Planning to travel to India for medical treatment? You’ll need to complete a medical test for visa approval before you can begin your healthcare journey. Whether you’re seeking specialized surgery, cancer treatment, or organ transplant services, understanding the visa medical process can save you valuable time and reduce stress during an already challenging period.
For Sri Lankan patients heading to India for treatment, the medical visa process is designed specifically for healthcare travelers. The requirements are straightforward, but getting them right the first time means you can focus on what truly matters: your health and recovery.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about medical tests for Indian visa applications, including where to get tested in Sri Lanka, what documents you’ll need, and how to navigate the process smoothly.
Why Indian Medical Visas Require Health Screening
India requires a medical test for visa applications to ensure travelers are fit for the journey and don’t pose public health risks. For medical visa applicants, these tests also help Indian hospitals prepare for your arrival and treatment plan.
The good news is that the screening process in Sri Lanka is well-established, with several approved facilities that understand the specific needs of patients traveling for medical care.
Where to Get Medical Test for Visa in Sri Lanka
If you’re applying for a medical visa to India from Sri Lanka, you have a few options for completing your health screening:
IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre, Colombo
Located in Colombo 7, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) handles medical examinations for various visa categories. While they primarily focus on migration visas, they can also conduct tests required for medical travel documentation.
Asiri Surgical Hospital
This hospital in Colombo is recognized for conducting visa medical examinations and provides comprehensive health screening services. They’re familiar with Indian medical visa requirements and can guide you through the necessary tests.
Durdans Hospital
Another trusted option in Colombo that offers visa medical services. They maintain high standards and provide quick turnaround times for test results.
For patients seeking treatment at private hospitals in India, these local facilities can coordinate with Indian healthcare institutions to ensure all necessary documentation is properly prepared.
Medical Test Requirements for Indian Medical Visa
The medical test requirements for an Indian medical visa are less stringent than migration visas, but they still cover essential health markers. Here’s what you can typically expect:
General Physical Examination
A doctor will check your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and overall physical condition. This assessment helps determine if you’re fit to travel and undergo medical procedures in India.
Chest X-ray
Required to screen for tuberculosis and other respiratory conditions. This is standard for most visa categories and helps Indian medical facilities understand your lung health before treatment.
Blood Tests
Basic blood work typically includes HIV screening and sometimes checks for Hepatitis B and C. These tests protect both you and healthcare workers during your treatment in India.
Medical History Review
You’ll need to provide details about your current condition, previous surgeries, ongoing medications, and any chronic illnesses. Being thorough and honest here is crucial for your safety during treatment abroad.
Unlike the more comprehensive medical examination for Australian visa in Sri Lanka, the Indian medical visa process focuses specifically on tests relevant to your planned treatment and travel fitness.
Documents Required for Medical Test for Visa Appointment
Preparation is key to a smooth medical test for visa appointment. Make sure you have these items ready:
Your original passport with at least six months validity
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Visa appointment confirmation or reference letter from the Indian High Commission
Medical reports related to your condition (diagnosis, doctor’s recommendations, test results)
Invitation letter from the Indian hospital where you’ll receive treatment
Previous medical and vaccination records if available
Payment for the medical examination fee
Having everything organized in advance prevents delays and ensures your results reach the Indian authorities on time.
Step-by-Step Medical Test for Visa Process
Here’s how your medical test for Australian visa in Sri Lanka appointment typically unfolds, though the process is similar for Indian medical visas:
Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment
Contact your chosen medical facility and book an appointment. Mention that you need a medical test for visa purposes for travel to India. Book early because popular clinics can have waiting periods of one to two weeks.
Step 2: Arrive Prepared
Get to the clinic on time with all your documents. Most facilities don’t allow companions inside the examination area, so be prepared to go through the process independently.
Step 3: Registration and Payment
You’ll register at the reception, submit your documents, and pay the examination fee. Costs vary depending on the facility and the specific tests required, but typically range from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000.
Step 4: Medical Examination
The physical exam usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The doctor will review your medical history, check your vitals, and ask about your planned treatment in India.
Step 5: Diagnostic Tests
After the physical exam, you’ll move to the radiology department for your chest X-ray and then to the laboratory for blood tests. The entire process usually takes two to three hours from start to finish.
Step 6: Results and Documentation
Most facilities provide results within three to five working days. Some tests like X-rays may be available sooner, while blood work might take a bit longer. Your results will be compiled into a sealed medical report.
Important: Never open the sealed envelope if it’s marked for direct submission to the Indian High Commission. Opening it can invalidate your results.
Special Considerations for Medical Travelers to India
If you’re traveling to India specifically for treatment, there are additional things to keep in mind:
Treatment Documentation
The Indian High Commission will want to see proof of your medical appointment. This usually comes in the form of an invitation letter from Amrita Hospital India or whichever facility will be treating you. This letter should specify your diagnosis, planned treatment, and estimated duration of stay.
Financial Proof
You’ll need to show that you can afford both the medical treatment and your stay in India. Bank statements, proof of medical insurance, or sponsorship letters may be required.
Companion Visa
If a family member or caregiver is traveling with you, they’ll need to apply for an attendant visa. They may also need to complete a medical test for visa clearance, though requirements are usually less comprehensive than for the patient.
Validity Period
Medical visas are typically granted for the duration of treatment plus a reasonable buffer period. Make sure your medical test results are recent, most are valid for six months but check specific requirements with the Indian High Commission.
Common Medical Test for Visa Concerns and Solutions
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
Be completely transparent about your health status. The purpose of traveling to India is to receive treatment, so disclosing your condition won’t hurt your application. In fact, hiding medical issues can lead to complications during treatment or visa rejection.
Do I need to fast before the medical exam?
Generally, no. Unless your clinic specifically instructs you to fast for certain blood tests, you can eat and drink normally before your appointment.
How quickly can I get results?
Standard turnaround is three to five working days. If you’re in a hurry, some clinics offer expedited services for an additional fee. Always plan for potential delays and don’t book your travel until you have your medical clearance.
What if something shows up in my tests?
If the medical examination reveals any health concerns, the examining physician will discuss them with you. Minor issues rarely affect medical visa approval, especially since you’re traveling specifically for healthcare. However, you may need additional documentation from your Sri Lankan doctor or the Indian hospital.
How Amrita Info Centre Helps with Medical Test for Visa Process
Navigating medical travel from Sri Lanka to India involves more than just passing a medical test for visa approval. At Amrita Info Centre, we specialize in making this entire process seamless for Sri Lankan patients.
We can help you with:
Hospital Coordination: Direct connections with best hospitals in India including Amrita Hospital, ensuring you get appointments with the right specialists for your condition.
Visa Documentation Support: Guidance on compiling all necessary paperwork, including medical reports, treatment plans, and invitation letters that strengthen your visa application.
Medical Travel Assistance: From booking flights and accommodation near the hospital to arranging local transportation and language support in India.
Pre-Travel Health Planning: Coordinating with both your Sri Lankan doctors and Indian specialists to ensure continuity of care and proper preparation for treatment.
Post-Treatment Follow-up: Helping arrange follow-up consultations, medication supplies, and continued care coordination after you return to Sri Lanka.
Our team understands the medical visa process inside and out. We’ve helped hundreds of Sri Lankan patients successfully obtain their visas and receive world-class treatment in India.
Tips for Smooth Medical Examination for Australian Visa in Sri Lanka (and Indian Visas)
Based on our experience helping Sri Lankan patients, here are some practical tips:
Start early. Begin the visa process at least four to six weeks before your planned treatment date. This gives you buffer time for any unexpected delays.
Keep copies of everything. Make photocopies and digital scans of all your documents, medical reports, test results, and visa paperwork.
Stay organized. Use a folder or file to keep all visa-related documents together. You’ll reference them multiple times throughout the process.
Communicate with your Indian hospital. Stay in touch with the international patient coordinator at your chosen hospital. They can provide updated invitation letters and treatment schedules as needed.
Check your passport expiry. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date from India.
Update your vaccinations. While not always mandatory, having current vaccinations for diseases like Hepatitis A and Typhoid is smart when traveling for medical treatment.
Plan for contingencies. Medical treatment timelines can change. Make sure your visa allows enough time for potential treatment extensions or recovery periods.
Medical Visa vs Tourist Visa for India Treatment
Some patients wonder if they can simply use a tourist visa for medical treatment in India. While technically possible for very minor procedures or consultations, a medical visa offers several advantages:
Longer validity periods (up to one year with multiple entries)
Easier extension process if treatment takes longer than expected
Allows for a companion/attendant visa
Demonstrates clear purpose of travel, which can smooth immigration entry
Shows Indian hospitals that you’re a legitimate medical patient
For any significant medical procedure, surgery, or ongoing treatment, a medical visa is the appropriate and recommended choice.
After Medical Test for Visa: Submitting Your Application
Once you’ve completed your medical test for visa and received your sealed results, here’s what happens next:
Submit to the Indian High Commission: Take your sealed medical report along with your completed visa application, passport, photographs, hospital invitation letter, and other required documents to the Indian High Commission in Colombo.
Pay the visa fee: Medical visa fees are typically lower than other visa categories. Current fees can be confirmed at the Indian High Commission website or by calling their visa section.
Wait for processing: Standard processing time is usually five to seven working days, though this can vary during peak seasons.
Collect your passport: Once approved, you’ll receive your passport with the medical visa stamp. Double-check all details including the validity dates and number of entries allowed.
Confirm travel arrangements: With your visa secured, you can confidently book your flights and accommodation. We recommend arriving in India at least one day before your hospital appointment to account for travel fatigue.
Why Choose India for Medical Treatment After Your Medical Test for Visa
Sri Lankan patients increasingly choose India for medical care, and for good reason. Private hospitals in India offer advanced treatments often unavailable or prohibitively expensive in Sri Lanka. Facilities like Amrita Hospital India provide world-class care with internationally trained specialists, cutting-edge technology, and significantly lower costs compared to Western countries.
The medical test for visa process, while requiring some preparation, is a small step toward accessing this excellent healthcare. With proper guidance and support, Sri Lankan patients find the entire experience manageable and worthwhile.
Start Your Medical Journey with Proper Medical Test for Visa Preparation
Getting through the medical test for visa requirements doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right information, proper preparation, and support from experienced guides like Amrita Info Centre, you can navigate this process smoothly and focus your energy on what matters most: getting the treatment you need.
We’ve walked hundreds of Sri Lankan families through this exact journey. From the initial medical examination for Australian visa in Sri Lanka process (or in this case, for India) to post-treatment follow-up back home, we’re with you every step of the way.
Your health is too important to leave to chance. Let us handle the logistics, documentation, and coordination so you can concentrate on healing and recovery.
If you’re considering medical treatment in India and need guidance on the visa process, medical test requirements, or hospital selection, reach out to Amrita Info Centre today. We’re here to make your medical journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.