15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in India

"Healthcare services in India are provided by both public and private sectors. The public healthcare system in India is largely funded by the government and provides basic healthcare services to citizens at a low cost. The quality of public healthcare in India varies from state to state, with some states providing better quality services than others. Foreign residents in India have access to the public healthcare system, but the quality of care may not be as good as in their home countries. Expats in India may use the public healthcare system, but they may also opt for private healthcare services, which are generally of higher quality," said one expat.

"You can get elective surgery and other non-critical non-emergency medical treatment in India. The medical care is good and affordable to a US citizen. Of course you have to be selective which hospital and whcih doctor you may want to seek help from. Quality varies," remarked one expat in India.

"I can't wait to return to the delicious French Indian fusion food and regional Indian specialities that is found in Pondicherry.," wrote one expat.

"Medical services in India are generally of a high standard, with a wide range of specialties available. Many hospitals in India are well-equipped with modern medical technology and offer a range of treatments and procedures. India also has a large number of qualified medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. Additionally, India has a number of medical research centers and universities that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and providing quality healthcare," commented one expat who moved to India.

"Healthcare and health insurance in India can be expensive, depending on the type of care and coverage needed. Generally, basic healthcare services such as doctor visits and vaccinations are relatively affordable, but more specialized treatments and procedures can be costly. Health insurance premiums can also be expensive, especially for comprehensive coverage, but there are government-subsidized plans available for those who cannot afford private insurance," commented one expat living in India.

"Private Health insurance is expensive with lots of limitations. I have not taken health insurance. Decided to pay out of pocket. A day's hospital stay along with tests and doctor visit may cost around US $200 to $300," wrote one expat.

"Emergency services in India are provided by the government and private organizations. In the event of an emergency, one can call the national emergency number, 108, to request an ambulance. This number is toll-free and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ambulance service is free of charge and is available in most parts of India. The ambulance will be dispatched to the location of the emergency and will be equipped with medical personnel and equipment. In some cases, the ambulance may also be accompanied by a police vehicle," remarked one expat living in India.

"Within 10 miles. Mostly private. The service is good. Hospital in India (Hyderabad) are usually crowded. Most hospitals have ambulance service and emergency care available. Quality of care varies a lot from one hospital to the other. Check out local hospitals where expats go. Most likely their care quality is good even though they may be a bit more expensive," said one expat living in India.

"India is home to many cities and areas that provide a wide selection of medical specialists. The country has a large and highly established network of health care providers, making it easy to access quality care in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Additionally, many of the smaller towns in India, such as Patna, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Pune, offer specialized medical care as well. The best cities to visit for specialist care are often those with the most established hospitals, such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi and the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai," commented one expat living in India.

"Go by word of mouth or a well known hospital. Doctors mostly are attached to hospitals," wrote one expat.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in India. Many of the same medications that are available in other countries are also available in India, although the exact brands and formulations may vary. In addition, some medications that are not available in other countries may be available in India. Generally, prescription medications in India are available through pharmacies, although some may also be available through online retailers," remarked one expat living in India.

"Medicine costs are reasonable compared to US. Many pharmacies sell medications. May not get exact name brands as in USA but chemically equivalent medicines can be obtained. Most medications need Prescriptions. Many pharmacies do give out medicines if you tell them the local name," said one expat living in India.

"Medical facilities in India are generally reliable. There are many well-equipped hospitals in the larger cities, and the standard of care is generally good. Rural areas may have less advanced facilities, but overall, the quality of medical care in India is improving. Indian doctors are highly trained and there are many specialists, including some internationally renowned. The Indian healthcare sector is increasingly accessible to all, as the government works to reduce waiting times and offer affordable treatment," wrote one expat.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in India, you will have access to public healthcare. The quality of public healthcare in India varies from state to state, but generally it is of a good standard. The public healthcare system in India is largely funded by the government and provides free or low-cost medical services to citizens. In addition, there are a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer more advanced medical services at a higher cost," wrote an expat living in India.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on India's healthcare system. Many hospitals have been overwhelmed with the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and limited access to medical care. Additionally, the shortage of medical supplies and protective equipment has made it difficult for healthcare workers to provide adequate care. The government has implemented various measures to help alleviate the strain on the healthcare system, such as providing free testing and treatment for COVID-19 patients, as well as increasing the number of beds in hospitals. Despite these efforts, the pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of India's healthcare system, and it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare," wrote an expat living in India.