India e-Medical Visa for Australia Patients: Fees, Process & Documents
Australian patients travelling to India for medical treatment need an India e-Medical Visa, which costs USD 25 (approximately A$38) and is applied for entirely online.
Official India e-Medical Visa Fee for Australia Nationals
The India e-Medical Visa fee for Australian nationals is USD 25 (approximately A$38 at current exchange rates). This fee is payable online by credit or debit card and is non-refundable.
Payment is made in USD on the official portal. The AUD equivalent varies with the exchange rate at the time of payment.
What Is the India e-Medical Visa?
The India e-Medical Visa (e-MV) is an electronic visa issued by the Government of India specifically for patients travelling to India for medical treatment. It is available to nationals of over 160 countries, including Australia, and is applied for entirely online through the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in.
The e-Medical Visa allows a stay of up to 60 days per visit per visit and is valid for 60 days from date of issue from the date of issue. It is a triple-entry visa, meaning you can enter India up to three times within the validity period — useful if you need follow-up treatment.
Importantly, the e-Medical Visa also covers one attendant (a family member or caregiver) who can accompany the patient under a separate e-Medical Attendant Visa, which costs USD 25 per attendant.
The visa is linked electronically to your passport — there is no sticker or stamp required before travel. Immigration officers verify it digitally on arrival at designated Indian airports.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Documents Required for India e-Medical Visa
All documents must be uploaded as clear scanned copies (JPEG or PDF). The hospital letter must be on official letterhead and include the patient's name, diagnosis, proposed treatment, and estimated duration of stay.
India e-Medical Visa: Key Facts for Australia Patients
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | e-Medical Visa (e-MV) |
| Applicant Nationality | Australia |
| Visa Fee | USD 25 |
| Attendant Visa Fee | USD 25 per attendant |
| Processing Time | 3–5 business days |
| Validity | 60 days from date of issue |
| Maximum Stay per Visit | 60 days per visit |
| Number of Entries | Triple entry |
| Application Portal | indianvisaonline.gov.in |
| Visa Format | Electronic (no sticker required) |
| Eligible Entry Points | Designated international airports & seaports |
| Extension | Possible via FRRO/FRO in India (up to 6 months) |
Tips for Australia Patients Applying for India Medical Visa
- Apply for your e-Medical Visa at least 2 weeks before your planned travel date.
- The hospital invitation letter is the most critical document. Medworth arranges this for all patients.
- Direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Mumbai and Delhi take approximately 11–14 hours.
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad.
- Keep two printed copies of your e-Medical Visa — one for immigration and one as a backup.
- India is 4.5–5.5 hours behind Australian Eastern time. Plan for jet lag recovery time before your procedure.
- Many Australian patients of South Asian origin have family in India who can provide additional support during recovery.
- Medworth has English-speaking coordinators for Australian patients.
Frequently Asked Questions — India Medical Visa for Australia Patients
How much is the India medical visa fee for Australians?
The India e-Medical Visa fee for Australian nationals is USD 25 (approximately A$38 at current exchange rates). This is the official fee set by the Government of India, payable online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. The fee is non-refundable.
How long does it take to get an India medical visa from Australia?
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel date. There is no need to visit the Indian High Commission in Canberra or any consulate — the entire process is online.
Can I use the India medical visa to bypass Australian public hospital waiting lists?
Yes. Many Australian patients travel to India specifically to avoid public hospital waiting lists, which can stretch to 12–18 months for procedures like knee replacement, hip replacement, and cardiac surgery. India offers the same procedures at JCI-accredited hospitals within 2–4 weeks of booking.
Will Medicare or my private health insurance cover treatment in India?
Medicare does not cover treatment abroad. Some Australian private health insurance policies may offer limited overseas coverage — check with your insurer. Many Australian patients pay out-of-pocket in India and still save significantly compared to Australian private rates.
Can my family member accompany me to India on a medical visa?
Yes. One family member or caregiver can accompany you on an e-Medical Attendant Visa, which also costs USD 25. They must apply separately on the same portal.
How much can Australian patients save on medical treatment in India?
Australian patients typically save 70–80% compared to Australian private hospital rates. Cardiac bypass surgery costs approximately A$10,000–A$17,000 in India versus A$50,000–A$90,000 privately in Australia. Knee replacement costs A$7,000–A$11,000 in India versus A$25,000–A$40,000 privately in Australia.
Is India safe for medical treatment for Australian patients?
Yes. India's top hospitals are JCI-accredited — the same international standard as leading Australian hospitals. Many senior doctors in Indian hospitals have trained or worked in Australia. Medworth only works with JCI and NABH-accredited hospitals.
Can I extend my India medical visa if my treatment takes longer?
Yes. You can apply for a visa extension through the FRRO in India. Extensions are typically granted for up to 6 months for genuine medical cases. Medworth can assist with the FRRO extension process.
Indian Embassy / High Commission in Australia
While the e-Medical Visa is applied for entirely online, you may contact the Indian Embassy or High Commission in Australia for queries about your application status or special circumstances.
How Medworth Helps Australia Patients with the Medical Visa
Navigating the India e-Medical Visa process can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with a health concern. Medworth's patient coordinators guide Australia patients through every step:
Ready to Plan Your Medical Trip to India?
Book a free consultation with a Medworth specialist. We'll confirm your treatment plan, arrange the hospital invitation letter, and guide you through the entire visa process — at no extra cost.