s
Britons seek care, culture, and family abroad
M ed i c al to u ri s m h as b ec o m e a
m aj o r g lo b al tre nd , w i th U K
p a ti en ts i n cr eas i ng ly tr av e ll in g o verseas for faster, m ore affordable, and personalised healthcare
Rising NHS waiting tim es, now at 7 41 million despite a £25bn fundi n g bo o
d omestic costs, are driving Britons
t o seek trea tm ent abro ad
d ent al w o rk and o rth op aed i c surgery to fertility, cosmetic, and card iac proced ures A
N
than half a million UK residents travelled abroad for medical treatment in 2024, a 244 per cent increase from 2018 Long NHS waits and rising costs are key motivators, while analysis by the Nuffield Trust shows waiting times for hip replacements, one of the most popular procedures undertaken abroad, rose nearly 50 per cent in 2023, from 87 to 128 days Dental care costs have also increased, with NHS charges rising steadily, and 158 NHS hospitals rated “Inadequate” or “Requires Improvement” by the Care Quality Commission in 2024
I n d
y appealing destination The country offers a dedicated medical visa, a medical attendant visa for carers, and specialised healthcare corridors for international patients India is
addressing the health needs of foreign visitors by providing fast access to high-quality treatments at competitive prices (For more information see page 4)
British patients are now more informed a n
abroad, supported by online information,
transparent pricing While traditional destinations like Turkey, Poland, Portugal, and Italy remain popular, India is quickly becoming a top choice for those seeking timely, reliable, and cost-effective healthcare
This feature explores the growing appeal of medical tourism in India, the provisions being offered, and why increasing numbers of Britons are turning to international destinations to meet their healthcare needs
Why India is becoming a global health destination
I ndi a is rapi dly emerging as o ne of the world’ s most sought-after des tinatio ns for medi cal treatment, attracting p atients from the UK , Europ e, the US , th e Middle East and
A f ri c a A c o m bi n at i o n o f a ff o r da bi l i ty , s trong c lini cal ou tco mes and wo rld-class h ealthcare infrastructure is pos itio ni ng the co untry as a global h ub fo r hi gh -qu ality, accessible care
One of the biggest drivers of medical tourism to India is the dramatic cost difference Treatments that cost tens of thousands of pounds in the UK or EU, and far more in the US, are typically available in India at a fraction of the price, often 60–80% cheaper Crucially, this lower cost does not come at the expense of quality For
m a n y i n t e r n a t i o n a l p a t i e n t s f a c i n g l o n g waiting lists or unaffordable bills, India offers a safe and timely alternative especially as India’s top-tier medical institutions consistently deliver outcomes that match international benchmarks
In complex procedures, such as cardiac s u r g e r y , j o i n t r e p l a c e m e n t , o r g a n t r a n splants, oncology treatments and fertility care, Indian hospitals have success rates comparable to leading global centres
World-class ho spitals p owering the boo m India’s top-tier government hospitals a
their clinical excellence and affordability
NIMHANS are internationally recognised for specialist care, cutting-edge research, and highly skilled doctors
India’s private healthcare ecosystem has also expanded rapidly, with hospital chains
Healthcare and Aster DM Healthcare setting new standards in clinical excellence
These hospitals combine advanced techn
imaging, precision oncology, with integrat-
ed patient services that appeal to international travellers, including multilingual support and dedicated international patient lounges
Backed by a digital backbone and rising medical visas
A
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which aims to create a unified digital health ecosystem It links hospitals, clinics, labs and pharmacies through secure electronic health records For foreign patients, this means smoother medical journeys, seamless record sharing, e-prescriptions, and easier
ABDM is becoming a foundational asset for India’s global healthcare competitiveness
India has also overhauled its medical visa process, making it easier for patients and their attendants to travel for treatment
The government’s “Heal in India” initiative further promotes the country as a premier global healthcare hub by standardising quality benchmarks, improving international patient services and coordinating with hospitals to ensure transparent pricing
With world-class expertise, advanced t e c h n o l o g y , c o m
n increasingly seamless patient experience, India’s position as a global health destination is only set to strengthen As medical travel rebounds globally, India is not just keeping pace, it is leading the way
India’s medical tourism climbs with 131,000 arrivals
between January and A pril 20
Gajend ra Singh Sh ekhawat in the Rajya Sabha
Over the past five years, B
the single largest source of
482,336 patients in 2024 It
Uzbekistan (8,921) Overall,
8 7 f o r e i g n p a t i e n t s travelled to India for medic a l c a r e i n 2 0 2 4 , a s h a r p i n c r e a s e f r o m 1 8 2 , 9 4 5
Immigration figures show
While medical tourism is largely driven by state gove
n m e n t s a n d U n i o n Territories, the Centre supports these efforts through t a r g e t e d s c h e m e s a n d national initiatives like the ‘Heal in India’ programme India has also expanded e-
medical visa and e-medical attendant visa facilities to citizens of 171 countries S t a t e s
developing their own strategies In Gujarat, authorities a
tourism by registering wellness retreats on the Tourism D
events, organising
amplifying wellness centres through digital campaigns The state is also investing in global health diplomacy, showcasing its hospi-
Key statistics on Indian medical tourism
v 131,856 medical FTAs recorded Jan–Apr 2025 (4 1% of total arrivals).
v Foreign medical tourists increased from 182,945 (2020) to 644,387 (2024)
v 660,000 foreign patients visited India in 2023 postCOVID recovery.
v Industry valued at US $7 69 billion in 2024
NRIs flock to India for affordable healthcare and medical treatments
With the ever-increasing costs of healthcare in countries like the UK, the US, and Canada, India has become an attractive alternative, offering world-class medical services at a fraction of the cost
state-of-the-art technology, makes it an appealing option for NRIs who may be seeking m
A namika Ghosh added, “Medical tourism in India is definitely on the rise
Many of my relatives living abroad travel to India for their healthcare needs, particularly dental treatments
Dental fees in the US, UK, and Europe are notoriously high, and in the UK, it’s also difficult to even get an a p p o i n t m e n t w h e n y o u n e e d i t I t ’ s o f t e n m u c h cheaper to fly to India for dental work, and the quality is just as good, if not better I make sure to get all my dental work done there every year In addition, I also visit India for eye care, as getting an eye checkup or glasses here is extremely
effective treatment options
For NRIs, the decision to travel back to India for medical care is often motivated by a combination of factors These include the opportunity to access high-
shorter waiting times, the comfort of receiving treat-
invaluable support of family a
recovery
The rise of India’s medi-
expensive If I need quick m e d i c a l d i a
o r medicines, India is my goto place It’s far easier and m o
t m e d i c a t
n s l i k e painkillers and antibiotics there than it is in the UK ”
cal tourism industry fur-
appeal by offering spe-
D E N T A L I M P L A N T S
Your path to a strong, confident smile!
A miss ing too th can s ometimes make eating, s mil ing, or s peaking f eel a little uncom fortable but guess w hat? M odern dentis try has an amazing s olution th at l ooks and feels just l ike a real to oth It’s cal led a dental impl ant!
W hat exactl y is it?
across the country providing a broad spectrum of treatments, from routine checkups to com-
and
healthcare solutions
Mukhopadhyay shared, “I
came to India to address my dental issues In the UK, dental care is not cov-
the NHS, which makes it expensive For someone like me, the more affordable option is to come to I
appointments with dentists here for a root canal
ments, which will cost me just about 10% of what I would have spent in the UK ”
A dental implant is a tiny, strong titanium post that acts like the root of your natural tooth It’s carefully placed into your jawbone, and once it heals, a beautiful custom-made crown is attached on top The result?
A tooth that looks natural, feels natural, and lasts for years!
At O Sh reeji Dental Cl inic and Imp lant
C entre, we make the implant process smooth and comfortable Advanced techniques like needle less anesthesia and guided surgery
m
ensure precision and comfort at every stage
Dr Hemal Shah and Dr Sejal Sh ah, the founder of O Shreeji Dental Healthcare Pvt Ltd They have over 25 years of expertise in dental implants Both of them have done
implants from Harvard
hoo
of dentis try, Bos ton They have vast knowledge about the latest techniques in implant den-
smiles with compassion and personalised care
How the pro cess wo rks
At O Shreeji Dental Clinic and Implant Centre, we make the implant journey smooth and stress-free:
w C onsu ltatio n and pl anning – Video consultation/in clinic consultation
w I mp lant pl ac ement – Comfortable surgery with the help of guide
w Healing time
The implant fuses with your bone, creating a strong foundation w C row n p lacement
A single or multiple tooth is fixed on top With the help of the latest techniques we can place the crown immediately after surgery A crown that perfectly matches your smile
If you ’ re ready to restore your smile, dental implants may be the perfect solution for you!
Rise of ‘recovery tourism’
Why more patients are choosing to heal in India
In dia’s medic al touris m boom i s enterin g a new phase, “ rec overy tourism ” , as pa ti ents from the U K, Europe, the Middle Eas t and Asia i ncreas ingly choose to recuperate in resort-s tyle settings after undergoing treatmen t in the country’s top hospitals From Ayurvedic retreats in Kerala to lux ury welln ess resorts i n Goa an d Raj asthan, recovery has bec om e as importan t as the treatment i tself
g e nv ironm ent has ma de In dia the got o pla ce for those look ing t o r e s t or e t he i r ha i r wi t ho ut br e a k i n g t h e ba n k He r e 's why patie nts fr om a cr oss the g lobe a re choosing India for t heir ha ir tr ansplant nee ds Affor dable y et hig h-quality t re atme nt
One of the key reasons
i n t e r n a t i o n a l p a t i e n t s choose India for hair transplants is cost-effectiveness
H a i r t r a n s p l a n t c o s t s i n India can be 40–70% lower than in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia,
o r S i n g a p o r e W h i l e h a i r r e s t o r a t i o n t r e a t m e n t s i n the West can cost tens of thousands, patients in India pay a fraction of that price for world-class results, mak-
ing it an appealing option for affordable, high-quality hair restoration G lobally t ra in ed doctor s India is home to highly skilled and experienced hair transplant surgeons, many o f w h o m h a v e r e c e i v e d training from internationall y r e c o g
s
Using advanced techniques like FUE, FUT, and robotic h a i r t r a n s p l a n t s u r g e r y , Indian doctors deliver effective, minimally invasive proc e d u r e s K n
global patients seeking highquality results
In ter nat ionally accredit ed safet y prot ocols I
dability and quality, safety is a top priority for hair transplant procedures in India Leading clinics follow internationally accredited safety protocols, ensuring sterile environments and reducing complications With FDA-
niques, and globally recog-
dards, making
trusted
What began as a practical need for rest after surgery is now a fastgrowing industry combining healthcare, hospitality and holistic wellness Patients who travel to Indi a for procedures such as join t replacem ents, cardiac surgery, cosmeti c procedures or fertility treatments are now booking extended stays at medi cal-li nked resorts offerin g ta ilored postoperative care Healing the n atural way
Ayurveda has become a key draw for international patients seeking natural and minimally invasive recovery pathways Across Kerala, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Goa, specialised Ayurvedic centres now offer postoperative rehabilitation programmes designed in consultation with modern medical teams Thes e in clude the ra pi es suc h as abhyan ga (therapeuti c mas sage) , panc hakarma detox treatments , herbal pain- managem ent routi nes, stress -relief therapies, and pers ona li sed diet plans that support tis sue repair and im munity
Ayurvedic centres across India now collaborate with orthopaedic, oncology and cardiac specialists to design pain-relief and rejuvenation packages tailored to patients fresh out of clinical treatment
Physiotherapy retreats, particularly in the South, offer intensive mobility programmes for jointreplacement patients, helping them regain strength faster than in conventional hospital settings Kerala, long recognised for its Ayurveda heritage, has taken recovery tourism to the next level with medical–wellness retreats offering personalised Ayurvedic massages, pain management therapies and doctor-supervised recovery plans
Goa’s beachfront recovery centres, on the other hand, offer physiotherapy, stress-relief therapies and diet plans designed for post-surgery healing with a mix of luxury The state has seen a sharp rise in visitors who
combine medical treatment in Mumbai, Pune or Bengaluru with a few weeks of seaside rehabilitation Hos pi tals addin g wellness packages
Major hospital groups, including Apollo, Medanta and Max Healthcare, are responding to the trend by partnering with resorts or launching their own recovery programmes
These pack ages in clude airport tran sfers, nursi ng support, teleconsultations, dietary planni ng and structured phy siothera py ses sions, ens uri ng contin ui ty of care outside hos pital walls
With rising demand for smoother, stress-free healing journeys, recovery tourism is emerging as a natural extension of India’s medical tourism success By blending clinical care with holistic wellness in some of the country’s most picturesque locations, India is redefining what healing can look like, turning treatment into an experience, and recovery into a destination
Dr Hemal Shah & Dr Sejal Shah
Anirban Mukhopadhyay
Anamika Ghosh
Panchakarma detox
The growing trend of traveling for dental treatment
In the U K, dental care is typically div ided into two cate-
g o ri es : N HS d ent i st ry, w h ic h i s su b si d i s ed a nd restricted to clinically necessary proced ures, and private d ent i st ry, w h i c h o p er ate s independ ently and offers a broad er range of treatm ents
NHS dental care, though a f f o r d a b l e , i s l i m i t e d t o basic procedures and banded treatments, leaving more complex or cosmetic work outside its scope
For many, this means that NHS care doesn’t cover
t r e a t m e n t s l i k e d e n t a l implants, veneers, or teeth whitening, services that are increasingly sought after in today's world of cosmetic dentistry While NHS treat-
m e n t i s c o s t - e f f e c t i v e , i t comes with its own set of constraints, such as limited availability, longer waiting times, and shorter appointment slots
Private dentistry, on the other hand, offers the flexibility to choose from a wide array of treatments, including cosmetic and aesthetic work, without the limitat i o n s i m p o s e d b y N H S
bands However, the downside is that private dentistry is expensive, with patients required to cover the full
c o s t o f t r e a t m e n t o u t o f pocket For many people, this price tag can be prohibitive, particularly when procedures can easily run into the hundreds or thou-
sands of pounds
The cost and limitations of NHS dentistry, coupled with the rising demand for m o r e s p e c i a l i s e d t r e a tments, have contributed to a
tourism UK patients, frustrated by long waiting times and the lack of access to d
s i r e d t r e a
n t s , a r e increasingly looking abroad for dental care Countries like India, Hungary, Turkey and Thailand, have emerged as popular destinations for d
high-quality care at a fraction of the price patients would pay in the UK for similar procedures
ments, such as teeth whiteni
l a n t s , veneers, and orthodontics
In some cases, patients can
save up to 70-80% on dental costs compared to private c l i n i c s i n t h e U K T h e s e countries often boast internationally accredited dental clinics, with highly trained professionals and state-ofthe-art facilities, ensuring patients receive the same quality of care they would expect at home
M o r e o v e r , d e n t a l t o u r i s m o f t e n a l l o w s patients to combine medical
treatment costs significantly lower than in the UK, many people are opting to travel for dental care while enjoying a vacation at the same
, known as "medical tourism," not only offers substantial cost savings but also reduces the waiting times associated with private treatment in the UK, providing a win-win situation for patients looking to address their dental needs without breaking the bank T h e g r o w i n g
f traveling abroad for dental care is a reflection of the evolving global healthcare
patients are becoming savvy
vices As more people discover the benefits of dental tourism, including cost savings, high-quality care, and t h e o p p o r t
n extended holiday, this sector i s e x p e c t e
expanding
Key tips for knee and hip replacement recovery
Reco very after knee or hip rep lacem ent surgery is cru-
c i al t o ens u re l o ng - t erm m obility, streng th, and comfort While the su rgery itself is a major step forw ard, how w ell you fo llow the po st-
o p e rat i v e g u i d e li ne s a nd take care of yourself during reco very will make all the d ifference Here are som e key th ing s to keep in m ind d uring your recovery phase:
F ollow the p ost-op erative care plan
After surgery, your sur-
g e o n a n d p h y s i o t h e r a p i s t will provide a specific postoperative care plan, including instructions for wound care, medication, and physical therapy It's essential to follow this plan carefully
Skipping any step could lead
t o c o m p l i c a t i o n s o r s l o w
d o w n y o u r r e c o v e r y P a y close attention to how often you need to take medications, and ensure you attend all follow-up appointments
Physical th erapy and reh abilitation
Physical therapy is a vital part of the recovery process
It helps strengthen muscles, i m p r o v e f l e x i b i l i t y , a n d r e g a i n m o b i l i t y I n I n d i a , m o s t r e p u t a b l e h o s p i t a l s offer physiotherapy services as part of their post-surgery
package Be consistent with your rehab sessions, as they play a crucial role in improving the range of motion in your knee or hip
Rest and elev ation
While physical therapy is important, it’s equally crucial to allow your body time to rest and heal You’ll need to keep your affected leg elevated, especially during the f i r s t f e w d a y s , t o r e d u c e swelling Avoid overexerting yourself and ensure you ’ re g e t t i n g e n o u g h r e s t
Strenuous activities can disrupt your healing and lead t o c o m p l i c a t i o n s l i k e inflammation or blood clots
Diet and nutrition for healing
A balanced diet is crucial to promote healing Focus on foods rich in protein, vitamins (especially Vitamin C and D), and minerals like c a l c i u m a n d i r o n T h e s e
Why India is a leading choice for IVF
Infertility affects mill io n s o f c o u p le s w o rl d w id e , an d th e emotional strain can b e i m m en se Y et ad v an ce s in rep
VF
, have transformed the landscape of ho pe I
, India has become one of the world’s most
for IVF, drawing patients f
East, Africa and beyond Its combination of high-quality
i n g l y p r e f e r r e d
choice Here’s why A ffordable treatm ent India offers IVF at a fraction of the cost charged in the UK, US or Europe, often 60–70 per cent lower, while
m a i n
standards of care
Cutting-edge technolo gy
Top Indian fertility centres use the latest reproductive technologies, including I C S I , P G T , a n d a d
embryo freezing methods, ensuring strong clinical outcomes
Expert specialists
The country is home to some of the world’s most respected IVF experts and embryologists, whose exper
trust among international patients C omp rehensive, p atient-centred care
Clinics provide
n u t r i e n t s s u p p o r t t i s s u e healing, strengthen bones, and boost your immune system Your surgeon may provide additional dietary recommendations, such as taking specific supplements to help with bone health and recovery
A cco mmod ation and travel considerations I f y o u ’ v e t r
v
e d t o India for the surgery, ensure that you have a comfortable place to stay during recovery You’ll need access to facilities like transportation for hospital visits, assistance with meals, and easy mobility in the accommodation Some hospitals in India provide recovery packages that i n c l u d e a c c o m m o d a t i o n , p o s t - o p e r a t i v e c a r e , a n d a s s i s
extremely helpful, especially i
seamless and tailored treatment
High success rates
With technology, expertise and stringent protocols,
match global benchmarks, a key reason patients continue to travel here for treatment
India’s blend of affordability, excellence and compassionate care has firmly
leader in fertility treatment
A complete guide to full-body checkups for medical tourists in India
As India strengthens its p osition as a global h ub for medical to urism, full- bo dy ch eck-u p packages have become one o f th e most sou gh t- after services among internatio nal p atients With wo rld-class h ospitals , advanced diagnostics and affordable p ricing, travellers increasingly ch oose India for comprehensive h ealth evaluations, either as p art of p reventive care o r ah ead of p lanned medical p ro cedures
A standard full-body check-up in India is far more detailed than those available in many Western countries Here is an overview of the essential tests medical tourists typically undergo:
1 Blood and diagnostic screening
A broad set of blood tests helps assess overall health and detect early signs of disease These include:
v Complete Blood Count (CBC)
v ESR
v Blood Group & Rh Typing
v Fasting Blood Sugar and HbA1c
v Lipid Profile (cholesterol and triglycerides)
v Liver and Kidney Function Tests
v Thyroid Profile (T3, T4, TSH)
v Vitamin D and B12 levels
v Electrolytes and iron studies
These baseline tests offer a detailed picture of metabolic, nutritional and organ health
2 Cardiac evaluation Given rising global concerns around heart disease, cardiac screening is a major draw for medical tourists Key assessments
include:
v ECG v 2D Echocardiography
v Treadmill Stress Test (TMT)
v High-sensitivity CRP
v Blood pressure monitoring
v Carotid Doppler (when required)
Together, these tests identify early cardiac risk and provide insight into heart function
3 Imaging & radi ology
Advanced imaging tools make it possible to detect structural abnormalities early
v Chest X-ray
v Ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis
v Whole-body MRI or CT scan (optional)
v Bone density scan (DEXA)
v Many tourists opt for add-on MRI/CT scans given significantly lower costs in India
4 Ho rmonal & metabolic assessment
Essential for patients dealing with fertility issues, menopause, or metabolic disorders:
v Hormone panel
v Cortisol
v Testosterone or estrogen levels
v PCOS/PCOD testing for women
5 Age & gender-based cancer screening
India’s hospitals offer globally comparable cancer detection screening:
v Men: PSA test for prostate cancer
v Women: Pap smear,
mammography/breast
ultrasound, HPV testing
v All pati ents: Stool occult blood test for colon cancer and chest/abdominal screening
6 Infectio us disease screening
Often mandatory for medical visas:
v HIV 1 & 2
v Hepatitis B & C
v Tuberculosis (X-ray or IGRA test)
v Syphilis (VDRL)
7 Lifestyle & wellness assess ments
To support preventive care, hospitals often include:
v BMI & body composition
v Diet & nutrition evaluation
v Mental health screening
v Physiotherapy/posture assessment
Optional add- ons pop ular amo ng international patients
v Cardiac CT
Angiography
v Advanced sleep study
v Allergy panels
v Genetic screening
With India offering modern diagnostics at highly competitive prices, full-body check-ups have become a key element of medical tourism For many international travellers, combining affordable preventive care with expert medical guidance makes India one of the world’s most attractive destinations for comprehensive health assessment
tional patients: How d o yo u ch oose the safest and most reliable h ospital?
With thousands of private and government hospitals offering world-class services at competitive prices,
a c c r e d i t a t i o
the most important marker of quality, safety and global standards
Why A ccreditation M atters
A
meet stringent benchmarks for:
u
n t s
hygiene
u C
d infection control
u Qualified staff and specialist training
u Transparent pricing and ethical practices
u E m e r g e n c y p r e p a r e dness
u I n t e r n a t i o n a l p
services
F o r t o u r i s t s t r a v e l l i n g l o n g d i s t a n c e s , o f t e n f o r
complex surgeries, choosing an accredited hospital significantly reduces risk and e n s u r e s c o n s i s t e n t s t a n -
Safety first: Choose the right care
dards of care
NABH v s JCI: Wh at medical tou rists sho uld know
India’s healthcare sector mainly relies on two major accreditation bodies:
1 NABH ( National A ccreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare P rov iders)
C ountry: India
S trength: Standardisation across India’s healthcare system
What it ensures: u H
care
u Strong clinical protocols u I m p
f e r s e x c e l l e n t q u a l i t y a t significantly lower costs
2 JCI (Joint C omm ission International) C ountry: United States Strength: Recognised in over 100 countries as the “gold standard” in global healthcare
What it ensu res:
u W o r l d - l e a d i n g c l i n i c a l standards
Many leading hospitals,
u E x t r e m e l y s t r i n g e n t patient safety norms u International-level facili t y d e s i g n a n d o p e r ations
u S e a m l e s s c r o s s - b o r d e r patient processes Only a limited number o f I n d i a n h o s p i t a l s h a v e
e a r n e d J C I a c c r e d i t a t i o n because the requirements, and costs, are far higher
Which is better: NA BH o r JC I? B o t h e n s u r e h i g h -
care, but for different purposes: NA BH
tourists seeking affo rdable, reliable, hig h-standard treatm ent u E x c
orthopaedics, cardiology and wellness packages
u Widely available across India JC I u B
care on par with top US–European institutions u Preferred for complex, h
plants, advanced oncology or robotic surgery u More expensive due to international-level compliance
Did you know?
India is home to one of the largest networks of JCI (Joint Commission International)accredited hospitals globally. This prestigious accreditation ensures these hospitals meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and patient care, following rigorous international protocols.
With state-of-theart facilities and cutting-edge medical technology, India offers world-class healthcare in specialties ranging from complex surgeries to wellness treatments
Dental Tourism to India
1. How safe is it to get dental treatments done in India?
Major cities like Mumbai and Delhi have highly skilled dentists using the latest global technologies. Clinics follow strict sterilization and hygiene protocols, often adhering to ISO 9001 standards. Dental laboratories are world-class, providing high-precision work with fast turnaround times.
2. Why is dental treatment cheaper in India?
• Dental care in India is more affordable because of
• Lower operational costs
• Reduced taxation
• Modest profit margins
• Higher patient volumes (20–25 patients per day in multispeciality clinics)
• Despite lower costs, the quality of materials, equipment, and expertise in cities like Mumbai matches international standards.
3. How long do dental treatments take in India?
• Treatments in Mumbai are fast due to advanced technology and excellent laboratories.
• CAD-CAM crowns & bridges: Same day or 24 hours
• Teeth in a Day (implant procedures): Within 1–5 days
• Smile makeovers: 5–7 days
• Root canals: Single sitting in many cases
• This allows patients to complete their treatments within a short
stay in India, giving them time to enjoy shopping, weekend trips, or other medical checkups.
4. What treatments are most popular for international patients?
• Dental implants (including full-mouth rehabilitation)
• Smile design and cosmetic dentistry
• Veneers and crowns
• Root canals and restorations
• Teeth whitening
• Aligners and orthodontics
5. Are Indian dental materials and equipment globally certified?
Yes. Top clinics use FDA/CEapproved materials, globally recognized implant brands, and advanced technologies such as 3D scanners, CBCT imaging, CAD-CAM systems, an digital smile design.
6. How qualified are dentists in India?
• Dentists in metropolitan cities often have:
• Postgraduate specialization
• International training and fellowships
• Over a decade of clinical experience
• Exposure to global best practices
• Many also treat celebrities, politicians, NRIs, and high-profile clients.
7. Will language be a problem? Not at all. Most top clinics have staff fluent in English, and often Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and other regional languages. Communication is smooth and comfortable.
8. What is the typical cost difference compared to Western countries?
• Dental treatments in India can cost 60–80% less than in the US, UK, Europe, or Australia - without compromising on quality.
• For example: A dental implant
in UK costs £3,000–£5,000; whereas in India, it may cost less than £1000- Smile makeovers are significantly more affordable with premium materials.
• Full Digital Smile Designing or Makeover would cost around £30000- whereas in India it would cost less than £10000-
9. What documents or preparations do patients need?
• Passport and visa
• Recent dental X-rays or reports (optional but helpful)
• Medical history and list of current medications
• The clinic typically assists with appointment planning, treatment schedules, and loca guidance.
10. Can patients combine dental treatment with travel in India?
• Absolutely. Mumbai is well-connected and ideal for combining treatment with:
• Shopping and dining
• Weekend getaways to Lonavala, Alibaug, Mahabaleshwar, or Goa
• Medical checkups
• Cultural sightseeing
• This makes dental tourism both efficient and enjoyable.
11. Why choose a metro like Mumbai over a tier-2 city?
• While smaller cities may be cheaper, they often lack access to top dental labs, advanced
• digital equipment, and multispeciality expertise.
• For complex or cosmetic treat-
ments, metro cities ensure:
• High precision
• Better aesthetics
• Faster turnaround
• International-level hygiene and technology
12. How long should international patients plan to stay?
• Depending on treatment:
• Minor treatments: 1–3 days
• Cosmetic work: 5–7 days
• Full-mouth implants: 5–10 days
• The clinic can help plan travel and minimize stay duration.
Who We Are
Dental Concepts in Mumbai is one of the largest and most reputed multispeciality dental clinics in the city, proudly recognized among the Top 3 Dental Clinics in Mumbai by Times of India group for the 5 consecutive years. Located in the heart of the city, we combine five decades of expertise with world-class technology to deliver premium dental care for patients across the globe.
Our Legacy
Founded in 1980 by Dr. Dhimant Gala, Dental Concepts has grown into a globally trusted dental centre. Over the last 50 years, we have successfully treated more than 5,000 international patients from countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Kenya, Dubai, and many more.
Our Expertise
Dr. Dhimant Gala’s vision is carried forward by his son, Dr. Jigar Gala, one of India’s first qualified Dental Implantologists and Restorative Specialists trained at the prestigious Eastman Dental Institute, UCL, London.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Jigar specializes in:
• Dental Implants
• Full-mouth Rehabilitation
• Cosmetic Dentistry & Smile
Makeovers
• Our Technology & Facilities
Dental Concepts is equipped with:
• In-house OPG and CBCT scanning for precise diagnosis
• A fully equipped Digital Dental Laboratory for rapid, high-quality CAD-CAM crowns, bridges, veneers, and implant prosthetics Advanced systems enabling same-day and fast-track treatments
• This ensures superior accuracy, reduced treatment time, and excellent clinical outcomes.
Insurance & International Aftercare
• We offer 5–10 years of Dental Treatment Insurance, giving patients complete peace of mind even after they return home.
• We also have partner dentists across the UK to assist with any follow-ups and collaborations with UK-based dental diagnostic centres. This allows us to provide:
• Virtual dental consultations
• Precise treatment plans, timelines, and cost estimates - All before you decide to travel to India.
Travel Assistance
• Our dedicated team offers complimentary support with:
• Visa assistance
• Flight and hotel bookings
• Local travel, shopping guidance, and weekend getaway planning We ensure your dental trip to India is smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Dr. Jigar Gala