Last month, my friend Mayank, an IT head at a start-up in Indiana, USA, flew back to Delhi for his uncle’s heart bypass surgery. Out of curiosity, I asked him why he could not get it done in the States itself and especially considering the extra expense and hassle of travelling internationally..
His answer was straightforward and eye-opening: Even after including travel and logistics, the total cost is much lower in India. And the quality of care? According to Mayank, it’s just as good as what you’d find at top hospitals in the West.
Mayank’s story isn’t unique. Recently, Policybazaar released a report on how More NRIs prefer India for high-quality, affordable healthcare. According to the report from Policybazaar, the share of NRI customers choosing Indian healthcare shot up by 150% in the financial year 2024-25 compared to last year.
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After going through reports, data, and other resources, I concluded that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from all over the world are preferring India for medical treatments, and the trend is rising fast.
These rising trends highlight how India is quickly becoming a preferred choice for medical tourism.
Join NEET News 2025 Why Are NRIs Coming to India for Healthcare?
Cost Savings That Can’t Be Ignored
Cost is a big reason.
Medical procedures in India are much cheaper than in places like the United States or the United Kingdom.
A heart bypass surgery in India costs only $5,000-$8,000, whereas in the USA, it can go as high as $70,000–$150,000.
Knee replacement surgery in India ranges between $4,000-$6,000, while the same procedure in the USA can cost you $30,000-$50,000.
Even a complex liver transplant in India is priced at $25,000-$35,000, compared to a staggering $300,000-$500,000 in the U.S.
For most planned (“elective”) surgeries, NRI patients generally claim between $2,000 and $15,000. Complex surgeries can bring claims up to $40,000, but that’s still just a fraction of international prices.
Health Insurance is More Affordable Too
Surgeries aren’t the only thing cheaper in India. Health insurance costs are also far lower.
In India, most people pay between $120 and $300 a year for health insurance. In the USA, the price can exceed $8,000 annually, while in places like the Gulf countries, it’s $4,000-$5,000.
Because of this price gap, more NRIs are searching online for Indian health insurance plans—for themselves and their families.
Quality Care Without the Wait
NRIs today are choosing India not just for cost, but also for:
- India has high-quality medical care and modern hospitals.
- Many doctors in India train or practice internationally.
- Patients face shorter waiting times for major procedures.
- Being close to family during recovery is a major plus.
Young NRIs and Women Driving the Trend
A report reveals that the trend isn’t just about older or traditional NRI customers.
The share of women NRIs using Indian healthcare has leapt by 125%, and the number of NRI customers under 35 years old is up 148%.
Younger NRIs and women now see India as a trusted, affordable place for medical care.
Where Do Most NRIs Go for Treatment?
South Indian cities remain the top spots, but Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, and Thane are also becoming popular. These cities offer world-class hospitals, advanced facilities, and expert doctors at a much lower price.
Why India Is Cementing Its Place as a Global Medical Tourism Hub
For NRIs weighing their options, India now offers an unbeatable combination:
- International-quality medical care
- Expert doctors and advanced hospitals
- Significant cost savings, even after factoring in travel
- Convenient health insurance options
- The comfort of being with family
With these advantages, India is strengthening its reputation as a global medical tourism leader, especially for NRIs looking for both quality and value.
If you’re an NRI looking for your healthcare options, India now offers a combination of affordable costs and top-notch treatment that’s hard to beat. The numbers show more NRIs are coming home for their medical needs, making India a hotspot for global healthcare.
