Health Traveler
Definite Guide to Medical Tourism

Medical Tourism Destinations - India

Few places in the world may lay claim to such diverse culture, beautiful scenery and technological advancement as India, making it the ideal destination for those seeking treatment abroad. With over 5,000 years of recorded history, entire volumes have been written about the rich past of this region. India has long held an allure to travelers due to its deep history and dynamic people. This large country is home to one of the world's largest populations which carries with it layers of ethnicities, traditions and cultures.

Those visiting India can fill their time with visits to architectural masterpieces, inspiring music and theater and traditional sporting events. The cuisine in India is as varied as its people and those who desire an adventure in spice and taste will enjoy the dishes India has to offer.

Geography and Climate

Modern India is separated from the bulk of Asia by the snowy Himalayas in the north. The India Ocean is to the south, the Arabian Sea lies to the west and the Bay of Bengal is to the east, making India a subcontinent that provides a vast variety of climates and landscapes.

Each of these areas has a unique beauty travelers to the region adore. Each of the unique climates and geographical areas has its own culture, dialect and traditions. India officially recognizes 18 languages, but over 800 dialects stem from these languages. In the large cities, most people speak English in addition to their native language and dialects.

Neighboring countries include Pakistan, China and Nepal. Only China has a larger population than India, which is the second largest global population with more than one billion citizens. In 1947, India gained its independence from Britain, due largely to the work and leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Since becoming independent and then divided, modern India has made huge strides and overcome many difficult problems, resulting in the largest democracy in the world.

Temperatures in India range from the bitter cold snow in the Himalayas to monsoon tropics in the far south. The western area boasts visually stunning deserts, while the east is made up of humid deltas that are sought after destinations for eco-travelers and nature lovers alike. The Central Plateaus offer a mid range of temperatures, with dry heat and cold dependent upon the season.

Culture and Religion

India is a country with strong cultural traditions dating back many centuries. The country traditionally relies on patriarchal family structures and a strict social caste system. However, modern Indian culture is dynamic and there are indications that cultural influences from other parts of Asia and overseas are making an impact and many traditions are evolving to include new ideas and customs.

Religion is often at the core of India's culture. While a number of religions are practiced throughout India's diverse culture, the most common are found to be Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. In fact, Buddhism began in India during the 5th century. The magnificent religious temples and structures that demonstrate centuries of history and architectural prowess often awe visitors to the country.

Exploring the cuisine in India is a must for any traveler. The styles vary greatly by region, so travelers can experience a wide range of culinary experiences. Indian food is known for its spice and complex flavors. Many dishes feature chili pepper, turmeric and garam masala along with wheat or rice bases, and vegetarian cuisine is quite common.

Travelers to India revel in the diversity of arts available to enjoy and appreciate. The music throughout India incorporates many regional styles and traditions and folk music is common in many forms. Dance has been developed throughout many regions of India and features classical, folk, mythological and narrative forms. Quality theatre is found throughout India as well. The themes range from Hindu mythology to political events and many regional differences can be found throughout the different styles of performing.

Shopping

While traveling throughout India, squeezing in time for shopping is a must. Each region within India has its own specialty that has been developed over generations. Quality ceramics, clothing, handicrafts and musical instruments are just a few of the types of exceptional goods that can be purchased throughout the country. Goods are sold in traditional market stalls as well as modern malls and bargaining is typically expected by the vendors. Whether one is looking for a traditional market shopping experience filled with crowds and chaos or a new style of shopping in the high-end designer malls, there are deals to be found. The shopping is an experience that should not be missed. The biggest challenge can be finding a way to get all of the new goods back home.

Sports

Those travelers interested in sports can find many activities to observe or participate in throughout India. Field hockey is the official national sport of India, though cricket is likely the most popular. Tennis, football and even chess are growing in popularity throughout the country and travelers may find it enjoyable to watch some of the matches. India also has a number of sports traditional to the culture including martial arts, kho kho and kabaddi. Whether one hopes to see sporting events of games familiar to them or ones that are more grounded in Indian tradition, there are many options.

Festivals

Another way to gain an appreciation for India's rich and traditional culture is to travel during the time of some of the festivals. India has a number of festivals that celebrate the country's strong and diverse history. Each region incorporates their own rituals and customs into their individual festival to celebrate their separate identity. Most festivals are quite colorful and feature prayers, handicrafts, rituals and numerous traditions. The festivals are quite elaborate and take place throughout the year. Some of the most notable are Durga Puja, Holi and Onam.

Medical Tourism

While India has much to offer the traveler in way of scenic destinations, spiritual enlightenment and historical landmarks, many visitors are attracted to India's advanced medical centers and hospitals. The economic boom of the last two decades has provided the funding for state of the art medical facilities and superior educational opportunities for skilled surgeons, specialists and physicians. Many of these professionals worked in the United States and Europe prior to returning home as India's technology and funding began to rival that of the U.S. and Europe.

Many people find that the costs of medical procedures in India are less costly than the co-payments required by insurance providers when seeking service in the United States. Unlike some of the smaller countries that offer solutions for medical tourism, visitors will find that health travel to India provides an affordable solution for medical procedures ranging from cosmetic surgery to complicated joint replacements and heart surgeries. The lower cost of care allows patients the ability to extend their recovery period in the hospital, thus reducing the number of complications after the procedure is complete.

In addition to the lower cost of procedures in India, most patients find a much shorter waiting list for their desired procedure than at their home hospital. Oftentimes traveling patients will find a priority treatment approach for their needs in comparison to the medical facilities they encounter at home. The combination of lower cost, a high standard of care and a short or non-existent waitlist makes medical tourism in India a growing trend.

In addition to India's complex culture and history, the country is home to high-quality medical facilities and doctors. India is quickly emerging as a destination for medical tourism. Those who desire high-quality care for a lower cost than what they can receive at home in other countries are often finding that India provides the perfect setting for their needs. The hospitals and clinics provide technologically advanced treatment and equipment and almost every medical specialty can be addressed. Many people are turning to India for treatment abroad and are embracing the opportunity to explore a country with such a rich history while alleviating their medical concerns.