India’s Medical Tourism Growth Set to Surge with Pre-Budget Signals: Experts Call for Visa and GST Reforms

Published on November 25, 2025

India’s medical tourism industry is on the cusp of a major transformation, as tourism and healthcare leaders call for easing visa regulations and providing clarity on GST guidelines ahead of the 2026 budget. These key reforms could enhance India’s appeal as a global medical destination, allowing the country to cater to an increasing number of international patients seeking affordable yet advanced healthcare options. As more patients from Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and emerging markets look for world-class treatment abroad, these reforms could strengthen India’s position as a leading destination in the global medical tourism sector.

The pre-budget policy signals highlight the opportunity for India to further align with the government’s “Heal in India” vision, aimed at boosting the country’s global healthcare presence. This vision focuses on improving patient experience by integrating services, using digital platforms, and fostering international collaborations. By making the medical tourism journey simpler, more accessible, and more affordable, these changes could drive the sector’s growth, benefiting both patients and the Indian economy.

How Visa and GST Reforms Will Accelerate India’s Medical Tourism Industry

One of the most significant obstacles in medical tourism is the complex and often slow visa process. For international patients, especially those from countries like Africa and the Middle East, visa approval and processing delays can be a significant barrier to accessing timely medical care. By simplifying visa rules, including faster approvals and better predictability, India can attract more patients who are seeking advanced medical treatments but are deterred by bureaucratic hurdles.

Moreover, there has been a call for clearer guidelines on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health packages, lodging, and related services, which would help lower the overall cost of medical tourism. Currently, the ambiguity surrounding GST on medical services and treatment packages adds an unnecessary cost burden, making it harder for patients to navigate pricing. By ensuring proper categorization and making the fiscal landscape more transparent, the government can reduce cost-related obstacles, allowing international patients to travel to India for treatment at a more affordable price.

Globalcare Health: Building Integrated Healthcare Pathways to Support Growth

Rajeev Taneja, the Founder of Globalcare Health, emphasizes that even minor policy changes, such as those regarding visa processing, accreditation, and travel ease, can have a profound impact on the medical tourism industry. These changes, Taneja believes, will enable India to transition from being seen merely as a “value” destination to being recognized for its superior quality, seamless travel experiences, and comprehensive, coordinated post-treatment care.

Globalcare Health is positioning itself at the forefront of this change by building integrated healthcare pathways that connect hospitals, facilitators, and travel partners. Taneja explained that offering a one-stop, end-to-end care journey would make India an even more attractive option for international patients. By combining healthcare treatment with travel and accommodation, patients will experience a smoother process that is not only cost-effective but also provides a higher level of safety and convenience.

The Benefits of Public-Private Collaboration in Expanding Medical Tourism

One of the key elements needed to drive this growth is stronger public-private collaboration. The private sector has been essential in expanding the medical tourism landscape by providing high-quality healthcare services, while the public sector can support through policy shifts, infrastructure development, and global marketing of India’s medical expertise. By working together, both sectors can improve the overall infrastructure and service delivery needed to cater to international patients.

This collaboration can result in a more reliable healthcare system that is able to manage the influx of international patients effectively. For example, integrated services that include travel arrangements, visa facilitation, and post-treatment support will help ensure that medical tourism is not just about the procedure itself but a comprehensive, patient-centered experience.

A Vision for India’s Global Medical Footprint: Attracting International Patients

The Heal in India initiative, introduced by the Indian government, is designed to expand the country’s footprint in the global healthcare market. India’s world-class medical institutions, skilled healthcare professionals, and competitive pricing have already made it a popular destination for patients seeking medical treatments ranging from cardiac surgery to organ transplants and cosmetic procedures. However, the lack of clarity regarding travel and financial policies has limited the full potential of the medical tourism industry.

By addressing the concerns of visa delays, simplifying the tax structure, and creating more predictable travel and treatment plans, India can attract an even larger share of the global medical tourism market. The potential for medical tourism is vast, especially as countries like India become increasingly recognized for their medical expertise, affordable treatment options, and improving patient services.

Opportunities Beyond Metro Hubs: Expanding Medical Tourism to Emerging Markets

While cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have long been major hubs for medical tourism, the new policy developments could help spread the benefits of medical tourism beyond these major metros. As India’s medical infrastructure grows and strengthens, smaller cities and towns may emerge as viable options for medical treatment, further expanding the industry’s reach.

Experts predict that improved visa processes and clearer fiscal policies will accelerate medical tourism to areas beyond India’s traditional medical hubs, helping to attract patients from Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and emerging economies. This would provide not only a boost to the healthcare sector but also help stimulate local economies by increasing the number of international patients traveling to different parts of India.

India’s Role as a Future Medical Tourism Powerhouse

India’s rise as a preferred global medical destination will depend on a combination of factors, including policy reforms, a strong healthcare infrastructure, and strategic global partnerships. With the right investments and government support, India has the potential to become the world’s leading medical tourism destination, offering high-quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare to international patients.

As India continues to refine its medical tourism policies, it is poised to reshape the future of healthcare in the region. Through improved public-private collaborations, streamlined visa processes, and clearer GST regulations, the country can attract a new wave of international patients, further solidifying its position as a global medical powerhouse.