India
Ukraine
Why patients from Ukraine travel abroad for treatment
Access to certain advanced medical procedures remains limited across Ukraine, and this gap becomes most apparent in complex areas such as oncology, cardiac surgery, organ transplants, and specialised interventional care. Patients facing these needs often find that the specific treatment they require — whether a multi-stage cancer protocol, a paediatric heart procedure, or a solid-organ transplant — is simply not available at the required level of expertise or frequency in their home country. Availability, rather than preference, is what drives most Ukrainian patients to look abroad.
India has become a practical and credible destination for this kind of care. Its hospitals offer internationally trained specialists, contemporary surgical and diagnostic technology, and treatment pathways that cover nearly every major discipline. Treatment costs in India are substantially lower than in Western Europe, the United States, or even many Middle Eastern countries, making the journey financially feasible for patients and their families. Importantly, the medical infrastructure in India is built to receive international patients, with dedicated international patient services, multilingual coordinators, and clear processes from initial inquiry through to discharge — reducing the anxiety of planning care so far from home.
India is increasingly being trusted for medical care
India & Ukraine: a friendship that extends to healthcare
India and Ukraine share a healthcare partnership built over three decades. Under India's Vaccine Maitri initiative, Ukraine launched its COVID-19 vaccination drive the day after receiving 500,000 doses of Covishield vaccine gifted by India in 2021. As the conflict deepened from 2022, India dispatched over 16 consignments of humanitarian aid — medicines, medical equipment, and Hepatitis C treatments — directly to Ukraine's Ministry of Health. In August 2024, Prime Minister Modi presented four BHISHM Cubes (each capable of handling ~200 emergency cases) to the Ukrainian government, with Indian experts deployed on-site to train Ukrainian operators. Indian pharmaceutical companies have donated more than US $10 million in medical aid and financial assistance, and have even established an Indian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Association in Ukraine. A dedicated Joint Working Group on Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals operates under the bilateral Intergovernmental Commission, and a landmark MoU on Medical Products Regulation was signed between India's Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ukraine's State Service on Medicines and Drugs Control in August 2024 — with Ukraine formally acknowledging India as “an assured source for the supply of cost effective and quality medicines.”
People-to-people ties reinforce this medical bond: approximately 2,000 Indian students are enrolled at Ukrainian universities, while Indian pharmaceutical professionals are a recognised presence in the Ukrainian market. For a Ukrainian patient considering treatment in India, this relationship means real familiarity — Indian medicines already line Ukrainian hospital shelves, Indian medical protocols are known to Ukrainian clinicians, and the two governments have institutionalised the pathway for ongoing health cooperation.
Sources: India–Ukraine Bilateral Brief, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India (mea.gov.in, June 2024 edition); India–Ukraine Joint Statement on the Visit of Prime Minister of India to Ukraine, PMIndia / MEA (23 August 2024); Embassy of India, Kyiv — Press Releases on humanitarian aid consignments, including 16th consignment (February 2024) and Hepatitis C medicines handover (2026); India–Ukraine Bilateral Relations brief, MEA (November 2022).
Specialties for which patients generally travel to India
Heart treatment leads the corridor — across Cardiology, patients from Ukraine most often travel for Coronary Angioplasty & Stenting, Pacemaker Implantation and TAVI / TAVR.
Fertility & women's health is another major draw: Infertility & IVF, with Donor Egg IVF, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) and IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) Treatment among the most sought treatments.
Many patients also come for Cancer care — Medical Oncology — particularly Cancer Immunotherapy, CAR-T Cell Therapy and Targeted Therapy for Cancer.
Brain, spine & nerve care (Neurosurgery) is also among the care patients from Ukraine commonly seek in India.
Bone & joint care is another major draw: Orthopedics, with Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement Surgery among the most sought treatments.
Spine Surgery also brings patients from Ukraine to India, most commonly for Spinal Fusion Surgery.
Popular Hospitals for Ukraine patients in India
Accredited partner hospitals — specialties, doctors, facilities and accreditations. →
Medical visa from Ukraine to India
Visa requirements for Ukrainian travellers are set by the Government of India and change from time to time. Rather than publish a procedure that may be out of date, we point you to the official source and confirm your position with you personally.
Check the official Indian government portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in — it is the only authorised site, and no third party can issue an Indian visa on your behalf.
Tell us you are travelling from Ukraine and we will confirm what applies to you, what documents you need and what it costs — usually the same day you ask. Whichever route applies, we arrange the hospital invitation letter free of charge and guide you through the paperwork.
What to bring
- Medical reports & scans — all recent reports, imaging (on disc or drive), prescriptions and discharge summaries, ideally also as digital copies;
- Passport & photos — valid at least 6 months beyond arrival, plus a few passport-size photographs;
- Current medicines — in original packaging, with the prescriptions that cover them;
- A letter from your local doctor — diagnosis and treatment history, if available;
- Payment — an internationally enabled card and/or US dollars; hospitals accept both, and our team advises on the best way to pay;
- Comfortable clothing — loose, layered clothes for hospital stays and recovery;
- Travel documents & hospital papers — your passport, any visa or entry documents that apply to your nationality, and the hospital invitation letter;
- Your companion's documents — passport, photographs and their own travel documents.
Getting to India from Ukraine
Patients travelling from Ukraine to India will typically connect through one or more hub airports, as direct services are not commonly available. Major routing points include Istanbul, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, all of which have strong onward connections to India's main arrival cities. No direct flights from Ukraine to India operate as of 2025–2026; all itineraries require at least one connection, typically via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Dubai (Emirates or flydubai), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), or Doha (Qatar Airways), with total journey times generally in the range of approximately 12 to 16 hours depending on the routing and layover duration. Travellers departing from Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, or Lviv should confirm the most convenient international departure point given current schedules.
The most common arrival airports in India for medical travellers are Delhi (Indira Gandhi International), Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International), Chennai, and Bengaluru, depending on where treatment will take place. Ginger Healthcare arranges airport pick-up, transfers to the hospital, and accommodation logistics, so patients and their companions are met and guided from the moment they land.
Live prices from real airline searches — compare dates, airlines and stopovers before you budget. Opens in a new tab. See routes & fares →
Planning the cost of treatment in India
Planning a medical trip to India involves more than the treatment itself. Understanding the full picture of costs ahead of time helps patients and families make confident, informed decisions and avoids unwelcome surprises once they are far from home.
- Treatment cost: Varies depending on the diagnosis, the specific procedure, the hospital chosen, and the treating doctor's seniority and specialisation.
- Visa fees: Whatever visa applies to your nationality carries a government fee, plus a small bank processing charge. We confirm the current route and fee with you before you apply — see the visa section below.
Because these components add up in ways that are difficult to estimate without specialist knowledge, Ginger Healthcare built a first-of-its-kind Medical Tourism Cost Calculator — giving a tentative estimate of the complete cost covering treatment, visa, travel fare and stay, all in one place. Dedicated counsellors are available round the clock to walk through the numbers and answer any questions that arise.
Treatment + visa + travel fare + stay — one tentative estimate, free. Estimate now →
Frequently asked questions — Ukraine
How much does it cost overall to travel to India for treatment?
The total cost depends on your diagnosis, the procedure required, your choice of hospital, how long you stay, and the accommodation standard you prefer. Economy round-trip airfare from the region typically falls between $300 and $500, and accommodation near the hospital ranges from around $25 to $90 per night. Ginger Healthcare's Medical Tourism Cost Calculator brings all of these elements together into one estimate so you can plan ahead without guesswork.
Will I face a language barrier in Indian hospitals?
Medical staff at internationally oriented Indian hospitals communicate in English, and Ginger Healthcare's coordinators are available to help bridge any communication gaps throughout your treatment journey. Many hospitals also have dedicated international patient departments accustomed to supporting patients from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
What happens when I arrive in India?
Ginger Healthcare arranges airport pick-up and transfers to your hospital or accommodation, so you are met on arrival and guided through the process. You will not need to navigate an unfamiliar city alone after a long journey.
Google Reviews
What patients say about treatment in India & experience with us
Mironela Nebel“We came from Germany for treatment at BLK-Max Hospital, and our experience has been excellent from start to finish. A special thanks to Emad Hussain for his outstanding support, coordination, and care throughout our entire journey. He was always available, professional, and made everything smooth and stress-free. We would also like to thank Anushka for her kind support and excellent assistance. We truly appreciate everything the team has done for us. We highly recommend their services to anyone planning to come to India for medical treatment. They are trustworthy, reliable, and genuinely care about their patients. Thank you so much for everything!”
Helena Garrigos Martin “Very nice experience with Emad and Anushka , they guided me through the whole process and medical consultations! I recommend Ginger Healthcare with no doubt”
Amondeep Mandiar “I can honestly say that my experience seeking treatment abroad was nothing short of exceptional, and it really highlighted just how disappointing my experience with the NHS had been in comparison. After facing long delays, lack of clear communication, and a general feeling of being overlooked in the UK system, making the decision to travel overseas for care felt like a last resort—but it turned out to be the best decision I could have made. From the moment we arrived, everything was handled with a level of professionalism and efficiency that immediately put me at ease. The hospital itself was spotless, modern, and incredibly well-organised. There was no sense of chaos or long waiting around; every appointment, test, and consultation was arranged promptly and ran exactly on time. It felt like the entire system was built around patient care and comfort, rather than patients having to fit into an overstretched system. The medical team were outstanding. Every doctor and nurse I interacted with took the time to listen carefully, explain things clearly, and make sure I fully understood my treatment plan. I never once felt rushed or dismissed. Instead, I felt genuinely cared for and respected, which made a huge difference during what was already a stressful time. One of the standout parts of the entire experience was the support we received from Natasha, our international client coordinator. From the very beginning, she went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly. She organised appointments, helped with paperwork, arranged transport, and was always available whenever we had questions or concerns. Her communication was excellent, and she made what could have been a very overwhelming experience feel simple and manageable. Natasha didn’t just do her job—she genuinely cared. She checked in on us regularly, made sure we were comfortable, and provided reassurance every step of the way. Having someone like her there made a huge difference, especially being in a foreign country where things can easily feel unfamiliar or stressful. Overall, the level of care, attention, and efficiency we experienced abroad was on a completely different level. It’s frustrating to say, but the contrast with the NHS was stark. Where we had previously faced delays and uncertainty, we instead found clarity, speed, and genuine compassion. I would highly recommend this hospital to anyone considering treatment abroad. The quality of care, combined with the incredible support from staff like Natasha, made what could have been a difficult experience into a very positive one. I’m truly grateful for the care I received and wouldn’t hesitate to make the same decision again if needed.”
Hakeem Rasully“Hi I just wanted to share my sincere appreciation for the outstanding experience I had. Everything exceeded my expectations, and I am especially grateful to Mr. Emad Hussain and Anushka . They took exceptional care of me throughout my time there, always ensuring I was comfortable and well looked after. Their support meant so much. I will absolutely recommend your services to everyone I know. Thank you once again for such a wonderful experience.”
Ana Maria Ghimbulut“Amazon experience all day at the hospital under caring fii dance and patience. Very help full and kind staff ready to help all the time.”
Maidul Islam“I extremely grateful for the Ginger Healthcare team. They helped me including airport-hotel transport, in the hospital registration, etc I want to sincerely thank you for the wonderful support throughout my medical journey in India.”