How to Get Medical Treatment in India from Canada
Canada's universal healthcare system is excellent — but wait times for elective procedures can stretch to 12–24 months. For Canadians who need treatment sooner, or for procedures not covered by provincial health plans, India offers world-class care at 70–85% less than Canadian private rates. Costs are shown in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
Why Canadian Patients Are Choosing India for Medical Care
Canada's publicly funded healthcare system covers most essential procedures — but the wait times are among the longest in the developed world. The median wait for specialist treatment after GP referral is over 27 weeks. For joint replacements, cardiac procedures, and cancer surgery, waits of 12–24 months are common. For many patients, this is simply too long.
Private healthcare in Canada is limited and expensive. Many Canadians — particularly those with Indian heritage, of which Canada has one of the world's largest communities — are choosing to travel to India for treatment. India's top hospitals offer the same surgical outcomes, the same implant brands, and the same technology as Canadian hospitals, at 70–85% less.
Canada has direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai from Toronto and Vancouver, making the journey straightforward. Medworth manages every detail from your first enquiry to your safe return to Canada.
No Long Waits
Treatment begins within 7–14 days — not 12–24 months
Save 70–85%
Compared to Canadian private hospital costs
JCI-Accredited
Same international standards as top Canadian private hospitals
Planning Your Medical Journey from Canada?
Our team has helped many Canadian patients bypass long wait times and access world-class care in India. Share your reports and we'll send a personalised plan within 24 hours.
Submit Your EnquiryTop Medical Specialities for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients most commonly travel to India for procedures where provincial health system wait times are longest or where coverage is limited:
Cardiac Surgery
- Coronary Artery Bypass (CABG)
- Heart Valve Replacement & Repair
- Angioplasty & Stenting
- Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Orthopaedics
- Total Knee Replacement
- Total Hip Replacement
- Spinal Fusion & Disc Surgery
- Robotic Joint Replacement
Oncology
- Robotic Cancer Surgery
- Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy
- Proton Beam Therapy
- Bone Marrow Transplant
IVF & Fertility
- IVF & ICSI Treatment
- Egg Freezing
- Donor Egg IVF
- Genetic Testing (PGT)
Neurology
- Brain Tumour Surgery
- Spine Surgery
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
- Stroke Rehabilitation
Dental & Cosmetic
- Full Mouth Rehabilitation
- Dental Implants & Veneers
- Bariatric Surgery
- Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
Cost Comparison: Canada vs India
Costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and Indian Rupees (INR).
| Procedure | Canada Private (CAD) | India (CAD) | India (INR) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Bypass (CABG) | 40,000–80,000 | 8,000–15,000 | 5–9 Lakh | ~80% |
| Knee Replacement | 20,000–40,000 | 5,000–9,500 | 3.5–6.5 Lakh | ~76% |
| Hip Replacement | 22,000–45,000 | 5,500–10,500 | 4–7.5 Lakh | ~76% |
| Spinal Fusion | 25,000–55,000 | 7,000–14,500 | 5–10 Lakh | ~74% |
| IVF (single cycle) | 10,000–18,000 | 2,400–5,500 | 1.5–3.5 Lakh | ~72% |
| Dental Implant (per tooth) | 3,500–6,500 | 550–1,100 | 38,000–75,000 | ~84% |
| Cataract Surgery (per eye) | 3,000–5,500 | 550–1,250 | 38,000–90,000 | ~80% |
| Cancer Treatment (Chemo cycle) | 5,000–12,000 | 1,100–3,400 | 75,000–2.5 Lakh | ~75% |
* Indicative estimates based on 2025–2026 market data. Exchange rate: $1 CAD ≈ ₹62 INR. Canadian costs are private/out-of-pocket estimates. Medworth will provide a precise quote for your case.
Planning Your Medical Journey from Canada?
Share your medical reports and we'll send you an exact cost breakdown in CAD and INR — with hospital and surgeon recommendations — within 24 hours.
Submit Your EnquiryIndian e-Medical Visa for Canadian Citizens
Canadian passport holders can apply for an Indian e-Medical Visa entirely online — no embassy visit required.
Apply Online
Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in and select "e-Medical Visa". Canadian citizens are fully eligible. The entire application is completed online.
Prepare Documents
Valid Canadian passport (6+ months validity), recent passport photograph, hospital appointment letter from your Indian hospital, travel itinerary, and proof of sufficient funds.
Pay the Fee
The e-Medical Visa fee is approximately USD 25 (around CAD 34), payable by credit or debit card online.
Receive Your e-Visa
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Your e-Visa is emailed to you. Print a copy to carry when travelling.
Validity & Extensions
Valid for 60 days (triple entry). If your treatment requires a longer stay, Medworth assists with FRRO extension paperwork in India.
Medworth Handles Your Visa Documentation
We provide the hospital invitation letter and guide you through every step. Most Canadian patients receive their e-Visa within 3 business days.
Full medical visa guide for CanadiansFlights from Canada to India's Medical Hubs
Canada has direct and one-stop flight connections to India's major medical cities. Air India operates direct flights from Toronto and Vancouver to Delhi and Mumbai.
Airlines: Air India (direct), Air Canada (via hub)
Flight time: ~14h 00m direct
Frequency: Daily
Medical hub for: Cardiac, Oncology, Orthopaedics
Airlines: Air India (direct), Air Canada (via hub)
Flight time: ~15h 00m direct
Frequency: Daily
Medical hub for: Cardiac, Neurology, Transplants
Airlines: Air India (direct), Emirates (via DXB)
Flight time: ~15h 30m direct
Frequency: Several weekly
Medical hub for: Cardiac, Liver Transplant, Oncology
Airlines: Air India, Cathay Pacific (via HKG)
Flight time: ~16h 00m
Frequency: Several weekly
Medical hub for: Cardiac, Oncology, IVF
Medworth arranges airport pickup on arrival. A dedicated English-speaking coordinator meets you at the airport and transfers you directly to your hospital or accommodation.
Support for Canadian Patients in India
English-Speaking Care
All doctors, nurses, and Medworth coordinators communicate in fluent English. All medical records and discharge summaries are provided in English.
Provincial Health Records
All discharge documentation is provided in English and formatted for use with your Canadian provincial health system. We liaise with your GP or specialist on your return.
Large Indian-Canadian Community
Canada has one of the world's largest Indian diaspora communities. Many Canadian patients of Indian heritage find the cultural transition seamless. Medworth supports all Canadian patients equally.
24/7 Coordinator
Your personal Medworth coordinator is available around the clock via WhatsApp and phone. They handle appointments, local SIM cards, currency exchange, and any unexpected needs.
Frequently Asked Questions — Canadian Patients
Will my provincial health plan cover treatment in India?
Provincial health plans do not cover elective treatment abroad. However, some Canadians have supplemental private insurance that may provide partial coverage. Medworth provides all documentation needed to support any eligible insurance claims.
Is medical treatment in India as good as in Canada?
India's top hospitals hold JCI accreditation — the same international standard applied to top Canadian private hospitals. Many Indian surgeons completed fellowships in Canada, the UK, or the USA. For cardiac, orthopaedic, and oncology procedures, clinical outcomes are comparable to the best Canadian hospitals.
How long will I need to stay in India?
Typical stays: cardiac surgery 10–14 days, knee/hip replacement 7–10 days, IVF 14–21 days, dental work 5–7 days. Your Medworth coordinator will give you a precise timeline based on your specific case.
Is it safe to fly after surgery?
This depends on the procedure. For most orthopaedic and dental procedures, flying is safe after 7–10 days. For cardiac surgery, we recommend waiting 10–14 days. Your surgeon will advise, and Medworth plans your return travel accordingly.
What about follow-up care when I return to Canada?
Medworth provides a comprehensive discharge summary in English for your Canadian physician. We also offer teleconsultation with your Indian specialist if your doctor needs to discuss your case.
Planning Your Medical Journey from Canada?
Our English-speaking coordinators have helped many Canadian patients bypass long wait times and access world-class care in India. We handle everything so you can focus on getting better.
Submit Your Enquiry