Questions to ask, on one page

The key questions to ask a hospital in India before you book, grouped on one page: diagnosis, team, accreditation, estimate, stay, travel and follow-up.

Infographic

By Nikhil Sharma, Founder · Updated · How we write and check

Before you agree to treatment in India, ask questions in seven areas: the diagnosis and plan, the team, accreditation, the written estimate, the length of stay, fitness to travel and follow-up at home. Keep the answers in writing. They let you compare hospitals fairly and share a clear plan with your own doctor.

IndiaMedicaQuestions to ask, on one page
01Diagnosis and planWhat do you recommend, why, and what are the alternatives, including no treatment?
02The teamWhich specialists will treat me and who is my contact if something changes?
03AccreditationIs the hospital NABH or JCI accredited, and where can I check it?
04Written estimateWhat does the estimate include and exclude, and what could change the final bill?
05Length of stayHow long might I be in hospital and near the hospital after discharge?
06Fitness to travelWho decides when I can fly, and what will that depend on?
07Follow-up at homeWhat follow-up do I need and can it be done by teleconsultation?
A seven-tile grid of question areas to ask a hospital before treatment: plan, team, accreditation, estimate, stay, travel and follow-up.

Why ask questions in writing?

Written answers can be compared side by side. IndiaMedica returns each hospital’s opinion with the recommended treatment, alternatives, the team involved and the expected length of stay. Its cost estimates show what is and is not included. Questions fill the gaps that matter to you.

How do you check accreditation answers?

Do not rely on a logo. NABH publishes a public directory of accredited healthcare organisations on nabh.co. IndiaMedica shows an accreditation badge only with a link to its source and the date it was checked. It hides badges older than twelve months until they are re-checked.

What about the estimate and the stay?

Estimates are the hospitals’ own. The final bill depends on your treatment and recovery. Ask what would change it: a longer stay, extra tests, a different implant or intensive care. Ask how long you may need to stay near the hospital after discharge. Your specialist decides this for your case.

What should you ask about going home?

  • What will be in my discharge summary?
  • Which medicines will I take home and for how long?
  • Who decides that I am fit to fly?
  • Who do I contact with a problem after I return?
  • Can my local doctor speak to the treating team?

Print and take it

Print this page and take it to every consultation, including teleconsultations. Tick each answer as you get it in writing.

Questions people ask

Is it rude to ask so many questions?

No. Hospitals that treat international patients expect questions. Clear answers help you consent with understanding. If a hospital will not answer basic questions in writing, treat that as a warning sign and ask your case manager for help.

Who answers clinical questions?

Your treating specialists answer clinical questions. IndiaMedica is not a hospital and does not give medical advice. A case manager can pass your questions on, chase replies and put the answers in plain language for you.

Sources

General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.

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