Chennai, often called the ‘Health Capital of India’, is a top destination for medical tourism due to its world-class hospitals, affordable treatments, and English-speaking staff. As a Bangladeshi citizen, you can access high-quality care at a fraction of Western costs, often 70-80% less, while benefiting from direct flights and streamlined visa processes.

This guide uses verified sources like the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, official airline schedules, CDC health advisories, and hospital websites. All data is current as of November 20, 2025. Always verify with official contacts for your specific case, as requirements can change.

Step 1: Choose a hospital and book an appointment

Start by selecting a hospital specializing in your condition. Chennai's top facilities cater to international patients with dedicated coordinators for visas, travel, and translation (often in Bengali).

Recommended hospitals for international patients

How to book?

Email or call for a free consultation. Provide medical reports (scans, history). Hospitals issue a formal invitation letter (essential for visa) within 24-48 hours. Use teleconsultation for initial advice (INR 1,000-2,000/~TK 1,400-2,800). Costs: Diagnostics INR 5,000-20,000 (~TK 7,000-28,000); major surgery INR 2-10 lakhs (~TK 2.8-14 lakhs).

Step 2: Apply for a medical visa

Bangladeshi citizens need a Medical Visa (M-Visa) for treatment. It's free from the Government of India but incurs a BDT 1,500 service fee at IVAC. No e-Visa option for medical purposes—apply via regular process. Valid for up to 1 year with multiple entries (3 max), extendable by FRRO in India.

Eligibility: Confirmed hospital appointment; treatment at recognized facilities only (all listed above qualify).

Required documents (from High Commission of India, Dhaka)

Application Process

1.      Fill online form at indianvisaonline.gov.in (select "Medical Visa").

2.      Book appointment at nearest IVAC (Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, or Khulna) via ivacbd.com. Limited slots for medical, so apply early.

3.      Submit documents in person (no agents; self-submission advised).

4.      Processing: 3-5 working days (urgent: 1-2 days for emergencies).

5.      Collect passport with visa from IVAC.

Tips: Hospitals like Apollo provide visa guidance. Track status on IVAC site. Rejection rate low (~5%) if documents complete.

Step 3: Book flights and travel insurance

Direct Flights: Daily non-stop options from Dhaka (DAC) to Chennai (MAA), ~2.5 hours. Airlines: Biman Bangladesh (national carrier, reliable), IndiGo, Air India.

Sample Schedule & Fares (November 2025, one-way; round-trip ~20% less)

Booking: Use skyscanner.net or airline sites for deals. Add medical priority boarding if needed. Baggage: 20-30kg free + medical allowance.

Total Travel Cost: Round-trip TK 20,000-30,000/person; group discounts available.

Travel Insurance: Mandatory for visa. Covers medical evacuation, trip cancellation (₹5,000-10,000 premium/~BDT 7,000-14,000 for 30 days). Providers: ICICI Lombard or local like Green Delta. Excludes pre-existing conditions unless specified.

Step 4: Health and pre-departure requirements

No COVID restrictions as of 2025, but follow CDC guidelines:

·         Vaccines: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid (mandatory for India travel); Rabies/Polio if high-risk. Get 4-6 weeks before.

·         Other: Malaria prophylaxis if rural stay; no Yellow Fever (Bangladesh not endemic).

·         Customs: Declare medicines; carry prescriptions. Hospitals provide import letters for devices.

·         Exchange Rate: TK 1 ≈ INR 0.72 (carry INR cash/cards; ATMs at airport).

Checklist:

·         Passport/Visa copies (digital + print).

·         Medical reports, insurance docs.

·         Emergency contacts (hospital + embassy: +91-44-2434-0800).

Step 5: Arrival in Chennai

·         Airport: Chennai International (MAA), modern with medical lounges.

·         Immigration: Present visa + hospital letter; ~10-15 min process.

·         Transport to Hospital: 18-20 km to central Chennai (e.g., Apollo Greams Road)

Hospitals offer SIM cards (INR 200/~TK 280 for data).

Step 6: Accommodation and local transport

Stay near your hospital for convenience. Options for medical tourists:

·         Hospital-Attached: Apollo Guest Houses (INR 3,000-5,000/night/~TK 4,200-7,000; includes meals).

·         Hotels: Taj Club (near Apollo, INR 6,000/~TK 8,400); budget: Treebo (INR 2,000/~BDT 2,800).

·         Serviced Apartments: Hanu Reddy (INR 4,000/night; kitchens, laundry; near Gleneagles).

·         Local Transport: Ola/Uber (INR 10/km); Chennai Metro (INR 50/trip); auto-rickshaws (INR 20/km). Hospitals provide shuttles. Food: Hospital cafeterias (halal/Bengali options); street food cautious.

Step 7: During treatment and support

·         Hospitals have 24/7 international desks for queries.

·         Attendants: Medical Attendant Visa (same process) for family.

·         Costs: Daily stay INR 5,000-15,000 (~TK 7,000-21,000); meds 20% cheaper than Bangladesh.

·         Embassy Support: High Commission of India, Chennai (+91-44-2852-4400) for emergencies.

Step 8: Return Journey

·         Post-treatment: Get discharge summary + fitness certificate for visa extension if needed.

·         Flights: Same as inbound; hospitals assist rebooking.

·         Re-entry to Bangladesh: No quarantine; declare valuables.

 Overall Estimated Costs (for 1 patient + 1 attendant, 10-day stay; excludes treatment)

For personalized help, contact hospital coordinators or agents like Bangla Health Connect (banglahealthconnect.com).

Safe travels!