Your insurance, the best hospitals, everyday care and the emergency numbers, sorted before you ever need them. India's private hospitals are world-class; the trick is being set up in advance.
India's private hospitals are genuinely world-class, many internationally accredited, with English-speaking doctors and costs a fraction of those at home. The key to a stress-free experience is being set up before you need care: the right insurance, knowing where to go, and the emergency numbers in your phone. Here's all of it, step by step.
112
All emergencies (one number)
108
Free government ambulance
₹15-20L+
Sensible family cover
45+
JCI-accredited hospitals
Do this first
Before you need care, do two things: confirm which nearby hospitals are in your insurer's network (so treatment is cashless), and save your nearest accredited hospital's number + your insurance card/policy number in your phone. Five minutes now saves a stressful hour later.
First, the cover
Insurance & cashless care
Most assignees are covered by an employer or international health policy; many top it up. The thing to understand is cashless treatment, at a network hospital you don't pay large bills upfront. Here's how a cashless claim actually works:
1
Go to a network hospitalShow your insurance card and policy number at the hospital's insurance/TPA desk.
2
They request pre-authorisationThe hospital's desk sends your details and the estimate to your insurer for approval.
3
The insurer approvesApproved costs are settled directly between hospital and insurer, you don't pay them.
4
You settle only the extrasNon-covered items (some consumables, room upgrades) are paid by you at discharge.
For a family using private hospitals, cover of ₹15 to 20 lakh+ is a sensible benchmark. Carry your card; keep the insurer's 24h claims line saved.
Excellent care
Where to get treated
For anything serious, head to a leading private hospital. Groups like Apollo, Fortis, Max, Manipal and Medanta run modern, often JCI/NABH-accredited facilities with English documentation. For everyday issues, a GP or hospital out-patient clinic is quick and inexpensive. Book and find doctors through Apollo 24|7 or Practo.
You'll pay (private, typical)
Cost
GP / specialist consultation
₹500-1,500
Teleconsult
₹200-800
Basic blood panel
₹600-2,000
Private ER admission deposit
₹25,000-1,00,000
Day to day
Everyday health, the easy way
TeleconsultsSee a doctor in minutes on Practo, Apollo 24|7 or 1mg
PharmaciesOn every corner; or delivered fast via PharmEasy & 1mg
Lab tests at homeBlood tests collected from your door, results by app
Keep a small kitYour regular meds + a basic first-aid & tummy kit
If it's urgent
Emergencies
Save these now
112
One number for any emergency, police, fire, medical
108 / 102
Free government ambulance · 102 for maternity
Your hospital
A private hospital's own ambulance is often faster & better-equipped, save its number too
Private ERs may ask for an admission deposit (₹25,000 to 1,00,000) before treatment, your insurance reimburses or settles it cashless. Keep your insurance card and a card/UPI handy, and know your nearest in-network hospital in advance.
Stay well
Before you fly & good to know
Before departure
Why
Travel-clinic visit (4-6 wks out)
Review routine vaccines & destination shots
Hepatitis A & typhoid
Food/water-borne, standard for India
Routine boosters; rabies if relevant
Per your doctor's advice
Drink filtered water
Bottled or filtered only in the first weeks while your stomach adjusts. (See the Setting Up Your Home guide for RO.)
Mind the air (esp. Delhi)
In winter, northern cities get poor air quality, a home purifier and an N95 on bad days help.
Mental health matters
Confidential helplines exist (Vandrevala, iCall). Settling in is a big change, support is available.
Carry your meds
Bring regular prescriptions with a doctor's note; most are available locally, but not all.
Moving with children? The school search runs on its own clock and starts before you fly, see the Schools & Admissions guide.
Your support
How IKAN helps
We point you to the best accredited hospitals near your home and office
We help you understand your insurance and which hospitals are in-network
We set you up with teleconsult & pharmacy apps and a trusted GP
We give you a ready emergency card, numbers, hospital, insurer, for the fridge
Healthcare · quick checklist
Get your vaccinations before you fly
Carry your insurance card & know your cover
Identify your nearest in-network hospital & save its number
Install Practo / Apollo 24|7 / 1mg for care & medicines
Save 112 and 108, and pack your regular medicines
Set up in advance, healthcare here is excellent and easy. We'll make sure you're covered and know exactly where to go. Questions any time.
Where expertise meets empathy, supporting your move to India, every step of the way. General guidance as of 2026, not medical advice; always follow your doctor and insurer, and your consultant will share local specifics for your city.
