Why India Is the Best Destination for Heart Surgery (2026 Updated Guide)
With the passage of time, heart surgery in India has become highly specialised, gaining the attention of international patients for the treatment of cardiac diseases. India has become a better alternative to countries like the UK and the USA, especially when patients there are unable to get timely appointments for their treatment.
Medical tourists can receive complete treatment without waiting in long queues for appointments. In India, they are also able to get high-quality treatment at an affordable cost. Several reasons have made India a growing hub for advanced cardiac treatment.
Why Is India the Top Choice for Heart Surgery?
The question arises: why is India a top choice for heart surgery among international patients? This is because of several reasons.
1. Highly Experienced, Globally Trained Cardiac Surgeons
- Firstly, patients receive personalised treatment from highly specialised cardiac surgeons in India. These surgeons possess high international qualifications and certifications.
- Many of them have extensive experience in performing high-volume and successful cardiac surgeries.
- Several Indian surgeons are also recognised by world-renowned medical institutions for their excellence in surgery.
2. Advanced Heart Care Technology & Modern Hospitals
- Secondly, the treatment is provided in well-equipped hospitals that use advanced technology for diagnosis and care. Patients receive comfortable facilities along with 24-hour care and support from trained medical staff.
- The surgeries are performed using modern techniques and advanced medical equipment, ensuring better outcomes and patient safety.
- Robotic technology is used for treatment through minimally invasive options, which helps patients recover faster.
- Advanced modern cath labs are used for performing invasive cardiac surgeries under the guidance of specialised surgeons.
3. High Success Rates Comparable to Western Countries
- Thirdly, the cost of treatment in India is comparatively lower. In the world, India ranks among the top countries for providing cardiac surgical treatment.
- Compared to most Western countries, India has a larger number of successful cardiac surgeries. The success rate of cardiac surgery in India is around 90–95%, whereas in Western countries the success rate is approximately 80–85%.
4. Affordable Heart Surgery Compared to USA & UAE
- The treatment cost of heart surgery in countries like the USA and the UAE is very high. However, the cost of Heart surgery in India is nearly 60–80% lower than in the USA and the UAE, without compromising the quality of treatment.
- India offers advanced treatment with specialised surgeons and modern technology. Therefore, cardiac surgery in India is affordable when compared to the USA and the UAE
5. Faster Treatment, No Waiting Lists
- In India, medical tourists receive advanced facilities and do not need to wait long for doctor appointments. Doctors provide timely appointments, allowing patients to receive personalized treatment without excessive waiting, unlike in countries such as the USA and the UAE.
- In India, treatments are carried out using advanced technology and modern minimally invasive techniques, which help patients recover faster after treatment.
6. International Patient Care Facilities
- Emerge is an online platform that provides complete care facilities for international patients, such as airport pickup and lounge services arranged by the team.
- Travel support is also provided to ensure a comfortable journey.
- For easy communication, language assistance between doctors and patients is provided by the support team.
- The Emerge help desk is available to assist patients with any problems during medical tourism, ensuring that they receive proper treatment.
7. Top Hospitals in India for Cardiac Surgery (General List)
- Several internationally recognised top hospitals in India provide cardiac surgery using advanced technology, such as
- (i) Apollo ( ii) Fortis ( iii) Max (iv) Narayana Health
Types of Heart Surgeries in India
There are several types of Heart surgery in India. The types of surgeries are:
CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery):
In this surgery, a new pathway for blood flow is created to reach the heart. Through this surgery, blood flows smoothly by bypassing the blocked portion of the artery.
Valve Repair or Replacement:
In this surgery, damaged heart valves are either repaired or replaced if they do not open or close properly. This helps maintain proper blood flow to the heart.
Angioplasty and Stent Placement:
In this procedure, narrowed or blocked blood vessels are widened using a balloon, and a stent is placed to keep the artery open. This helps improve smooth blood flow. The surgery protects the patient from heart attacks and reduces chest pain.
Paediatric Heart Surgery:
This surgery is performed on babies and children who have heart defects by birth. Proper treatment helps them grow well and live a healthier life.
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
These treatments are performed using small surgical cuts, without large openings and with minimal blood loss. This type of treatment leaves very small scars and allows faster recovery with less pain.
Cost Comparison – India vs USA vs UAE
Factor | India | USA | UAE |
Appointments | Early and personalised appointments are provided without long waiting lists. | Patients need to wait for a long time due to lengthy waiting lists for appointments. | Appointments are given, but often with delays. |
Cost | Treatment is provided at an affordable price. | The treatment cost is very high. | Treatment costs are high compared to many countries. |
Post-Surgery Care | Advanced nursing care is provided 24×7 at an affordable cost. | Personalised care after surgery is very expensive. | Post-surgery care and services are costly. |
Why Is India Trusted by Overseas Patients?
The high success rate of Heart surgery in India, with modern, well-equipped hospitals in India, along with affordable prices, has attracted a large number of medical tourists to the country for cardiac treatment.
Hospitals in India are accredited by organisations such as JCI and NABH, which help ensure high standards of healthcare and quality treatment. These hospitals provide advanced medical care, where many procedures require minimal surgical intervention. As a result, patients experience faster recovery after surgery, and the length of hospital stay is also significantly reduced.
How to Prepare for Heart Surgery Travel to India
The Overseas patients receive 24×7 services from skilled nursing staff who provide continuous health care before and after treatment. These nursing staff are specially trained to handle medical tourists and can communicate clearly with international patients.
Step 1: Before travelling to India for medical tourism, patients need to prepare several important documents. To help doctors understand the patient’s complete medical history, all medical reports from the home country must be shared with the treating doctor in advance.
Step 2: Patients should carefully check and choose hospitals that use modern technology, have well-trained medical staff, and are accredited by recognised bodies such as JCI and NABH. It is also important to select hospitals where surgeons have performed a large number of successful surgeries.
Step 3: Patients must arrange their medical visa according to the type and duration of treatment planned. Visa requirements should be discussed in advance to ensure a smooth stay in India.
Step 4: Finally, patients need to plan their travel from their home country to India and arrange transportation from the airport to their accommodation. Proper planning of stay and treatment helps ensure a comfortable and successful medical journey.
Step 5: After surgery, recovery must be monitored carefully. Patients need to attend regular check-ups and follow the proper guidance given by the doctor to ensure early and complete recovery.
Conclusion – India’s Strength in Advanced & Affordable Heart Care
Heart surgery in India is ranked as the fourth most specialised country in cardiac treatment. Doctors in India have years of experience and provide advanced, high-level treatment using modern technology. All these treatments are offered at a very advanced and affordable cost and without long waiting periods for appointments.
Therefore, if you are planning for the best Heart care you can go through, Emerge Medical Travel is your trusted partner for seamless medical tourism, connecting you to world-class healthcare and personalised care, at an advanced, affordable price. In India Emerge Medical Travel is one of the best places to receive high-quality treatment.
Reena Tilwani
Reena Kanyo Tilwani is the Head of International Patient Experience at Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA). With a strong clinical and patient-care background, she champions empathy-driven, culturally sensitive healthcare. Her work focuses on improving patient satisfaction, communication, and care quality across global health systems.