Overseas patients are advised to send in the details of their eye/medical condition and related reports in advance, so Aravind can help plan their visit to Aravind more effectively. Please use the enquiry form to fill in the details.
Before Arrival
- All patients, except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, must acquire a medical visa in order to undergo even a simple health check-up or any mode of treatment in India.
- Upon submitting the referral letter from a local ophthalmologist, along with soft copies of supporting medical reports, the hospital will send a Visa Invitation letter (for both the patient and attendant) to the Embassy of India in your local country.
- The patient must be accompanied by an attendant for any procedure to be done.
- Remember to bring all important documents, including Visas, immunization records, and medical records. Please refer “Documents Required” section given on top.
- Please refer Guidelines for Visitors which helps you plan your visit.
- The hospital can facilitate room arrangements if the patient prefers to stay at a hotel during treatment.
- Approximate charge for Cab/Taxi for pick up from the Airport is INR 600.
At Aravind
- Hospital staff can help you book your local tickets once you arrive and make necessary travel arrangements. Staff can also help with local travel arrangements.
- Upon arrival at Aravind, patients must proceed to the registration counter to complete certain registration formalities, including showing your passport– the hospital will keep a copy for its records.
- The hospital needs to register the arrival details of patients and attendants at the Bureau of Immigration website by filling out a Form C within 24 hours of their arrival. Depending on the period of stay, it may be necessary to obtain a Residential Permit from the local Police. The In-patient Services Manager can provide more information and assist with the permit.
- The cost of registration is INR 100. If the doctor recommends surgery or treatment, the patient must be admitted and must pay the full amount at the time of admission.
- Arabic/English translators can be provided during consultations with doctors and medical staff.
- All foreign currencies can be exchanged to local currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
How Aravind cares for you?
- A nurse will assist the patient and the attendant during consultations with the doctor and when undergoing necessary tests/procedures.
- If patients require surgery or monitoring, they will be asked to get admitted to the hospital. One attendant is allowed to stay along with the patient.
- Aravind offers different types of accommodation facilities. Please visit What to Expect at Aravind? to know more about these facilities and support services.
- The hospital can assist in arranging local accommodation after discharge.
- Patients are advised to inform the ward in-charge in case they need to leave the facility for any reason. For safety reasons, after admission patients are asked not to leave the hospital premises.
- Copies/originals of all medical reports, medication details and referral notes from your doctor. (This is Mandatory)
- Soft copies of any scans like X-Rays, MRIs, prescriptions, and relevant medical documents including those of previous surgeries. Keep these medical reports and associated medication always handy.
- Before leaving your country, make sure you obtain a fitness certificate from your doctor and information on the precautions and vaccinations needed for travel to India.
- Patients must obtain valid passports and necessary visas, depending on the patient’s citizenship. It is also advisable to carry copies of your visa/passport/residential permit.
- We accept all major credit cards like VISA, MASTER CARD. We will facilitate exchange process if you are having the currency of your country. Also, have your driver’s license or any other forms of identification, even if you may not plan on using them. The additional identification ensures your proof of identity when requested.
In case of any specific inquiries or if you require further assistance with organising documents or travel plans, please write to us on this enquiry form.
Visa
Foreign patients should refer to India’s Bureau of Immigration website http://boi.gov.in/content/registration-requirements-foreign-national to learn more about Visa requirements and regulations to travel to India.
Note: Patients from Pakistan and Bangladesh are required to register with the nearest Police Station/Commissioner’s Office within 24 hours of arrival. Visa and Transit documents and instructions are further provided by our In-patient Service Manager.
Insurance
Aravind Hospitals accept a limited number of foreign insurance providers. The Insurance desk will help you fulfil the necessary procedures for availing insurance services. We are recognised by Armed Forces, Sultanate of Oman and Aasanda, the universal health insurance scheme for citizens of the Republic of Maldives. We are unable to process or accept any foreign insurance coverage other than these.
Insurance coverage is valid only for in-patient procedures that require 48 hours hospitalisation. Approval from the insurance provider is required to claim any amount.
To avail cashless hospitalisation, the patient needs to submit the approval from the insurance provider at the time of admission. In other cases, the patient needs to deposit an amount at the time of admission, which will be refunded once the insurance provider authorises the cost towards treatment. In case the hospital does not receive this authorisation within 48 hours of admission and the patient is being discharged, the patient must settle the hospital bill and claim reimbursement from your insurance provider later.
SECURING A MEDICAL APPOINTMENT
How do I schedule medical appointments with a specialist at Aravind?
Aravind does not have an appointment system. However, international patients are advised to send in the details of their medical condition and related reports in advance. This would help plan your visit to Aravind effectively. Please use the enquiry form (https://aravind.org/contact-page-enquiry-form/) to fill in the details. You can also contact us over phone or email. Please visit Contact us page (https://aravind.org/contact-us/) for details.
What information must I provide before arrival?
You must provide relevant information on your medical condition, including scans, medical history, and current medication etc. If you have been referred to India by a doctor in your home country, please attach the medical report with details of the doctor.
Without a referral from my local doctor, can I seek an appointment with a specialist at Aravind Eye Hospital?
Yes. You can send the queries along with your medical report. The hospital will send a visa invitation letter and also schedule an appointment with an appropriate specialist.
Will someone guide me on the duration and cost of treatments?
Definitely. Once you send an email with your queries or fill up the enquiry form (https://aravind.org/contact-page-enquiry-form/), we will give you a complete plan on the approximate length of stay and the total cost of the treatment, along with the necessary pre/post treatment care.
VISITING INDIA
How complicated and time drawn are the visa formalities?
Obtaining a medical visa is a must. It is similar to obtaining a visa for regular travel purposes. However, if your treatment requires frequent visits, you may opt for a multiple entry visa for which you need a letter from an Aravind hospital. Please visit India’s Bureau of Immigration website http://boi.gov.in/content/registration-requirements-foreign-national for more details.
In my Visa, I can see 'FRRO required within 14 days of arrival'. What does this mean and how should I go about it?
FRRO stands for Foreigners Regional Registration Office, and this is required if you are travelling for medical reasons and have a Visa type 'M' which means 'Medical'. This Visa gives you multiple entries and allows you a longer stay in India. Our In-patient Services Manager will do the processing for your registration, and you will just need to follow their instructions on the same. You are required to register at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office within 14 days of your arrival. Instructions for how to register are available at the In-patient Administrative office.
STAY AT ARAVIND EYE HOSPITALS
What are the registration formalities at the hospital?
You are required to produce your passport at the IP -Block Administrative office to get registered. The hospital will maintain a copy of your passport (Photo page and visa page) in your hospital record. This is mandatory and is based on the directives from the Government of India.
I do not speak English and am not conversant with native Indian languages. How do I communicate with the doctors?
Our team at the In-patient Services Department will arrange for the service of a language interpreter who will be with you during interactions and help you communicate effectively.
If my family is accompanying me, where can they stay?
If you are coming for consultation, you and your attendant(s) will stay at a nearby hotel. If advised for surgery, you can make use of a list of recommended accommodation facilities available from the hospital. One attendant will be allowed to stay with you overnight in the hospital room.
Who can be reached for assistance during my stay at Aravind?
The hospital can help arrange for a local mobile phone SIM card to temporarily replace the SIM card in your mobile phone. This will give you a local number and will most likely reduce your telecom expenses. You will need to provide your ID proof (Passport copy with photograph).
Is tipping a practice at Aravind?
Aravind does not encourage tipping. If you would like to contribute to the welfare of the organisation, please contact the In-patient Services Manager for assistance.
How can my relatives/family reach me over phone from my home country and how can I make an international call?
The hospital can help arrange a local SIM card. You need to provide your ID proof (Passport copy with photograph).
What about choice of food? Will the kind of food I prefer be made available to me?
Vegetarian restaurant is available on the ground floor of the In-patient Block. If you would like to have Non Vegetarian food, you may have to order it from outside restaurants. On request, the staff can provide you with the menu card of these restaurants. You can order your choice of food. The restaurant staff will deliver it at your door. Smoking and alcohol are strictly prohibited within the hospital premises.
What are the options available for me to pray?
A common meditation room is available in the In-patient Block.
PAYMENT PROCESS
Can I claim the medical expenses from my health insurance provider?
We will not be able to process/accept any foreign insurance coverage for cashless (insurance covered) treatment and surgical procedures other than Armed Forces Sultanate of Oman and Aasandha Universal Health Insurance scheme for the citizens of the Republic of Maldives.
What are the modes of payment available?
We accept all major credit cards like VISA, MASTER CARD. We will facilitate exchange process if you are having the currency of your country.
DISCHARGE PROCESS
What are the procedures involved for discharge? What are the formalities and will I get a copy of all my investigation reports?
Your primary consultants will inform the date of your discharge. At the time of discharge, the nurse will detail you on the treatment/surgery that you have had and on the medication that you have to take, follow-up requirements if any and finally will hand over the medical report and discharge summary.
How can I follow-up with my doctors once I reach my home country?
You can email us on your progress and the person concerned will help you keep in touch with your doctors at Aravind Eye Hospital. Do mention your registration number in all your communications.