In last decade, knee replacement surgery in India for international patients has become one of the most popular choices in medical tourism. According to Bureau of Immigration (BOI), thousands of foreign patients travel to India every year for orthopedic treatments. India is one of the leading countries in the medical field which offers advanced treatment or medical facilities at an affordable cost. If we compared to the Western or other countries, India has much lower prices without compromising on quality. This blog will provide complete information about knee replacement in India for foreigners, including cost, top hospitals, skilled surgeons, medical visa process, and treatment journey.
The international patients choose India not for the low cost but also for advanced treatment, internationally trained surgeons, and accredited hospitals. This country offers simple medical tourism experience to foreigners, including medical visa, post surgery care, travel support, and many more.
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is also known as knee arthroplasty. In this medical procedure, the damaged parts of knee joints are replaced with artificial implants. The patients who have severe pain in knee joints may do this surgery. This surgery will reduce the pain, may restore the function and improves the movement of joint. There are various types of knee replacement surgeries available in India like total and partial knee replacement, or other knee surgeries.
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR): In this procedure, the entire knee joint is replaced with implants.
- Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): In this, the damaged parts of knee are replaced with artificial implants.
Note: Knee replacement surgery is recommended for patients who suffers from severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, injuries and fractures.
Why Do Foreigners Choose India for Knee Replacement?
India is listed in one of the best countries for knee replacement surgery and the factors that make it best are given below:
- Affordable Cost: The cost of knee replacement surgery in India is low compared to Western countries. The patient may save up to 60-70% on medical expenses.
- Advanced Hospitals: India is a leading destination for medical treatments which have world class and JCI or NABH accredited hospitals with modern technologies. Top Indian hospitals offers robotic surgeries, advanced facilities, and diagnostic tools. The hospital’s staff maintain the high standards of hygiene.
- Experienced Surgeons: The most of the orthopedic surgeons in India have completed their training in foreign medical universities. Many surgeons performed thousands of orthopedic surgeries every year with effective results.
- Short Waiting Time: Most Indian medical tourism companies may schedule your treatment quickly.
- International Patient Support: Indian hospitals deliver reliable global patient services, including language support, pick up or drop facilities, and medical visa services.
Knee Replacement Cost in India for Foreigners
The average cost of knee replacement surgery in India ranges from INR 1,00,000 to INR 6,00,000 (1,100 USD to 6,500 USD). Also, cost depends on different factors such as hospital reputation, location, surgeon, type of implant, and many more. These cost packages include:
- Surgeon Fees
- Surgery Cost
- Hospital Charges
- OT or Room Charges
- Implants
- Medications
- Therapies
- Post Surgery Care
Cost Comparison of Knee Replacement Surgery with Other Countries
| Country | Cost in Local Currency | Cost in USD |
| India | ₹2,50,000 – ₹6,50,000 | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| USA | $30,000 – $60,000 | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| United Kingdom | £13,000 – £18,000 | $17,000 – $23,000 |
| Kuwait | KWD 6,000 – KWD 10,000 | $20,000 – $33,000 |
| Bahrain | BHD 5,000 – BHD 9,000 | $13,000 – $24,000 |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 38,000 – SAR 95,000 | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Qatar | QAR 55,000 – QAR 110,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Ghana | GHS 50,000 – GHS 100,000 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Kenya | KES 400,000 – KES 800,000 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Nigeria | NGN 5,000,000 – NGN 11,000,000 | $3,500 – $7,500 |
| Thailand | THB 180,000 – THB 320,000 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Oman | OMR 4,500 – OMR 9,500 | $12,000 – $25,000 |
Note: This table shows an estimated cost, which can fluctuate due to different factors.
Best Hospitals for Knee Replacement in India for Foreigners
Most of the hospitals in India are accredited by global health organizations. These hospitals maintain the high standards of safety and quality. Here are top 3 knee replacement hospitals of India that offer advanced orthopedic care for foreigners.
Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, is one of the best knee replacement hospitals in Gurgaon. They offer best orthopedic or joint treatments with better outcomes. This hospital has advanced operation theaters and highly skilled orthopedic surgeons who are internationally trained such as Dr. Ashok Rajgopal and Dr. Attique Vasdev. Medanta – The Medicity focuses on patient’s safety, after care and world class medical care for domestic or international patients.
Artemis Hospital
Artemis Hospital is renowned as a respected healthcare center that provides top-notch orthopedic treatment in India. The hospital provides knee replacement procedures through its advanced operation theaters and its team of skilled surgeons who perform both minimally invasive and robotic techniques. The hospital delivers safe patient care and efficient recovery services while maintaining excellent medical standards for all its international and local patients.
Apollo Hospital, Delhi
Apollo Hospital, Delhi, is one of the most trusted hospitals for orthopedic surgery. This hospital provides cost-effective knee or joint care with cutting edge technology. Apollo Hospital may have high success rates in knee replacement surgery among the top hospitals of India.
Medical Visa Process for Foreign Patients
- Required Documents: The following documents are mandatory for international patients:
- Valid Passport
- Medical visa application form
- Medical invitation from the hospital
- Passport size photographs
- Processing Time: The medical visa processing time depends on the country and embassy procedure. Typically, it may take up to 7 working days.
- Visa Extension: If patient require more days to stay for recovery, then he/she can extend their medical visa with proper documentation.
Knee Replacement Process in India for Foreigners
- Online Consultation: Patients can share their medical reports and get online consultation form the orthopedic specialist or hospital before travelling to India.
- Travel & Arrival: Hospital teams help you with your transportation from airport after making the treatment plan.
- Surgery: Usually, knee replacement surgery may take 1-2 hours, which depends on the patient’s health condition.
- Hospital Stay: Patient has to stay in the hospital for 4-6 days that depends on the doctor’s recommendation.
- Recovery & Rehabilitation: Recovery relies on the therapy and patient’s knee joint health. The complete recovery may takes 6-12 weeks and in some cases may go up to 3-6 months.
- Follow-up: Doctor monitors all the recovery procedures and provide follow-up consultation before going back to home.
Success Rate of Knee Replacement in India
India has high success rates among all the top countries which lies between 90-95%. These numbers are because they use modern surgical techniques, highly skilled surgeons, and advanced implants.
Conclusion
Knee replacement in India for foreigners is good option for patients who are looking for affordable and high-quality orthopedic treatment. We explained all the factors that help you to choose India for knee replacement surgery. India has shorter waiting times, effective treatment, and advanced medical facilities that makes them best country for orthopedic care.