Checklist
Choose an attendant who is healthy, can stay for the whole trip, communicates well in English or Hindi, can manage documents and money, and stays calm under pressure. India’s e-Visa rules allow up to two e-Medical Attendant visas against one e-Medical visa. Agree roles before you travel, so the patient can rest and the attendant can act.
An attendant is the patient’s second pair of ears in consultations, their organiser at the hospital desk and their support during recovery. The UK’s TravelHealthPro advises patients to decide who will care for them during the journey and after returning home, and to think about coping away from their usual support network. The e-Medical Attendant visa is linked to the patient’s e-Medical visa. For the attendant, the e-Visa portal lists only the scanned passport bio page as the document to upload, alongside the photo.
Is the person able to travel?
- They are in good health and can manage long days in hospital.
- Their passport has at least six months’ validity and two blank pages.
- They can take leave for the full planned stay plus a margin for delays.
- They have their own travel insurance and enough of their own medicines.
- Their family and work responsibilities at home are covered.
Can they communicate and organise?
- They speak English or Hindi, or are comfortable working with an interpreter.
- They can keep a folder of documents in order and find any report quickly.
- They can use a smartphone for messages, video calls and payments.
- They can take notes during consultations and read them back to the patient.
- They are comfortable asking doctors to repeat or explain.
Do they know the patient well?
- They know the patient’s medical history, allergies and medicines.
- They understand the patient’s wishes about treatment and consent.
- The patient is comfortable with them helping with personal care.
- They know who to call at home in an emergency.
Have you agreed roles before travel?
- Decide who speaks to the hospital billing desk and who signs forms if the patient cannot.
- Agree how updates will be shared with family at home and how often.
- Give the attendant copies of all documents and the case manager’s contacts.
- Agree a budget and who holds cards and cash.
- Decide who travels home first if the stays differ.
Should you take a second attendant?
- Consider two attendants for long stays, major surgery or an elderly patient.
- Two people can take turns on the ward and with errands.
- Each attendant needs their own e-Medical Attendant visa application.
- Check hospital rules on how many attendants may stay in the room.
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An attendant is not a nurse
The attendant supports and organises. Nursing, medicines and clinical decisions remain with the hospital team. If the patient will need nursing help after discharge, ask the hospital to arrange it.
Questions people ask
How many attendants can come with me on a medical visa?
The e-Visa portal states that only two e-Medical Attendant visas will be granted against one e-Medical visa. Each attendant applies separately, linked to the patient’s application. Check the portal before applying, as rules can change.
Does the attendant need to be a relative?
The e-Visa portal pages we checked do not set a relationship rule for e-Medical Attendants. Hospitals may have their own preferences, and a transplant donor is a separate legal matter. Ask the hospital and your case manager before you choose.
What does an attendant do in hospital?
They keep documents, attend consultations, help with forms and payments, update family and support the patient emotionally. They also help the patient follow discharge instructions. Read our attendant role guide for each stage of the trip.
Sources
- Government of India e-Visa portal: e-Medical and e-Medical Attendant visas
- TravelHealthPro (UK Health Security Agency, NaTHNaC): Travelling for treatment
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.