A Complete Guide to Indian Medical Visa and Medical Attendant Visa

If you are a foreign national seeking medical treatment in India, you will need an Indian Medical Visa or Medical Attendant Visa, depending on your specific circumstances. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about these visas, including their eligibility criteria, application process, and other important details.

Indian Medical Visa

An Indian Medical Visa is issued to foreign nationals who wish to seek medical treatment in India for a serious medical condition that requires specialized treatment that is not available in their home country. This type of visa is also issued to accompanying attendants who are coming to India to provide care for the patient during their medical treatment.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an Indian Medical Visa, the following conditions must be met:

  1. The applicant must have a serious medical condition that requires specialized medical treatment in India.
  2. The applicant must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months.
  3. The applicant must have sufficient funds to cover their medical expenses, as well as the expenses of their accompanying attendants.
  4. The applicant must have a letter from a recognized hospital or medical institution in India stating the need for specialized medical treatment.
  5. The applicant must have a letter from their treating physician in their home country, detailing their medical condition and recommending medical treatment in India.
  6. The applicant must not have a history of staying in India on a tourist visa for more than six months during the past year.

Application Process

To apply for an Indian Medical Visa, the following steps must be followed:

  1. Fill out the online application form and submit it along with the necessary documents.
  2. Pay the visa fee.
  3. Schedule an appointment for an interview at the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
  4. Attend the interview with all the necessary documents.
  5. If approved, collect your visa from the embassy or consulate.

Medical Attendant Visa

A Indian Medical Attendant Visa is issued to foreign nationals who are accompanying a patient who is traveling to India for medical treatment. The attendant must be a family member of the patient or a close friend and must provide care and support to the patient during their medical treatment.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Medical Attendant Visa, the following conditions must be met:

  1. The applicant must be accompanying a patient who is traveling to India for medical treatment.
  2. The applicant must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months.
  3. The applicant must have sufficient funds to cover their own expenses and those of the patient.
  4. The applicant must have a letter from the patient’s treating physician in India stating the need for a medical attendant and the relationship between the attendant and the patient.

Application Process

To apply for a Medical Attendant Visa, the following steps must be followed:

  1. Fill out the online application form and submit it along with the necessary documents.
  2. Pay the visa fee.
  3. Schedule an appointment for an interview at the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
  4. Attend the interview with all the necessary documents.
  5. If approved, collect your visa from the embassy or consulate.

Important Notes

  1. The duration of an Indian Medical Visa is determined by the treating physician in India, with a maximum validity of one year.
  2. The duration of a Medical Attendant Visa is the same as the duration of the patient’s Medical Visa.
  3. Both visas can be extended in India if required.
  4. It is important to note that having an Indian Medical Visa or Medical Attendant Visa does not guarantee entry into India. The final decision on entry is at the discretion of the Indian immigration authorities.