Heart Bypass Surgery Patient Guide — India

Documents Required

Before You Travel: Preparing for India

Preparation is key to a smooth medical journey. Begin your planning 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for medical visa processing, sharing medical records, and pre-operative evaluations.

• Share all medical records (ECG, angiogram, echo, blood reports) with MedyBridge for specialist review before travel
• Obtain a medical opinion and treatment plan from the India-based cardiologist remotely
• Confirm your travel dates once the hospital admission date is fixed
• Arrange travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad
• Inform your own GP or cardiologist about your planned treatment in India
• Organise a companion — most hospitals prefer cardiac surgery patients to travel with a family member

Medical Visa for India

International patients travelling to India for medical treatment require an e-Medical Visa (e-MV) or Medical Visa, depending on their nationality. The process is straightforward and MedyBridge provides the hospital treatment letter required for the application.

Required Documents to Carry

Ensure you carry all original medical documents and personal identification documents when travelling to India.

Airport Pickup

MedyBridge arranges a dedicated driver to receive you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel or directly to the hospital if your condition requires immediate admission. Our coordinator will contact you with driver details 24 hours before your arrival.

• Share your flight details (flight number, arrival time, terminal) with MedyBridge
• Carry the coordinator's contact number in case of delays
• Private car transfer is arranged — no need to use public transport
• Wheelchair assistance can be arranged if needed — request in advance

Accommodation in India

We recommend staying at a hotel within 10–15 minutes of the hospital for easy access to pre-admission appointments and post-discharge follow-ups.

Currency and Money

India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). Currency exchange is available at international airports and authorised dealers. International credit/debit cards are widely accepted at hospitals.

• Currency exchange at airport (Thomas Cook, ICICI, HDFC): competitive rates
• ATMs widely available — inform your bank before travel to avoid card blocks
• Hospital bills can usually be paid by international credit card, SWIFT transfer or cash
• Keep small INR amounts for taxis, meals and local purchases
• Forex cards (Thomas Cook, Axis) offer competitive rates and security

Food and Dietary Requirements

Major cities in India offer abundant food options for all dietary requirements. Most hospitals provide international patient menus with low-sodium, low-fat options suitable for cardiac patients.

• Inform the hospital's nutritionist of any dietary requirements or allergies at admission
• International cuisine (continental, Middle Eastern, East Asian) is available in most cities
• Vegetarian options are plentiful in India
• Hospital cafeterias and room service provide patient-appropriate meals
• Halal food is available in all major hospital cafeterias
• Avoid street food and uncooked foods during recovery to prevent infection

Weather and Clothing

India's climate varies by season and region. Pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for the season of your visit.

Local Transport

MedyBridge arranges all airport-hotel-hospital transfers. For additional local transport, app-based cab services are safe, convenient and affordable.

• Ola and Uber: Available in all major cities. Pay by card or cash.
• Pre-paid taxis: Safe and fixed-fare from airports
• Hospital transport: Most hospitals have patient transfer vehicles
• Metro rail: Clean and affordable in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad
• Ambulance services: Available 24/7 through hospital emergency lines

Hospital Admission Process

MedyBridge coordinates the entire admission process so you experience minimal waiting or paperwork delays.

• Our coordinator will meet you at the hospital international patient lounge on admission day
• Bring original passport and visa for registration
• Medical records (originals and copies) will be reviewed by the clinical team
• Room allocation: Standard, single, or suite depending on your preference and availability
• Advance deposit (typically ₹1–2 lakh) required at admission; remainder settled at discharge
• International patient desk provides translation and liaison services throughout your stay

During Hospital Stay

Indian hospital staff — particularly at international patient centres — communicate comfortably in English. Our coordinator is available to assist with any communication or logistical issues during your stay.

• Nursing rounds typically every 2–4 hours; call bell available for immediate assistance
• Daily visits from your cardiothoracic surgeon and cardiac team
• Physiotherapy sessions begin from Day 1 post-surgery
• Family members can visit during specified visiting hours
• WiFi available in patient rooms at most hospitals
• MedyBridge coordinator available Mon–Sat 9am–7pm, emergency line 24/7

Discharge Process

The discharge process is managed by the hospital's international patient department with MedyBridge coordination.

• Discharge summary and operation notes provided in English
• Medications prescribed for the next 1–3 months
• Wound care instructions and first follow-up appointment date
• Final hospital bill settled; detailed invoice provided for insurance claims
• MedyBridge provides a hospital invoice summary and coordinator's discharge note
• Transfer to hotel or airport arranged by MedyBridge

Returning Home

Most cardiac surgery patients are cleared for long-haul air travel 4–6 weeks after bypass surgery. Your cardiologist will issue a fit-to-fly certificate.

• Obtain fit-to-fly certificate from your cardiologist
• Request airline wheelchair assistance if needed
• Carry all medications in hand luggage (not checked baggage)
• Keep discharge summary and medical records in hand luggage
• Inform your home physician / GP about your surgery with the discharge summary
• Arrange follow-up echocardiogram and cardiology review in your home country within 4 weeks of return

Heart Bypass Surgery India — Patient FAQs