India is rapidly emerging as a prime destination for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) seeking high-quality and affordable healthcare. Data indicates a significant surge in NRI customers opting for medical treatments in India, with a reported 150% year-on-year growth in FY25. This increasing trend underscores India's growing prominence in the global medical tourism sector.
Several factors contribute to this shift. A primary driver is the substantial cost savings that India offers compared to developed countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. For instance, a heart bypass surgery in India costs between USD 5,000 and USD 8,000, whereas the same procedure could cost between USD 70,000 and USD 150,000 in the U.S. Similarly, a knee replacement surgery costs only USD 4,000 to USD 6,000 in India, compared to USD 30,000 to USD 50,000 in the U.S. Liver transplants are priced between USD 25,000 and USD 35,000 in India, while in the U.S., they can cost between USD 300,000 and USD 500,000. These cost advantages extend to health insurance premiums, which average between USD 120 and USD 300 annually in India, a stark contrast to the USD 8,000 or more in the U.S.
The accessibility of high-quality medical infrastructure and the availability of skilled healthcare professionals further augment India's appeal. Many NRIs choose India for elective treatments, surgeries, and check-ups, drawn by the affordability and the trust in the Indian healthcare system. Furthermore, the Indian government is actively promoting medical tourism through initiatives like the 'Heal in India' program, which aims to streamline visa processes and enhance hospital-patient coordination for international visitors. The Union Budget 2025 includes measures to improve medical infrastructure, such as establishing daycare cancer centers in all district hospitals, making specialized care more accessible across the country.
Policybazaar data indicates that younger NRIs and women are leading this trend, with South Indian cities being the preferred destinations for treatment. NRIs opting for elective procedures in India typically have average claim amounts ranging from USD 2,000 to USD 15,000, and for more complex surgeries, claims may rise to USD 20,000 to USD 40,000, still representing considerable savings compared to international healthcare costs.
Several insurance companies are now offering tailored plans for NRIs, including cashless hospitalization at network hospitals, pre- and post-hospitalization coverage, and flexible sum insured options. Policybazaar, for example, offers benefits such as up to 40% discounts on premiums for NRIs with a no-claim status and an 18% GST refund on annual premiums paid via NRE accounts. They also provide the NRI Care Program, which offers personalized support for elderly parents back in India, including a 24/7 emergency helpline, hospitalization coordination, and doctor-on-call services.
India's medical tourism market was valued at between $7.56 billion and $10.4 billion in 2024, with approximately 7.3 million medical tourists visiting the country. Projections estimate the market will reach $8.71 billion in 2025 and nearly double to $16.21 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.23%. This growth is driven by affordable, high-quality care, reduced medicine costs, and government-backed initiatives.
In conclusion, the increasing number of NRIs seeking healthcare in India reflects a growing recognition of the country's ability to provide affordable, high-quality medical services. This trend is further supported by government initiatives, private sector innovations, and tailored insurance products, making India an increasingly attractive destination for medical tourism.
