Checklist
Plan money for treatment in India in four parts: declare foreign currency above the limit on arrival, agree how the hospital deposit and final bill will be paid, set up a way to pay day to day, and keep every receipt. The Reserve Bank of India allows visitors to bring foreign exchange without limit but requires declaration above set thresholds.
The Reserve Bank of India states that a person coming into India can bring foreign exchange without limit. Amounts above set thresholds must be declared to Customs at the airport on the Currency Declaration Form. Visitors may also bring a limited amount of Indian rupee notes when arriving by air, under RBI rules. For daily spending, NPCI’s UPI One World wallet lets eligible foreign nationals from G20 countries load a UPI wallet against foreign exchange, after KYC with their passport and visa. Unused balance can be encashed in foreign currency or returned to source.
What should you do on arrival?
- Check the current declaration limits on the RBI FAQ before you fly.
- Declare foreign currency above the limit on the Currency Declaration Form at Customs.
- Keep the declaration form with your passport.
- Exchange money only at banks or authorised money changers.
- Keep exchange receipts until you leave India.
How will you pay the hospital?
- Ask the hospital in writing which payment methods it accepts.
- Confirm the admission deposit and when it is due.
- Ask how interim bills are shared during a long stay.
- Ask how and when any unused deposit is refunded.
- Tell your bank about the trip so large card payments are not blocked.
- Check your card’s daily and per-transaction limits.
How will you pay day to day?
- Carry a debit or credit card that works abroad, and a backup card.
- Ask whether you are eligible for UPI One World and where to set it up.
- Keep a modest amount of cash for taxis and small purchases.
- Store card details and bank contacts separately from the cards.
Which records should you keep?
- Every hospital invoice and payment receipt.
- An itemised final bill.
- Receipts for medicines, tests and local consultations.
- Hotel and transport receipts.
- Copies of all documents your insurer or employer may ask for.
What should you do before leaving?
- Settle the final hospital bill and get a ‘no dues’ or paid receipt.
- Confirm any deposit refund in writing.
- Encash or return unused UPI One World balance as NPCI describes.
- Keep your declaration form and exchange receipts for departure.
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Price stays the same
IndiaMedica does not handle your treatment payments. You pay the hospital directly. Partner hospitals pay IndiaMedica a disclosed referral fee, and that fee never changes the price you pay.
Questions people ask
Is there a limit on how much foreign currency I can bring?
The RBI says there is no limit on bringing foreign exchange into India. Amounts above set thresholds must be declared to Customs on arrival using the Currency Declaration Form. Check the current thresholds on the RBI FAQ before you travel.
Can foreign visitors use UPI in India?
NPCI’s UPI One World is available to foreign nationals and NRIs from G20 countries. Issuance needs a passport and valid visa, with KYC completed through an authorised partner. Ask your case manager where to set it up near your hospital.
What if the final bill is higher than the estimate?
Ask the billing team for an itemised bill and a written explanation of each extra charge. Compare it with your estimate and any approvals you gave. Your case manager can help you raise questions before you pay.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.