Healthcare abroad
Healthcare in India: good in the cities, thin elsewhere
Major cities have good private hospitals, but specialist care is limited elsewhere. Call 112, which answers in English and Hindi. Air pollution is severe from October to February in Delhi and the north.
- GHIC accepted
- Some free urgent care
- No free healthcare
- Very high costs
Most travellers' problems are stomach upsets and heat. If you have asthma or a heart or lung condition, plan for the winter smog in the north, which can reach hazardous levels.
Where care differs
- Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, ChennaiNo free healthcare
Private hospitals of a high standard. Insurer guarantee usually needed.
- Goa and KeralaNo free healthcare
Decent private hospitals in the main towns.
- Himalayas and rural areasVery high costs
Limited care and long transfers. Check altitude cover if trekking.
Before you go
- Check vaccines at least 8 weeks before travel with your GP or a travel clinic.
- Pack a basic kit: rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhoea tablets and plasters.
- Bring enough medicine for the whole trip, with spares.
- Check air quality in Delhi and the north if you have asthma.
If you need treatment
Ask your insurer which hospitals they work with. In big cities, private hospitals are well equipped and doctors usually speak English. Pharmacies sell many medicines over the counter, but check the packaging and expiry date.
Before you go
- Emergency number: 112 (and the 112 India app).
- Bring medicine in its original packaging with a prescription.
- Malaria and dengue are present in parts of India. Check TravelHealthPro.
Official advice: FCDO health advice for India
Stay and do
Ready to book India? Compare places to stay and things to do.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our ratings.