A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Medical Travel From Germany to India

As medical tourism continues to rise, patients from Germany and other countries are increasingly looking to India for quality healthcare at a fraction of the cost. With advanced medical technology, experienced professionals, and a vast array of treatment options. India has launched itself as a destination for medical travel by importing advanced technology, tapping experienced professionals, and offering a wide array of options for treatment. This guide shall provide you with essential steps in planning your medical journey from Germany to India and ensure that the process is smooth and successful.

Why Patients From Germany Choose To Go To India For Medical Tourism 

Cost-Effective Treatments

One of the major reasons Germans travel to India for medical treatment is its cost-effectiveness. Treatments in India are much cheaper, ranging from 30% to 70% as compared to the costs for similar treatments in Germany. For example, if heart bypass surgery costs approximately €30,000 in Germany, it costs less than €10,000 to €12,000 in India. This applies to several other treatments as well, including orthopaedic procedures, cosmetic surgeries, and infertility treatments.

High-Class Health Facilities

India has various internationally accredited hospitals and clinics. Many of them are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), among others. All these accreditations ensure that the hospitals maintain high standards of patient care and safety.

Availability of Advanced Treatments

Speciality treatments for specific disease categories are undertaken in India’s healthcare sector. Be it a surgical operation, some diagnostic procedures, or even rehabilitation programs, there is a specific hospital for each of those needs. Starting from organ transplantation to venture into more complex cardiac procedures, all are offered in India, which might not be available in Germany or too expensive to afford.

Experienced Medical Professionals

Most of the medical practitioners in India have undergone training from reputable institutions in the USA, UK, and Europe. With this expertise and long experience in performing even the most complicated procedures, one is guaranteed to get the best treatment. The availability of English-speaking doctors further simplifies communication for German patients.

Understanding the Cost of Medical Procedures in India for German Tourists

Understanding any possible cost involved before embarking on your medical journey is always important. Here is a breakdown of typical costs associated with medical travel from Germany to India.

Medical Expenses

The price of a medical procedure varies over a wide range because of factors such as the kind of treatment, the hospital, and the experience of the operating surgeon. For example:

• Knee Replacement: €7,000 – €10,000
• Heart Bypass Surgery: €10,000 – €12,000

• Cancer Treatment: €5,000 to €15,000, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.
• Kidney transplant : € 13,000 – €18,000
• Bone marrow transplant: €45,000 – €80,000

Other Expenses

1. Travel

 Flight ticket from Germany to India or vice versa: €400-€800, depending upon the time of booking and season.

2. Accommodation

 Hotel tariffs near hospitals range between €30 and €100 per night, according to comfort level and facilities.

3. Visas and Travel Insurance

Medical visa applications to India generally cost about €130, subject to the embassy’s decision. Ensure to check the updated cost with the Indian Embassy from time to time before commencing your visa application. Depending on coverage, travel insurance can be anything from €50 to €200.

Total Estimated Costs

With the above mentioned factors, the total cost of a medical trip to India can vary significantly. However, an approximate cost for knee replacement surgery, inclusive of travel and accommodation in India, may vary between €8,000 and €12,000, depending on your specific case.

Step-by-Step Process for Planning Your Medical Travel from Germany to India

Research and Choose Your Medical Treatment

Planning your medical travel begins by identifying what you need and researching the best hospitals for your treatment in India. Here’s what to consider:

• Accreditation: Ensure the hospital has international accreditations such as NABH or JCI.

• Specialization: Find out if a particular hospital specializes in your case, whether orthopaedic, organ transplant, cardiovascular, or cosmetic surgery.

• Patient Reviews: Review previous patients’ reviews or testimonials to know their experiences.

Consult with a Medical Tourism Facilitator

Working with a medical tourism facilitator relieves much of the stress associated with such planning. As a trusted medical tourism facilitator, Anavara provides complete services that guide every movement of patients from Germany, right from hospital choice based on their needs to reach India. An advantage of consulting Anavara as a Medical tourism facilitator is the presence of Anavara in Germany and India. This makes it easier for nursing, planning and coordination when planning your medical treatment in India.

Contact Anavara today by email at info@anavara.com

 Obtain Necessary Documentation

Make sure you have all the documentation needed before travel:

Medical Records

 Copies of your case history, test reports, and other relevant documents are required.

 Visa Application

Once your choice of hospital is made, Anavara will provide the international patient with a medical invitation letter from the hospital in India. You can apply to the embassy or consulate for an Indian medical visa and state the date of your appointment with the concerned hospital in the application form. 

Travel Insurance

 It’s advisable to get travel health insurance that covers medical expenses abroad as protection against any unexpected expenditure.

Flights

 Book flights well in time to avail the best rates. Flight rates can be compared across various websites to find the most economical deals.

Accommodation

Arrange a place of stay, preferably closer to the hospital. Many hospitals have tie-ups with hotels in the vicinity that give special rates for patients coming for treatment. Anavara also assists in booking suitable accommodations for international patients.

Packing Essentials

 Pack all your medications, comfortable clothing, and recovery accessories.

Anavara offers comprehensive services to patients from Germany throughout their entire journey in India, from choosing the right hospital based on their medical needs to many other aspects. Reach out to Anavara today at info@anavara.com for expert assistance.

 Getting Treated

Follow the treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Try to find some time to ask questions in case something is not clear while admitted. Knowing what would happen in treatment can help reduce a lot of anxiety and make the patient prepare psychologically for what is about to take place.

 After Treatment Care and Recovery

After surgery, you must proceed with your doctor’s after-surgery care, which may include:

Medications: Follow the medication plan as directed.

Follow-Up Appointments: Schedule all the recommended follow-up appointments that will assist in your recovery.

Travel Arrangements: Discuss with Anavara any necessity to finalize your return flight and any further travel arrangements that you might require.

How to Choose the Right Hospital or Doctor in India

Accreditation and Research

Ensure that it is internationally accredited, such as by JCI or NABH, to assure you of international standards of healthcare quality.

Experience of Healthcare Professionals

Find out about the qualifications and experience of the surgeons or specialists. Check the success rate for your surgery type and read previous patient reviews.

Facilities and Support Services

Check if the services rendered are all-inclusive, including pre-operative and post-operative follow-ups, including support services for the patients. Most hospitals would provide various ancillary services for interpreter facilities, dietary consultancies, and rehabilitation. 

Consultation with Medical Experts

You should have a pre-consultation meeting—most often possible through video conferencing—with the healthcare professional of your choice. In that case, you would be able to discuss your medical history, options regarding the treatment, and any other questions that you may have before making up your mind.

Before you travel, Anavara can help arrange an online consultation with top medical experts in India. This allows you to discuss your medical condition, treatment options, and expected outcomes with your chosen doctor before committing to travel.

Checklist for Medical Tourists before travel

A checklist here will help you before you set off for your medical tour:

1. Research Done

The hospital and the healthcare provider should be selected correctly.

2. Medical Records Ready

The medical documents should be arranged properly and accessible.

3. Visa and Travel Insurance

Obtain your medical visa and purchase travel insurance.

4. Flights and Accommodation Booked

 Confirm that travel arrangements and accommodations close to the hospital are booked.

5. Packing Essentials: 

Personal items, necessary medicines, and comfortable clothes.

 Post-Arrival: Navigating Your Medical Journey in India

Upon arrival in India, the patient generally undergoes an initial consultation with the healthcare provider. The following pretreatment procedures may be performed:

Physical Examination: The doctor will physically examine you and study your case history.

Pre-Operative Tests: You may be asked to take further tests, including blood tests or imaging before the doctors can finalise the course of treatment.

Hydrate Well and Eat Well

Nutrition is a very important aspect of recovery. Ensure that you drink plenty of water and eat healthy, including fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Let your healthcare provider know about any special diets you may require so you are better prepared upon admission to a hospital or hotel. Many Indian hospitals offer special diets to their recuperating patients to ensure their nutrition requirements are met.

Positive Attitude and Reduction of Stress

Stress is among the common elements present in medical treatment abroad. Practising mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or even light activities such as reading or watching movies can be helpful for one to stay out of stress and retain a high spirit during the recovery process.

 Follow-up after Treatment in India

The healthcare provider will arrange for follow-ups post-treatment to monitor progress in recovery, including:

Follow-ups

 These are physical examinations to make sure that one is on schedule concerning recovery.

Lab Tests or Imaging

 One may still require other diagnostic tests to confirm whether the treatment has been successful.

Follow-up Consultation

 In some cases, follow-up consultations with specialists will be necessary for long-term results.

You should therefore keep in touch with your healthcare provider in India to ensure continuity of care when you return home. You may need to send some test results or even consult about changes in medications.

Planning Return to Germany After Treatment

Now that your treatment and recovery are over, it is time to plan your return to Germany. Among other processes, the following steps will be your last:

 Final Medical Check-Up

Consult your healthcare provider once again before you leave India. Ensure the following are complete:

• Your health condition has stabilized to a point where you can safely travel.

• You are provided with all the medical reports and discharge summaries, along with all the imaging scans and prescriptions.

• Your provider has, in writing, instructed you on how to care for the treated condition after you go home.

• Schedule an appointment for your final medical check-up before leaving India. Anavara will assist in arranging this and ensuring that you get all your medical reports and prescriptions written before you leave the country.

Travel Arrangements

Arrange your return flight in consultation with your doctor. Sometimes, this will require you to stay longer than you had originally planned to make sure you are fit to travel. Ensure your travel insurance covers you for an extended stay and/or any additional treatment during this period.

 Aftercare in Germany

On return to Germany, continue following the postoperative care as advised by your doctor in India. You can also schedule follow-up appointments with your local physicians. You can keep all your medical records from India for your future reference.

Self-Care Tips for Medical Tourists

Rest Time

Recovery is the most vital part of your medical journey. Do not rush back to your routine activities straight away. Give ample time and rest to your body for full recovery, for which many hospitals in India offer a recovery room or suite that comprises on-call medical assistance; hence, make the most of this facility.

Social Connect

During your time of recuperation, reach out to your family and friends at home. Video chatting or messaging apps will allow you to not be so alone while making you feel supported through your medical journey.

Stay Positive and Manage Stress

It is common to feel stressed with treatment abroad. Practice your mindfulness habit, deep breathing exercises, or lighter activities such as reading and watching movies that can help you manage stress and keep your spirits high during your recovery process.

Conclusion

Planning your medical travel from Germany to India may be a lifelong-transforming experience. Keeping in mind the steps mentioned in this guide, one can ensure a successful and comfortable medical trip. From researching the options of treatment to travel and accommodation arrangements, each component must be thoughtfully planned.

Anavara helps you with that by allowing you to stop worrying about anything less at the moment than your health and well-being. This is supported in every way, personally, with very professional steps, to have the best available medical treatment in India. Let us assist you in your medical journey today by emailing us at info@anavara.com