India (IN)

India is the world's most populous nation and a fast-rising global power — a vibrant federal republic of extraordinary cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity.

Capital: New Delhi

Region: Asia

Language: Hindi

Currency: INR (₹)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 24)

Emergency: 112

Healthcare in India

India has a mixed public-private healthcare system. The public sector provides free or heavily subsidised care but is often overcrowded, understaffed, and under-resourced, especially in rural areas. The private sector offers world-class care at major hospital groups — often at 5–20% of Western prices. India is a global medical tourism destination attracting millions for procedures including cardiac surgery, orthopaedics, oncology, and dental care. Expats typically use private healthcare and should carry comprehensive international health insurance. The Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) scheme provides ₹5 lakh/year coverage for Below Poverty Line families — expats are not eligible.

Private hospitals in India (Apollo, Fortis, Max, Narayana, Manipal, Aster) are accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International) and NABH — meeting international quality standards. Some Indian hospitals rank in Asia's top 100. Government hospitals vary widely — AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) and PGIMER (Chandigarh) are excellent teaching institutions but have very long waiting times.

Public healthcare: Government Hospitals / PHC (Primary Health Centres)

Sarkari Aspatal / Sarvajanik Swasthya Kendra

Eligibility:All residents including foreigners. Free care at government facilities. Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) for BPL families — expats not eligible.

Monthly cost:Government care is free. International health insurance for expats: ₹15,000–80,000/year depending on age, coverage, and deductible.

What's included:

Emergency treatment at government hospitals (free)
Outpatient consultations at government hospitals (free/nominal fee)
Essential medicines at Jan Aushadhi generic stores (very cheap)
Maternal and child health services
Immunisation programs

Not included (or co-pay required):

Private hospitals (not covered by public system for expats)
Most specialist and surgical care at good quality
Most dental care
Most mental health services
Ayushman Bharat scheme (for BPL families only)

Co-payments:Government hospitals charge nominal fees (₹10–100 for outpatient). Emergency treatment is free at government hospitals. Medicines from government dispensaries are free or very cheap. Private hospitals: fee-for-service; insurance or out-of-pocket.

How to enrol:No enrolment needed for government hospitals — walk in. Private hospitals require insurance card or upfront payment. ESIC hospitals available for qualifying employees.

Waiting period:Government hospitals: long waits (hours to days for specialist appointments). Private hospitals: same-day or next-day appointments typically available.

Private healthcare: Private Hospitals and Clinics

Who can use it:All — fee-for-service. Insurance holders receive cashless treatment at network hospitals.

When it makes sense:For virtually all planned medical care for expats. Much shorter wait times, better facilities, English-speaking doctors, and international quality at a fraction of Western prices.

Monthly cost:GP consultation: ₹500–2,000. Specialist: ₹1,000–3,500. Emergency: ₹20,000–200,000+ depending on condition.

Major providers:

Apollo Hospitals (pan-India, largest private chain)Fortis HealthcareMax Healthcare (north India, excellent in Delhi)Narayana Health (cardiac specialty, Bengaluru)Manipal Hospitals (south and west India)Aster DM Healthcare (south India, UAE-origin)Medanta – The Medicity (Gurgaon, Delhi NCR)Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (Mumbai)Wockhardt HospitalsColumbia Asia (now Manipal)

Accessing care

GP system

India does not have a strict GP gatekeeper system like the UK. You can consult any doctor directly — specialist or GP. General practitioners and family physicians are found at clinics. In corporate hospitals, you can book directly with a specialist without referral. Walk-in clinics are widely available. Practo and Apollo 24/7 apps allow online/video consultations.

Specialist referral

No referral needed to see a specialist in private healthcare. Book directly at hospital OPD (outpatient department) or via app (Practo, Apollo 24/7). Government hospitals require referral from PHC to district hospital to specialist.

Emergency care

Dial 108 (ambulance) — free nationwide. Emergency (Casualty) departments at major hospitals operate 24/7. For life-threatening emergencies, go directly to the nearest major hospital's emergency. Golden hour critical — private hospitals generally respond faster. Cashless treatment for insurance holders at network hospitals in emergencies.

Out of hours

Apollo 24/7 and Practo offer 24/7 telemedicine and online doctor consultation (₹200–700 per consultation). Many major private hospital chains have 24/7 emergency rooms. Pharmacies (chemists) open late (10pm–11pm typical; some 24-hour pharmacies in cities).

Prescriptions

Prescription drugs require a doctor's prescription. Schedule H and H1 drugs (antibiotics, controlled medicines) strictly require prescription. Many pharmacies (chemists) dispense Schedule K (OTC) medicines without prescription. Generics are widely available at Jan Aushadhi stores — dramatically cheaper than branded equivalents. Pharmacies do not typically stock Western brand names — equivalents are available.

Dental

Private dental clinics excellent and very affordable: consultation ₹300–500, filling ₹500–2,000, root canal ₹3,000–8,000, implant ₹25,000–60,000. No public dental care system. Not typically covered by standard health insurance — standalone dental insurance or out-of-pocket. Find dentists via Practo, JustDial, or hospital networks.

Mental health

Mental healthcare is under-resourced. The Mental Healthcare Act 2017 decriminalised suicide and mandated access to mental health services. iCall (TISS), Vandrevala Foundation, and private therapists are available in major cities. Therapist fees: ₹1,500–4,000/session. Growing acceptance of mental health in urban areas. Apps: iCall, YourDOST, Wysa. Not covered by most insurance plans.

Maternity

Excellent private maternity hospitals in all major cities. C-section rate very high in private hospitals (>50%). Normal delivery at private hospital: ₹50,000–2,00,000. C-section: ₹1,00,000–4,00,000. High-quality NICU facilities available. Government hospitals offer free delivery but facilities vary. Maternity insurance: most group health plans cover delivery; individual plans may have waiting period.

Expat-specific advice

First steps on arrival:

Arrange comprehensive international health insurance before arriving in India — essential for expats.
Register with a GP or family physician near your home and at your preferred hospital.
Download Apollo 24/7 and Practo apps for telemedicine and appointment booking.
Locate your nearest emergency hospital and the FRRO office.
Ask your employer about group health insurance coverage — most Indian employers provide this.
Check if your insurer has a cashless network agreement with Apollo/Fortis/Max in your city.
Set up a basic first aid kit including oral rehydration salts, antidiarrhoeals, and stomach medicines.

Finding English-speaking doctors:English is widely spoken by doctors at private hospitals, especially in metros. Most doctors at major hospital chains have received English-medium medical education. Apollo, Fortis, Max, and Manipal maintain lists of English-speaking specialists. Doctor consultation in English is standard at private hospitals in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad.

International insurance:International health insurance is essential for expats in India. Major international providers operating in India: Cigna Global, Aetna International, AXA XL, Bupa Global, Allianz Care. Indian insurers offering international health plans: Star Health, HDFC Ergo, Niva Bupa, Care Health Insurance. Employer group insurance usually covers hospitalisation but may be limited on scope. Check your plan covers: evacuation, dental, mental health, and maternity.

Emergency card info:Carry your health insurance card and a note of your policy number, insurer hotline, and group number. Write your blood type and any allergies on a card in your wallet. India has no European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) — there is no reciprocal arrangement with EU/UK.

EHIC notes:India has no equivalent of the EHIC. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is not valid in India. All medical expenses must be covered by your own insurance or paid out-of-pocket.

Pharmacies (Chemist / Medical Store / Pharmacy)

Hours:Typically 9am–10pm. Many 24-hour pharmacies in major cities (Apollo Pharmacy, MedPlus). Chemist shops in every neighbourhood — ubiquitous across India.

After-hours / emergency:Apollo Pharmacy operates 24/7 stores in major cities. PharmEasy, Netmeds, and 1mg deliver medicines (within 30 min in many cities via quick-commerce). Many hospitals have 24-hour pharmacy within the complex.

Prescription rules:Schedule H and H1 drugs require a valid prescription. In practice, pharmacies sometimes dispense antibiotics without prescription in smaller shops — resist this temptation as antibiotic resistance is a serious concern in India. Schedule K medicines (paracetamol, antacids, ORS, basic topical preparations) sold over the counter. Always carry prescriptions for any ongoing medication.

Available over-the-counter:

Crocin / Dolo 650 (paracetamol)
ORS (Electral / Pedialyte) — oral rehydration salts, essential in India
Norflox / Flagyl (traveller's diarrhoea — prescription technically required but widely available)
Digene / ENO (antacid)
Strepsils / Vicks throat lozenges
Betadine antiseptic
Burnol (burn ointment)
Volini / Moov (muscle pain relief gel)
Basic insect repellent (Odomos)

Typical costs

GP visit (with insurance)	₹0–500 copay (cashless at network hospital)
GP visit (private pay)	₹500–2,000 at private clinic
Specialist visit	₹1,000–3,500 at leading private hospitals
Emergency visit	₹5,000–20,000 for assessment; more if admitted
MRI scan	₹5,000–15,000 (vs USD $1,000–3,000 in USA)
Prescription average	₹50–500 for most common medications (generics much cheaper)
Dental check-up	₹300–800
Baby delivery	₹50,000–2,00,000 (normal); ₹1,00,000–4,00,000 (C-section) at private hospital

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