Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 108 (ambulance), 102 (pregnancy), or 112 (unified emergency — rolling out nationally). Response times are highly variable. Private hospitals (Apollo, Fortis, Max) offer faster, better-equipped emergency care — head to the nearest private ER if possible. Some private hospitals may ask for a deposit before treatment.
Response time: 10-30 minutes in metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore), 30-60+ minutes in tier-2 cities, unreliable in rural areas
Cost: Public ER: free but basic and overcrowded. Private ER: ₹2,000-20,000+ ($25-250+). Private hospital stay: ₹5,000-50,000+/day ($60-600+). Private ambulance: ₹2,000-10,000 ($25-120).
Healthcare System
India has a massive private healthcare sector alongside an underfunded public system. Private hospitals (Apollo, Fortis, Max, Medanta) offer world-class care at a fraction of Western prices — India is a top medical tourism destination. However, quality is dangerously variable: top private hospitals rival the best globally, while rural public facilities face severe equipment shortages, overcrowding, and staffing issues. For visitors, private healthcare in major cities is the only safe option.
Designed for: Residents with public or private coverage. Ayushman Bharat covers 500M+ low-income citizens.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in or appointment at private clinics and hospitals. No registration needed. Government hospitals technically open to all but extremely crowded. Online platforms (Practo, 1mg) for booking private appointments.
Typical wait: Private clinic: same-day, 15-30 min wait. Private hospital OPD: 1-3 hours. Government hospital: 3-8+ hours.
Availability: Abundant private clinics in all major cities. Use Practo app to find and book doctors with ratings and reviews. Good English-speaking doctors in metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad). Very limited quality healthcare in rural areas.
GP Visit
Private GP: ₹300-1,500 ($4-18)
Private GP
₹300-1,500 ($4-18) per consultation. Specialist: ₹500-3,000 ($6-36). Private hospital package rates available.
ER Without Insurance
Public: free but basic. Private ER: ₹5,000-50,000+ ($60-600+). Private hospital stay: ₹5,000-50,000+/day. Major surgery at top private hospital: ₹2-15 lakh ($2,500-18,000).
Medication
Medications are extremely affordable — India is the "pharmacy of the world." Generic drugs cost a fraction of Western prices. Quality varies — buy ONLY from hospital pharmacies or reputable chains (Apollo Pharmacy, MedPlus, Netmeds). BEWARE of counterfeit medications from unverified sources.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Most open 9am–9pm daily. 24-hour pharmacies common in cities and near hospitals. Apollo Pharmacy, MedPlus, and Wellness Forever chains are reliable.
OTC: Very wide OTC availability — many antibiotics, painkillers, and medications sold without prescription at local pharmacies. Always check expiry dates and buy from established chains. Online ordering via 1mg, PharmEasy, and Netmeds apps.
Controlled substances: Narcotic and psychotropic substances strictly regulated under NDPS Act. Penalties for possession are severe. Carry prescriptions and a doctor's letter for any controlled medication. Some common Western medications may not be available — bring adequate personal supply.
Practical Tips
- Stick to JCI-accredited private hospitals: Apollo, Fortis, Max, Medanta, Manipal, Narayana Health
- Download Practo app to find doctors, read reviews, and book appointments online
- Carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover — essential for rural travel
- Bottled water only — avoid tap water, ice, and uncooked street food
- Keep prescription copies with generic drug names (Indian pharmacies may not recognise Western brand names)
- Medical visa is available if travelling specifically for treatment — includes companion visa for an attendant
What are the emergency numbers in India?
The unified emergency number is 112. Police: 100, Ambulance: 102, Fire: 101. The 112 number is being rolled out nationwide but coverage varies — in remote areas, use the individual numbers.
Is tap water safe to drink in India?
No. Never drink tap water in India, even in cities. Use sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks unless at a trusted restaurant. Bottled water costs ₹20–40 ($0.25–$0.50).
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Sources: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare India, WHO India, CDC Travelers Health 2025, National Health Authority (Ayushman Bharat), Medical Tourism Corporation
Last reviewed: March 2026 by Gewardz Health
Further Reading
Travelling in India: Healthcare, Costs & Staying Safe
Water safety, food hygiene, vaccination requirements, and navigating Indian hospitals.
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