe.
- Departure airports
- London Heathrow (LHR), Birmingham (BHX), Manchester (MAN) with a connection
- Typical journey
- About 9 hours non-stop from London (direct options available)
- Indicative economy return fare
- US$650–1,100 per person
- Arrival
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (DEL)
Your coordinator arranges airport reception and the road transfer. Hospitals in Delhi NCR are typically 30–60 minutes from DEL; the drive to Hisar, Haryana takes about 3.5–4 hours. Routes and schedules change, so confirm with airlines when booking.
Cultural and dietary support
- Vegetarian, vegan and halal meals arranged on request
- Serviced apartments near the hospital for companions
- Help with an Indian SIM card and currency exchange on arrival
- Discharge summary and medicine plan in English for your GP
Interpreter languages available on request: English. Arranged independently by your coordinator, subject to availability.
Many UK patients look at treatment abroad while waiting for elective procedures such as joint replacement, spine surgery, gallbladder removal or prostate surgery. India offers self-pay packages at a fraction of UK private prices, with direct flights from London.
Before travelling, discuss your plans with your GP and send your reports for an independent review and estimated package range. Your coordinator arranges airport reception in Delhi, the road transfer to the hospital and nearby accommodation for your companion.
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Questions from patients in United Kingdom
How does this compare with waiting on the NHS?
NHS waits vary by procedure and trust, and many elective procedures exceed the 18-week target. In India, self-pay treatment is usually scheduled within days of arrival once your reports are reviewed and you are assessed in person.
Will the NHS pay for treatment in India?
Generally no. Treatment in India is self-pay, and some private medical insurers may cover treatment abroad; check your policy.
What happens with follow-up when I return?
You receive a discharge summary in English for your GP, and tele-consultations with the treating team can be arranged. Discuss aftercare with your GP before travelling.