Checklist Before You Travel: Using Global Health Insurance for Medical Treatment in India

India has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations for medical tourism, providing world-class healthcare services at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. Every year, patients from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia travel to India for affordable, high-quality treatments in various fields, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, fertility, and cosmetic surgery.

If you are considering using international health insurance for your treatment in India, proper preparation is essential. Familiarizing yourself with how your policy works, which hospitals accept it, and the necessary documents will help you save time, money, and reduce stress.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, including an insurance checklist, visa requirements, and a list of top hospitals and global insurers that support treatments in India.

How Global Health Insurance Works in India

Most international medical insurance providers allow access to healthcare in India through either cashless hospital networks or reimbursement claims.

Here’s how it usually works:

• Cashless Treatment: If the hospital is part of your insurer's partner network, your insurer will pay the hospital directly. You will only need to cover any non-covered expenses.
• Reimbursement: You pay the hospital upfront, collect the bills and reports, and then submit a claim for reimbursement later.
• Pre-Authorization: For major procedures, you must obtain approval from your insurer before beginning treatment.
• Emergency Coverage: Many international plans also provide coverage for medical evacuation and emergency transport, whether within the country or abroad.

Tip: Always confirm in writing whether your chosen hospital is in your insurer’s approved network before traveling.

Pre-Travel Checklist: Preparing for Treatment in India

A successful medical journey starts with careful preparation. Here’s your essential travel and insurance checklist before arriving in India for treatment:

Insurance & Medical Documents

• Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.
• A copy of your health insurance policy and ID card.
• A pre-authorization letter or claim guarantee from your insurance provider.
• An invitation letter from the Indian hospital (required for the Medical Visa).
• Medical history, lab reports, scans, and prescriptions from your home doctor.
• Contact details for both the treating doctor and the hospital's international desk.

Visa & Travel Arrangements

• Apply for an Indian Medical Visa (M-Visa).
• Ensure you have the hospital invitation letter for the application.
• Confirm your flight details, including your arrival airport and local transportation arrangements.
• Book accommodation near the hospital; HealZone will assist you in this.

Financial Preparation

• Check if your insurance provides cashless services or reimbursement.
• Request a written treatment estimate from the hospital.
• Familiarize yourself with Indian currency (INR) and exchange options.
• Bring a credit or debit card for emergencies.

Logistics & Support

• Arrange for airport pickup (HealZone and many hospitals offer this service).
• Save emergency and hospital contact numbers.
• If needed, request language translation support.

Top Hospitals in India That Accept International Patients

India hosts numerous internationally recognized hospitals that provide exceptional healthcare and services for international patients. Most of these hospitals have collaborations with global health insurance companies to offer cashless or coordinated billing.

Here are some top hospitals trusted by medical tourists:

• Apollo Hospitals – Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata
• Fortis Healthcare – Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Mohali
• Medanta – The Medicity – Gurugram
• Max Super Speciality Hospitals – Delhi, Mohali
• Manipal Hospitals – Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, Jaipur
• BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital – Delhi
• Global Hospitals – Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad
• Artemis Hospital – Gurugram
• Yashoda Hospitals – Hyderabad
• Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital – Mumbai

Note: Always confirm your insurance acceptance directly with the hospital’s international desk before traveling.

Global Health Insurance Companies That Cover India

If you have international medical insurance, here are some major providers that cover India directly or through local partners.

Carefully check your policy options; some insurers provide separate "Asia" or "Worldwide excluding US" plans that include India.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Insurance in India

• Contact Your Insurer
  • Inform them of your planned treatment and confirm if India is covered.
  • Request a pre-authorization form or Letter of Guarantee.
• Coordinate with the Hospital
  • Share your insurer’s contact details with the hospital’s billing team.
  • Ask for an estimated cost and check if the hospital supports cashless treatment.
• Get Pre-Authorization
  • Submit reports and the cost estimate to your insurer for approval.
  • Receive confirmation in writing before traveling.
• On Arrival
  • Show your insurance documents at the hospital registration desk.
  • Hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, and Medanta have dedicated insurance desks.
• Post-Treatment Claim (if reimbursement)
  • Collect all invoices, discharge summaries, and receipts.
  • Submit them within your insurer’s claim period (usually 30–90 days).

Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Your Insurance Claim Being Rejected 

Make sure to avoid these common mistakes:

• Traveling without confirming cashless eligibility.
• Forgetting to get written pre-authorization.
• Not carrying original medical records.
• Ignoring policy exclusions (e.g., cosmetic or pre-existing conditions).
• Forgetting to update visa validity or medical extensions.

Documents to Carry During Travel

• Passport and Indian Medical Visa
• Insurance ID and policy documents
• Pre-authorization or guarantee letter
• Hospital invitation letter
• Medical reports, prescriptions, and imaging
• Emergency contacts and HealZone assistance numbers

Keep both digital and printed copies of every document.

How HealZone Makes It Easy

HealZone Medical Tourism is your trusted healthcare facilitator in India.
Here’s how we simplify your experience:

• Hospital Coordination: We confirm your insurer’s tie-ups and schedule appointments.
• Visa Assistance: We arrange the hospital letter and guide you through visa procedures.
• Travel Support: Airport pickup, hotel booking, and local transfers.
• Language Help: Multilingual translators to bridge communication gaps.
• 24/7 Support: Dedicated patient care managers for your entire stay.
• Transparent Process: You pay directly to the hospital — no hidden costs.

With HealZone, you can focus on recovery while we handle everything else.

Final Thoughts

India is known for its medical excellence, affordable prices, and compassionate care, establishing itself as a global healthcare hub. With proper insurance preparation and support from HealZone, your medical journey in India can be safe, affordable, and truly healing. 

HealZone – Your Bridge to Trusted Healthcare in India.