How to Get Medical Treatment in India from France
Facing long waiting lists under the French public system or high costs for private care? This complete guide covers costs in Euros (EUR), the e-Medical Visa process, direct flights from Paris and Lyon, and how Medworth manages every step of your care in India.
Why French Patients Are Choosing India for Medical Care
France's Sécurité Sociale provides broad healthcare coverage, but waiting times for specialist consultations and elective procedures have grown significantly. For non-urgent but important treatments — knee replacements, cardiac procedures, fertility treatment, or complex oncology — French patients often wait 6–18 months. Private clinics in France offer faster access but at steep out-of-pocket costs, particularly for procedures not fully reimbursed by the state.
India's top hospitals offer the same surgical outcomes, the same implant brands, and the same technology — at 70–85% less than French private clinic rates. Many Indian surgeons completed fellowships at leading European institutions. English is the primary language of medical practice in India, and Medworth provides French-language coordination support throughout your journey.
With direct flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Delhi and Mumbai in under 9 hours, and Medworth coordinating everything from your first consultation to your return flight, accessing world-class treatment in India is far more straightforward than most French patients expect.
Save 70–85%
Compared to French private clinic costs — without compromising quality
No Long Waits
Treatment typically begins within 7–14 days — not 6–18 months
JCI-Accredited
All partner hospitals meet the same international standards as top European clinics
Planning Your Medical Journey from France?
Our team has helped patients from across Europe 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 French Patients
French patients most commonly travel to India for procedures where waiting times are longest or private costs are highest:
Cardiac Surgery
- Coronary Artery Bypass (CABG)
- Heart Valve Replacement
- Angioplasty & Stenting
- Structural Heart Procedures
Orthopaedics
- Total Knee Replacement
- Total Hip Replacement
- Spinal Fusion & Disc Surgery
- Shoulder & Sports Injury Surgery
Oncology
- Robotic Cancer Surgery
- Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy
- Proton Beam Therapy
- Bone Marrow Transplant
IVF & Fertility
- IVF & ICSI Treatment
- Egg Freezing
- Donor Egg IVF
- Male Fertility Treatment
Neurology
- Brain Tumour Surgery
- Spine Surgery
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Epilepsy Surgery
Dental & Cosmetic
- Full Mouth Rehabilitation
- Dental Implants & Veneers
- Bariatric Surgery
- Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
Cost Comparison: France vs India
The table below compares typical French private clinic costs against top Indian hospitals, in Euros (EUR) and Indian Rupees (INR).
| Procedure | France Private (EUR) | India (EUR) | India (INR) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Bypass (CABG) | 20,000–35,000 | 3,500–6,500 | 5–9 Lakh | ~82% |
| Knee Replacement | 10,000–16,000 | 2,200–4,000 | 3.5–6 Lakh | ~78% |
| Hip Replacement | 11,000–18,000 | 2,500–4,500 | 4–7 Lakh | ~77% |
| Spinal Fusion | 13,000–25,000 | 3,000–6,000 | 5–9 Lakh | ~76% |
| IVF (single cycle) | 4,000–7,000 | 1,000–2,200 | 1.5–3.5 Lakh | ~72% |
| Dental Implant (per tooth) | 1,500–3,000 | 250–500 | 38,000–75,000 | ~83% |
| Cataract Surgery (per eye) | 1,500–3,000 | 250–580 | 38,000–88,000 | ~82% |
| Cancer Treatment (Chemo cycle) | 3,000–8,000 | 500–1,600 | 75,000–2.5 Lakh | ~80% |
* Indicative estimates based on 2025–2026 market data. Exchange rate: €1 EUR ≈ ₹91 INR. Costs include surgeon fees, hospital stay, and standard consumables. Medworth will provide a precise quote for your case.
Planning Your Medical Journey from France?
Share your medical reports and we'll send you an exact cost breakdown in EUR and INR — with hospital and surgeon recommendations — within 24 hours.
Submit Your EnquiryIndian e-Medical Visa for French Citizens
French passport holders can apply for an Indian e-Medical Visa entirely online — no embassy visit required. The process is straightforward:
Apply Online
Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in and select "e-Medical Visa". French citizens are fully eligible. The entire application is completed online in English or French.
Prepare Documents
Valid French passport (6+ months validity), recent passport-size 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 €23), 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 official hospital invitation letter required for your e-Medical Visa, coordinate all required documents, and guide you step by step. Most French patients receive their e-Visa within 3 business days.
India Medical Visa guideFlights from France to India's Medical Hubs
France has excellent direct flight connections to India's major medical cities. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the primary hub, with connecting routes from Lyon, Marseille, and Nice.
Airlines: Air India, Air France
Flight time: ~8h 30m
Frequency: Multiple daily
Medical hub for: Cardiac, Oncology, Orthopaedics
Airlines: Air India, Air France
Flight time: ~9h 00m
Frequency: Daily
Medical hub for: Cardiac, Liver Transplant, Oncology
Airlines: Air India, Air France (via hub)
Flight time: ~10h 30m
Frequency: Several weekly
Medical hub for: Cardiac, Neurology, Transplants
Airlines: Air India, IndiGo (via hub)
Flight time: ~10h 00m
Frequency: Several weekly
Medical hub for: Oncology, Orthopaedics, 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 French Patients in India
India's top hospitals are highly experienced in treating international patients. Medworth provides French-language coordination support to ensure you feel comfortable and informed at every stage of your care.
French-Language Coordination
Your Medworth coordinator communicates in French throughout your journey. Medical reports and discharge summaries are provided in English, with French summaries available on request.
Familiar Food Options
India's major medical cities offer a wide range of international cuisine. Hospitals provide Western meal options, and recovery accommodation can be arranged near restaurants serving European-style food.
EU-Compatible Medical Records
All discharge documentation is formatted for easy use by your French médecin traitant. We provide a full medical summary your GP can use for follow-up care on your return.
Family Accommodation
We arrange comfortable accommodation near the hospital for accompanying family members, with options from serviced apartments to hotel rooms at a range of price points.
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.
Airport to Hospital
From the moment you land, Medworth manages your transfer, check-in, and orientation. You will never need to navigate an unfamiliar city alone.
Frequently Asked Questions — French Patients
Is medical treatment in India as good as in France?
India's top hospitals — Apollo, Fortis, Manipal, Medanta, and others — hold JCI accreditation, the same international standard used to evaluate hospitals across Europe. Many Indian surgeons completed fellowships at leading French and European institutions. For cardiac surgery, joint replacement, and oncology, clinical outcomes are comparable to the best French private clinics.
Can I get reimbursement from the Sécurité Sociale?
In some cases, French patients can seek partial reimbursement for treatment abroad under EU cross-border healthcare rules. However, India is outside the EU, so standard Sécurité Sociale reimbursement does not apply. Check with your mutuelle (supplementary insurer) — some international health policies cover treatment in India. Medworth provides all documentation to support any insurance claim.
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.
Will my French doctor be able to continue my care when I return?
Yes. Medworth provides a comprehensive discharge summary in English, with a French summary available on request. We also offer teleconsultation with your Indian specialist if your médecin traitant needs to discuss your 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 on the appropriate time to fly, and Medworth will plan your return travel accordingly.
Planning Your Medical Journey from France?
Our coordinators have helped patients from across Europe access world-class care in India — without the wait. We handle everything so you can focus on getting better.
Submit Your Enquiry