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Common concerns

Honest answers to fair questions

Travelling for care is a big decision. For each common concern: the published facts, what we do, and what you can check yourself.

1. Quality of care

The facts

  • India has its own national hospital accreditation board, NABH (NABH portal), and a number of hospitals hold Joint Commission International accreditation (JCI directory).
  • The US CDC notes that accreditation does not guarantee a good outcome (CDC: Medical tourism).

What we do

  • We point you to official directories so you can check a hospital's current status yourself.
  • We don't rank hospitals or doctors.

What you can check

  • Check the doctor's registration in the Indian Medical Register.
  • Ask how often the team performs your procedure.
  • Discuss the plan with your own doctor.

2. Hygiene and infection

The facts

  • The CDC says all procedures carry some risk of infection and that infection-control practices vary between facilities and countries (CDC: Medical tourism).
  • Accreditation standards such as JCI and NABH include infection prevention and control.

What we do

  • We book stays that are clean, close to your provider and suitable for recovery.
  • We arrange safe drinking water and transport.

What you can check

  • Ask the hospital about its infection-control practices.
  • Ask your doctor about vaccinations before travel.

3. Language

The facts

  • Many large Indian hospitals run international patient desks, and some provide interpreters. Languages offered vary by hospital.

What we do

  • We arrange interpreters where available; tell us your preferred language when you enquire.
  • Your coordinator can help with day-to-day communication.

What you can check

  • Ask the hospital which languages its international desk supports.
  • Ask for written instructions in a language you read well.

4. If something goes wrong

The facts

  • The CDC advises planning for complications and follow-up care before travelling (CDC: Medical tourism).

What we do

  • We help you and your family with logistics: extra nights, changed flights, transport.
  • We do not provide medical care. Medical decisions stay with your treating doctors.

What you can check

  • Ask the hospital, in writing, what happens and what it costs if you need extra care.
  • Check whether your insurance covers complications abroad.

6. Costs and payments

The facts

  • Estimates come from the provider. Final bills can differ if your care changes.
  • The Government of India says it charges no emergency or express fee for an e-Visa (official e-Visa portal).

What we do

  • Our coordination fee is agreed in writing before work starts.

What you can check

  • Get every estimate in writing and ask what is excluded.
  • Pay providers only through their official channels.

7. Aftercare at home

The facts

  • The CDC recommends getting copies of your records and planning follow-up care before you return (CDC: Medical tourism).

What we do

  • We help you plan a recovery stay and a return date that fits your doctor's advice.

What you can check

  • Agree a follow-up plan with your doctor at home before you go.
  • Ask the provider for a discharge summary and records.

8. Safety and travel

The facts

  • Governments publish travel advice for India and update it regularly. Read your own government's advice before you book.

What we do

  • Airport pickup, vetted drivers and stays in areas suited to visitors.
  • A local contact for you and your family.

What you can check

  • Read your government's travel advice: US, Canada, UK.
  • Register with your embassy's traveller programme if one exists.

9. Food and water

The facts

What we do

  • We arrange bottled or filtered water and meals that suit your diet.

What you can check

  • Tell your provider about any dietary needs.
  • Ask your doctor about travel health before you go.

10. Visa, records and privacy

The facts

  • India offers e-Medical and e-Medical Attendant visas through its official e-Visa portal; eligibility depends on nationality.

What we do

  • We don't need your medical records and ask you not to send them to us. They go directly between you and your providers.
  • We handle your contact details as described in our privacy notice.

What you can check

  • Apply for visas only on the official portal.
  • Ask the provider how it stores and shares your records.

11. Far from family

The facts

  • India's e-Medical Attendant visa is for family members travelling with a patient.

What we do

  • We arrange stays and transport for the people travelling with you.
  • We can help family at home stay in touch with your coordinator.

What you can check

  • Agree who will travel with you, early, so their visa can be applied for in time.

Sources checked 4 November 2026.

Please read

  • Care Beyond Borders is not a medical provider and gives no medical advice.
  • Talk to your own doctor before planning treatment abroad.