What actually happens to travelers here.
India has among the world's highest road-traffic fatality rates. Hire drivers (even for short trips); avoid night driving outside cities; always wear a seatbelt.
Bottled water only, no ice outside high-end hotels, no raw/undercooked anything. Bring ciprofloxacin + loperamide + oral rehydration salts. See a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 3 days.
Both spread by day-biting mosquitoes. Use DEET throughout the day. Watch for sudden fever + severe joint pain.
Winter pollution (November–February) can reach hazardous levels. Sensitive travelers should bring N95 masks and check daily AQI.
Apollo, Fortis, Max — world-class for complex care at a fraction of Western prices. Avoid public hospitals; they're overwhelmed and under-resourced.
The system.
System: Mixed public/private. Public hospitals (govt hospitals) are free but often overcrowded with limited resources. Private hospitals in major cities offer excellent care at a fraction of Western costs.
Quality: ★★★☆☆ Good
India has world-class private hospitals in major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai) that rival the best in the world. Rural and public healthcare is significantly under-resourced. Many private doctors speak English. Medical tourism is a major industry. Pharmacies (chemist shops) are everywhere.
India is one of the world's top medical tourism destinations. World-class private hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad offer treatments at 70-90% lower costs than the US. Popular for cardiac surgery, orthopedics, fertility, cosmetic surgery, and dental work. JCI and NABH accredited hospitals available.
Where to actually go.
India's largest hospital chain. JCI-accredited. International patient department.
Top private hospital in Delhi. International patient services.
Major private hospital chain with international patient departments.
Premier private hospital in Mumbai. Popular with expats and tourists.
Finding what you need.
Access: Very Easy
Hours: Most pharmacies (chemists) open 9am-10pm; many 24-hour pharmacies in major cities; pharmacy chains include Apollo Pharmacies, MedPlus, and Fortis
Prescription rules: A prescription is technically required for prescription medications, but enforcement is lax. Antibiotics and most common drugs are widely available OTC. Carry all medications in original packaging with a doctor's note. Use reputable pharmacies (Apollo, MedPlus) to avoid counterfeits.
Many medications available OTC that require prescriptions in the West. Antibiotics, pain relievers, and common drugs easily available. Generic medications are widely sold and effective. Bring a list of medications with generic names. Counterfeit medications can be a concern — use reputable pharmacies only.
Available over the counter
- acetaminophen/paracetamol (Crocin)
- ibuprofen (Ibugard)
- antacids (Eno, Gelusil)
- antihistamines (Cetirizine/Citriz)
- antibiotics (often OTC)
- rehydration salts (ORS)
- ORS solutions
- bandages and basic first aid
Useful pharmacy phrases
- मुझे सिर दर्द की दवा चाहिए
- मेरे पेट में दर्द है
- मुझे ... से एलर्जी है
- सबसे नज़दीकी दवाई की दुकान कहाँ है?
- मुझे डॉक्टर की ज़रूरत है
Chains you'll see
- Apollo Pharmacy — Blue and white Apollo logo (Throughout India, the dominant chain)
- MedPlus — Red MedPlus signage (Throughout India)
- Wellness Forever — Blue Wellness Forever logo (Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Crocin or Calpol
Crocin (GSK) is the dominant Indian-subcontinent brand. Calpol is for kids. - ibuprofen → Brufen or Combiflam
Brufen (Abbott) is the most common; Combiflam is paracetamol+ibuprofen combo. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium or Roko
Available OTC at most pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter listing all medications with generic names in English. Keep medications in original packaging. For controlled substances, carry original prescriptions and a note explaining medical necessity. Some medications require an import permit from the Drugs Controller General of India — check before travel.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall · Codeine · Tramadol · Xanax · Opioids
Codeine is a controlled substance. Some products available with prescription. Many codeine-containing cough syrups are banned or restricted (like those used recreationally). Carry alternatives.
Stimulants are controlled. Bring original prescription, doctor's letter, and only the amount needed. Declare at customs. A permit may be required from the Drugs Controller General of India.
Benzodiazepines require documentation. Carry a doctor's letter explaining medical necessity. Carry only what you need for your stay.
Some sleep aids are restricted. Carry alternatives if possible.
Strong narcotics require strict documentation. Carry alternatives or minimal quantities with full documentation.
If something breaks.
Availability: India is a major dental tourism destination. Private clinics offer world-class care at very low prices. Quality varies widely.
Cost range: ₹300-1,000 ($4-12) for consultation; ₹1,000-5,000 ($12-60) for fillings; ₹2,000-8,000 ($24-96) for extractions
Major cities have excellent dental clinics, many catering to medical tourists. Clove Dental and Apollo White Dental are established chains. Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore are dental tourism hubs.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Required for entry Required for visa on arrival / e-visa travelers from some countries. Strongly recommended for all travelers regardless of nationality.
Average cost: $20-40/week
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Public hospitals are free but often inadequate for serious conditions. Private hospitals in major cities are excellent but can be expensive without insurance ($500-5,000+/day for hospital care). Medical evacuation coverage is essential, especially for remote areas. Ensure coverage includes diarrhea, vector-borne diseases, and pre-existing conditions.
Filing a claim
Private hospitals in India are accustomed to international insurance. Apollo and Fortis have dedicated TPA (Third Party Administrator) desks for insurance. Pay upfront at smaller facilities and keep all bills (receipts) and discharge summaries. Hospitals provide English documentation as standard.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $10-30 |
| ER visit | $40-150 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $60-250 |
| Ambulance | $20-80 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Singapore
Secondary destination: Bangkok or Mumbai
Typical cost band: $25,000-90,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle routine cases; for complex care that exceeds local capacity, regional referral options are well-established. Singapore and Bangkok are the regional medical hubs. Indian metros (Mumbai, Delhi) handle complex cases for the subcontinent.
What to get done before you fly.
Required
- Yellow Fever (required for travelers arriving from yellow fever endemic countries; a certificate may be requested)
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Cholera (for high-risk areas)
- Japanese Encephalitis (for rural areas, especially during monsoon)
- Rabies (for animal exposure, especially stray dogs)
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP)
- COVID-19
- Malaria prophylaxis (for travel to certain regions)
India has significant risk of mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya, malaria, Japanese encephalitis) in various regions. Take mosquito precautions: DEET repellent, long sleeves, bed nets. Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before travel for region-specific advice.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Use caution — Tap water is NOT safe to drink anywhere in India. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks outside of reputable hotels and restaurants. Waterborne diseases (cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A) are common. Use bottled water even for washing fruits and vegetables.
Food safety
Be cautious with all food from street vendors and small eateries. Eat only at clean, busy restaurants. Avoid raw salads and uncooked vegetables (unless you can peel them yourself). Stick to cooked foods served hot. In luxury hotels and restaurants in major cities, food is generally safe. Delhi Belly (travelers' diarrhea) is very common — treat with ORS and Imodium, seek medical care if severe.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: Vandrevala Foundation: 1860-2662-345 (24/7, multilingual including English)
English-speaking therapists: English-speaking therapists widely available in major cities. Online therapy platforms like Practo and MFine offer English-language sessions.
India's mental health infrastructure is growing. Private practitioners in cities charge ₹1,000-3,000 ($12-36) per session. International hospitals have psychiatry departments.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
India's accessibility varies enormously. Modern buildings and airports meet international standards. Streets, old buildings, temples, and public transport are often inaccessible.
Hospital accessibility: Private hospitals (Apollo, Max, Fortis) are fully wheelchair accessible. Government hospitals have limited accessibility.
Accessible transport: Delhi Metro has elevators and wheelchair access. Auto-rickshaws and most taxis are not wheelchair friendly. Uber available with regular cars. Accessible transport is very limited.
Plan accessibility carefully. The Taj Mahal has wheelchair access with assistance. Many heritage sites have steps and no alternatives. Hire a local guide who can help navigate accessibility challenges.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry.
Mask policy: No mask mandates. Voluntary mask-wearing varies by region.
Testing availability: Antigen tests at pharmacies and clinics (₹200-500). PCR at labs (₹500-1,500).
India removed all COVID entry restrictions. Air quality (pollution) is a more significant respiratory concern, especially in Delhi during winter.
India travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy India
- India Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
- WHO International Travel and Health