Radioactive Iodine (RAI) therapy is used to treat various thyroid conditions. Majorly, this safe and effective treatment used for hyperthyroidism. Cost is a big factor in the expensive treatment, because not everyone is comfortable with treatment due to budget. But India is one of the best countries that provides effective treatment at an affordable cost. This blog will help you to find the best radioactive iodine therapy cost in India, including cost factors, comparison, procedure, and the success rates.
In the RAI or I-131 therapy, doctors use a targeted radioactive iodine dose to destroy the overactive and cancerous thyroid cells permanently. It is a type of nuclear medicine treatment that is taken in the form of oral and IV injections.
Why is Radioactive Iodine Therapy Used?
Radioactive Iodine Therapy is primarily used to treat an overactive thyroid and thyroid cancer by killing cancerous cells. The working procedure of this therapy is to deliver radiation to the thyroid cells. It will shrink the thyroid gland or eliminate the cancerous cells. Keep in mind that all thyroid disorder patients are suited for this treatment, and it is not necessary for all thyroid disease patients.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy Cost in India
The cost of RAI or I-131 therapy might differ due to various factors like hospitals, locations, surgeon’s expertise, cancer stage, type of cancer, etc. By counting all these factors, the cost of this treatment in India is still less than in other countries. The price of radioactive iodine therapy is around INR 2,00,000 per session. As we mentioned, the cost can go up and down depending on the factors.
Factors Affecting the RAI Therapy Cost in India
Check out the factors that affect the cost of radioactive iodine therapy:
- Thyroid Condition: The main cost factor of this treatment is the thyroid condition, either hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, or thyroid remnant ablation.
- Dosage: Dosage or medications such as (10 mCi, 30 mCi, 100 mCi, 150 mCi, etc) also play a crucial role in the overall cost.
- Hospitals: Location of the hospital is also a factor because metro city hospitals are more expensive compared to other locations. Hospital charges and fees can increase the cost like diagnosis tests, Isolation room charges, and other facilities.
- Doctor’s Expertise: More experienced surgeons charge more for consultations and medical fees.
- Follow-Up: After treatment, follow-up sessions affect the overall cost of treatment.
Cost Breakdown for Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Here is the cost breakdown for radioactive iodine therapy, including tests, charges, and follow-up:
| Component | Estimated Cost (INR) | Details |
| Doctor Consultation | INR 2,000 to INR 5,000 | Endocrinologist or Nuclear Medicine Specialist |
| Thyroid Function Tests (T3, T4, TSH) | INR 2,000 to INR 5,000 | Required before planning the dose |
| Thyroglobulin / Anti-TG Tests | INR 3,000 to INR 5,000 | Essential for cancer cases |
| Whole Body Scan / Radioiodine Uptake Test | INR 5,000 to INR 15,000 | Determines iodine absorption |
| RAI Dose Cost (I-131 Capsule/Liquid) | INR 30,000 to INR 1,20,000 | Depends on doses |
| Isolation Room Charges (1–3 Days) | INR 3,000 to INR 10,000 (Per-day) | Compulsory for higher-dose patients |
| Hospital Service Charges | INR 3,000 to INR 10,000 | Includes nursing, safety monitoring |
| Post-Treatment Medicines | INR 3,000 to INR 5,000 | Hormone tablets, anti-nausea meds |
| Follow-up Consultation | INR 3,000 to INR 5,000 | After 4–6 weeks |
Note: These are estimated costs, and they can vary.
Cost Comparison: India vs Other Countries
| Country | Estimated Cost (USD) | Cost Including |
| India | USD 700 to USD 2,500 | Hospitals, Doses, Rooms, Follow-ups, Tests, etc. |
| Thailand | USD 1,200 to USD 3,000 | Consultation, Tests, Doses, Stay (if required), etc. |
| Malaysia | USD 3,000 to USD 9,000 | Therapy, diagnosis, hospitals, etc. |
| Turkey | USD 2,000 to USD 5,000 | Service Charges, Facilities, Isolation, etc. |
Top Hospitals for Radioactive Iodine Therapy in India
Here are some best hospitals in India that offer cost-effective radioactive iodine therapy:
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital: This is one of the best hospitals in Delhi, India. It provides I-131 or Radioactive Iodine therapy for thyroid cancers or conditions. They offer nuclear medicines for radionuclide treatments.
- Fortis Hospital: They have 25+ healthcare and hospitals in India, including Delhi, Gurugram, Kolkata, Mumbai, and other big cities. Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, have wide range of thyroid cancer or condition treatments. Their nuclear oncology or medicine centers have high-dose I-131 MIBG therapy and other radionuclide therapies.
- Max Healthcare: Max-BLK Super Specialty Hospital is also listed among the best radioactive or thyroid cancer treatment providers.
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon: This hospital is listed in cancer treatments and nuclear medicine.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy Procedure: Step-by-Step
- Firstly, you have to check your thyroid hormone levels by doing blood tests.
- If you take any thyroid medicines, stop them at least one week before the procedure.
- Avoid high iodine diet for 3-4 weeks before the procedure, including:
- Dairy Products
- Eggs
- Food that contains high Iodine
- Seafood
- Soyabeans
- Scan your full body just before the procedure.
- After the procedure, healthcare professional suggests chewing some hard candies with dry mouth.
- Again, scan the body to detect remaining cancerous cells.
- Ask your doctor which activities you should avoid.
- After treatment, avoid driving or travelling for 1-2 weeks.
- Sleep in separate room and avoid work.
- You have to check thyroid hormone levels every 6 to 9 months.
Conclusion
RAI is one of the most effective treatments for thyroid cancer patients. India offers cost-effective Radioactive iodine therapy with advanced nuclear medicine. We suggest some hospitals that have high success rate compared to other countries. So, choose the best treatment and hospital by considering cost, their factors, and facilities.