By Mr. Pankaj Chandna, Co-Founder, Vaidam Health
Affordable treatment has long been one of the biggest reasons patients travel abroad for healthcare. India, in particular, has attracted international patients through its experienced medical professionals, advanced hospitals and comparatively lower treatment costs. However, affordability alone is no longer enough. Patients increasingly expect a seamless healthcare experience that combines quality treatment, transparency, convenience and continued support, from their first consultation to recovery.
This shift comes as India’s medical tourism industry prepares for significant growth. According to Future Market Insights, the Indian medical tourism market is estimated at USD 20.4 billion in 2026 and projected to reach USD 65.1 billion by 2036, growing at a CAGR of 12.3%. Cardiovascular treatments are expected to account for 31.6% of treatment revenue, reflecting demand for specialised procedures. As the industry expands, technology-enabled healthcare services are becoming increasingly relevant in addressing evolving patient expectations.
India has established itself as a preferred destination for complex procedures such as cardiac surgery, oncology care, orthopedic interventions, and organ transplants. While cost advantages remain relevant, international patients now select care destinations based on clinical expertise, treatment outcomes, hospital infrastructure, and overall ease of access.
One of the most significant changes is the increasing need for transparency and predictability at all stages of treatment. International patients prefer to know the qualifications of their doctors, the accreditation of the hospital, the proposed treatment plan, how long the recovery will take, and how much the treatment will cost before making a decision. Digital healthcare platforms make it possible for patients to do so by comparing the options, holding virtual consultations, sharing their medical records, and receiving expert opinions before flying.
However, medical tourism involves considerably more than selecting a hospital. Foreign patients also face the challenges of obtaining medical visas, finding suitable accommodation, arranging transportation as well as overcoming language barriers and the unfamiliarity of local healthcare systems when travelling for treatments.͏ This is where tech-enabled medical tourism platforms can help, as they ensure seamless integration of healthcare and travel assistance.
By connecting patients to relevant hospitals and specialists, as well as coordinating appointments, documentation and local support, such portals can help streamline the process. Dedicated case managers, multilingual assistance and digital communication channels can further help to improve accessibility for patients travelling across Africa, the Middle East and international markets.
To gain access to timely treatment is another major expectation. Patients place value on having appointments scheduled promptly, diagnosis and treatment plan clearly communicated, and this means that systematic coordination between healthcare facilities, doctors, and patients will reduce delays and ensure that medical decisions are guided by clinical requirements.
Post-care is equally critical. Among patients undergoing difficult procedures, the healthcare journey does not stop at discharge from the hospital. Remote consultations, digital medical records, rehabilitation advice and coordination with medical staff from home can ensure continuity of care and make recovery easier.
But more than medical treatment, patients appreciate convenience, cultural sensitivity, and support for accompanying family members. A combination of technology and personal support can deliver a more tailored and reassuring experience.
The next phase of medical tourism will therefore be defined by how effectively healthcare providers and technology-enabled platforms work together to deliver transparent, coordinated and patient-centred services. Affordability may attract international patients, but trust, clinical quality, convenience and continuity of care will determine their long-term confidence in a medical destination.