How to Plan Your Medical Trip to Mumbai: A Step-by-Step Guide for Overseas Patients

How do overseas patients plan a medical trip to Mumbai?

Planning a medical trip to Mumbai involves securing a medical visa, sharing records with your chosen hospital in advance, arranging accommodation near the facility, and coordinating travel for yourself and any attendant. S.L. Raheja Hospital in Mumbai, located at Mahim West, supports international patients across specialities including Bone Marrow Transplant, oncology, and nephrology.

Mumbai is one of India's primary destinations for medical tourism, with hospitals offering advanced diagnostics, surgical care, and post-treatment follow-up for patients travelling from abroad.

How do I arrange a medical visa for treatment in India?

India issues a dedicated Medical Visa (e-MV) for overseas patients seeking treatment. A separate Medical Attendant Visa (e-MX) is available for up to two accompanying family members. Below is the standard process:

1. Obtain a formal letter from S.L. Raheja Hospital confirming your treatment plan and admission date.
2. Apply online through the Indian government's official visa portal using the hospital letter as supporting documentation.
3. Submit proof of sufficient funds to cover treatment and stay.
4. Provide a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity.
5. Await approval — processing times vary by country of origin; apply well in advance.

The Medical Visa is typically granted for the duration of treatment and may be extended if your treating physician certifies the need for continued care.

How do I get my medical records reviewed before travelling to Mumbai?

Sharing your records before departure allows the clinical team at S.L. Raheja Hospital to assess your case, confirm the treatment pathway, and prepare for your arrival. This step can prevent delays and unnecessary repeat investigations.

• Compile all recent investigation reports: blood tests, imaging (MRI, CT, PET scans), biopsy results, and pathology slides where applicable.
• Obtain a detailed summary from your current treating physician, including diagnosis, medications, and treatment history.
• Send records digitally to info@rahejahospital.com for an initial clinical review.
• Bring physical copies and original slides or tissue blocks if your treatment involves oncology or Bone Marrow Transplant evaluation.
• Request translated copies if your records are not in English — most Mumbai hospitals work in English.

Early record submission also allows the hospital to provide a preliminary cost estimate, which is useful for financial planning and insurance pre-authorisation.

What is the best way to travel to Mumbai and arrange accommodation near the hospital?

Mumbai is served by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, with direct and connecting flights from most major international hubs. From the airport, patients can reach Mahim West — where S.L. Raheja Hospital is located — by pre-booked taxi or app-based cab services.

Ask the hospital's international patient coordination team — reachable at info@rahejahospital.com — for accommodation recommendations close to the Mahim West campus.

Can I bring a family attendant with me for treatment in India?

Yes. India's Medical Attendant Visa (e-MX) permits up to two family members to accompany a patient travelling on a Medical Visa. This is particularly relevant for patients undergoing intensive treatments such as Bone Marrow Transplant, where a caregiver's presence is clinically and emotionally important.

• Each attendant must apply for an e-MX visa separately, citing the patient's Medical Visa reference.
• Attendants are permitted to stay for the duration of the patient's treatment.
• Many hospitals in Mumbai, including S.L. Raheja Hospital, provide attendant facilities or can advise on nearby accommodation.
• Attendants accompanying transplant patients may be asked to undergo compatibility or donor screening — confirm requirements with the clinical team in advance.

When should an overseas patient seek immediate medical consultation rather than waiting to travel?

Some conditions require urgent attention and should not be deferred until travel arrangements are complete. Seek immediate care locally if you experience any of the following, and contact S.L. Raheja Hospital's team to reschedule or expedite your visit:

• Unexplained high fever lasting more than 3 days, particularly if you have a known blood disorder or are immunocompromised.
• Sudden, severe bleeding or bruising without clear cause.
• Significant deterioration in a previously stable condition (e.g. worsening kidney function, new neurological symptoms).
• Chest pain, breathlessness, or signs of cardiac compromise — seek emergency care immediately and inform the hospital team.
• Any infection requiring intravenous antibiotics — do not travel while actively septic.

For patients planning haematology or transplant consultations, share updated blood counts with the team if your condition changes in the weeks before travel. The clinical team can advise whether your travel window remains appropriate.

How does S.L. Raheja Hospital support international patients in Mumbai?

S.L. Raheja Hospital — A Fortis Associate, located in Mahim West, Mumbai, provides clinical services across specialities relevant to medical tourists, including Bone Marrow Transplant, Medical Oncology, Nephrology, and Diabetes care. The hospital's Mahim West address places it within accessible distance of Mumbai's international airport and a range of patient accommodation options.

International patients can initiate contact by emailing info@rahejahospital.com to share medical records, request a preliminary opinion, or ask about appointment availability. The team can assist with documentation required for the medical visa process.