Overseas patients are advised to send in the details of their eye/medical condition and related reports in advance. This would help plan their visit to Aravind effectively. Please use the form to fill in the details.
Before Arrival
- Patients except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan need a medical visa to undergo even a simple health check up or any mode of treatment in India.
- Upon submitting the referral letter from local ophthalmologist along with soft copies of supporting medical reports, the hospital will send a Visa Invitation letter (for both the patient and attendant) to the embassy.
- The patient should compulsorily be accompanied by an attendant for any procedure to be done.
- Remember to bring all important documents including Visas, immunization records, and medical records. Please refer “Documents Required” section given on top.
- Please refer Guidelines to Visitors which helps you plan your visit.
- The hospital can facilitate room arrangements if the patient prefers to stay at a hotel during treatment.
- Approximate charge for Cab/Taxi for pick up from the Airport is INR 600
At Aravind
- Hospital staff can help you book your local tickets once you arrive and make necessary travel arrangements. Local travel arrangements can also be made.
- On arrival at Aravind, patients are required to show their passport at the registration counter to fulfil the registration formalities. The hospital will keep a copy of it for record.
- Registration fee is INR 100. If the doctor advises surgery or treatment, the patient has to get admitted and should pay full amount at the time of admission.
- The hospital needs to register the arrival details of patients and attendants at the Bureau of Immigration website by filling up the Form C within 24 hours of their arrival. Depending on the period of stay, it may be necessary to obtain a Residential Permit from the local Police. The In Patient Services Manager can be contacted for assistance.
- Translators who can effectively speak Arabic/English will be provided if the patient experiences language difficulty during consultation with doctor.
- All foreign currencies can be exchanged to local currency as per the existing exchange rate.
How Aravind cares for you?
- A nurse will assist the patient and the attendant while consulting the doctor and undergoing necessary tests/procedures.
- Patients requiring surgery or monitoring will be asked to get admitted to the hospital. One attendant is allowed to stay along with the patient.
- Aravind offers different types of accommodation facilities. Please visit What to Expect at Aravind? to know more about these facilities and support services.
- The hospital will assist in arranging accommodation outside post discharge.
- Patients are advised to inform the ward in-charge in case they need to go out. For safety reasons, patients after admission are recommended not to leave the hospital premises.
- Copies/originals of all medical reports, medication details and referral notes from your doctor (Mandatory)
- Soft copies of any scans like X-Ray, MRIs, prescriptions, and relevant medical documents including those of previous surgeries. Keep these medical reports and associated medication always handy.
- Before leaving your country, make sure you obtain fitness certificate from your doctor and information on the precautions and vaccinations needed for travel to India
- Passports and Visas are a must (depending on the country you are travelling from). It is advisable to carry additional copies of your visa/passport/residential permit.
- Bring along local currency, travellers’ cheques, and/or credit and debit cards. The hospital accepts Credit Card payment and foreign currencies.
- Bring along your driver’s license or any other forms of identification, even if you may not plan on using them. The additional identification ensures your proof of identity when requested.
In case of any specific inquiries or if you require further assistance with organising documents or travel plans, please write to us on this form.
Visa
Foreign patients can refer to India’s Bureau of Immigration website http://boi.gov.in/content/registration-requirements-foreign-national to learn more about Visa requirements and regulations to travel to India.
Note: Patients from Pakistan and Bangladesh are required to register with the nearest Police Station/Commissioner’s Office within 24 hours of arrival. Visa and Transit documents and instructions are further provided by our Inpatient Service Manager.
Insurance
Insurance desk will help you fulfil the necessary procedural formalities for availing insurance services. We are recognised by Armed Forces, Sultanate of Oman and Aasandha Universal Health Insurance scheme for the citizens of the Republic of Maldives . We are unable to process or accept any foreign insurance coverage other than this.
Insurance coverage is valid only for inpatient procedures that require 48 hours hospitalisation. Approval from the insurance provider is required to claim any amount.
To avail cashless hospitalisation, the patient need to submit the approval from the insurance provide at the time of admission itself. In other cases, the patient needs to deposit an amount at the time of admission, which will be refunded once the insurance provider authorises the cost towards treatment. In case the hospital does not receive this authorisation within 48 hours of admission and the patient is getting discharged, the patient must settle the hospital bill and claim reimbursement from your insurance provider.
SECURING A MEDICAL APPOINTMENT
How do I schedule medical appointments with a specialist at Aravind?
Aravind does not have an appointment system. However, international patients are advised to send in the details of their medical condition and related reports in advance. This would help plan your visit to Aravind effectively. Please use the query form to fill in the details. You can also contact us over phone or email. Please visit Contact us page for details.
What information must I provide before arrival?
You must provide relevant information on your medical condition, including scans, medical history, and current medication etc. If you have been referred to India by a doctor in your home country, please attach the medical report with details of the doctor.
Without a referral from my local doctor, can I seek an appointment with a specialist at Aravind Eye Hospital?
Yes. You can send the queries along with your medical report. The hospital will send a visa invitation letter and also schedule an appointment with an appropriate specialist.
Will someone guide me on the duration and cost of treatments?
Definitely. Once you send an email with your queries or fill up the enquiry form, we will give you a complete plan on the approximate length of stay and the total cost of the treatment, along with the necessary pre/post treatment care.
VISITING INDIA
How complicated and time drawn are the visa formalities?
Medical visa is a must. It is similar to obtaining a visa for regular travel purpose. However, if your treatment requires frequent visits, you may opt for a multiple entry visa for which you need a letter from the hospitals. Please visit India’s Bureau of Immigration website http://boi.gov.in/content/registration-requirements-foreign-national for more details.
In my Visa, I can see 'FRRO required within 14 days of arrival'. What does this mean and how should I go about it?
FRRO stands for Foreigners Regional Registration Office and this is required if you are travelling for medical requirement and have a Visa type 'M' which means 'Medical'. This Visa gives you multiple entries and allows you a longer stay in India. Our In Patient Services Manager will do the processing for your registration and you will just need to follow their instructions on the same. You are required to register at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office within 14 days of your arrival. The prescribed format for the same is available at the Inpatient Administrative office.
STAY AT ARAVIND EYE HOSPITALS
What are the registration formalities at the hospital?
You are required to produce your passport at the IP -Block Administrative office to get registered. The hospital will maintain a copy of your passport (Photo page and visa page) in your hospital record. This is mandatory and is based on the directives from the Government of India.
I do not speak English and am not conversant with native Indian languages. How do I communicate with the doctors?
Our team at the Inpatients services department will organize the service of a language interpreter who will be with you during interactions and help you communicate effectively.
If my family is accompanying me, where can they stay?
If you are coming for consultation, you and your attendants have to stay at nearby hotels. If advised for surgery, you can make use of the accommodation facilities given by the hospital. An attendant will be allowed to stay along with you in the hospital room.
Who can be reached for assistance during my stay at Aravind?
At Aravind Eye Hospital, the doctors and the nursing team will be responsible for all your medical requirements whereas all your non-medical requirements will be met by the Inpatient Services Manager.
Is tipping a practice at Aravind?
Aravind does not encourage tipping. If you would like to contribute to the welfare of the organisation, please contact the Inpatient Services Manager for assistance.
How can my relatives/family reach me over phone from my home country and how can I make an international call?
The hospital can help arrange a local SIM card. You need to provide your ID proof (Passport copy with photograph).
What about choice of food? Will the kind of food I prefer be made available to me?
Vegetarian restaurant is available on the ground floor of the Inpatient Block. If you would like to have Non Vegetarian food, you may have to order it from outside restaurants. On request, the staff can provide you with the menu card of these restaurants. You can order your choice of food. The restaurant staff will deliver it at your door. Smoking and alcohol are strictly prohibited within the hospital premises.
What are the options available for me to pray?
A common meditation room is available in the Inpatient Block.
PAYMENT PROCESS
Can I claim the medical expenses from my health insurance provider?
We will not be able to process/accept any foreign insurance coverage for cashless (insurance covered) treatment and surgical procedures other than Armed Forces Sultanate of Oman and Aasandha Universal Health Insurance scheme for the citizens of the Republic of Maldives.
What are the modes of payment available?
We accept all major credit cards like VISA, MASTER CARD. We will facilitate exchange process if you are having the currency of your country.
DISCHARGE PROCESS
What are the procedures involved for discharge? What are the formalities and will I get a copy of all my investigation reports?
Your primary consultants will inform the date of your discharge. At the time of discharge, the nurse will detail you on the treatment/surgery that you have had and on the medication that you have to take, follow-up requirements if any and finally will hand over the medical report and discharge summary.
How can I follow-up with my doctors once I reach my home country?
You can email us on your progress and the person concerned will help you keep in touch with your doctors at Aravind Eye Hospital. Do mention your registration number in all your communications.