Broader insurance coverage for treatment outside a patient’s home country could encourage more international patients to seek care in India, Apollo Hospitals Joint Managing Director Sangita Reddy said in an interview reported on November 9.
Reddy told PTI that insurers could play a larger role by covering and encouraging overseas treatment. She also called for government-led engagement with international insurance companies.
Her comments come as healthcare providers and policymakers consider how insurance, travel access and hospital services shape medical tourism.
Insurance as a factor in treatment decisions
Patients weighing treatment abroad may consider medical expertise, cost, travel time and continuity of care. Insurance coverage can affect whether overseas treatment is financially realistic, particularly for procedures that require follow-up visits or extended stays.
Reddy said that international coverage could make treatment in India more affordable for some patients. She also noted that non-resident Indians already make up a significant share of patients seeking care in the country.
The proposal would require cooperation among insurers, governments, hospitals and patients. Coverage rules vary between policies and markets, and a treatment being available in another country does not automatically mean an insurer will pay for it.
Market figures are projections
The Economic Times report cites estimates that the global medical travel market was valued at about $115.6 billion in 2022 and could reach around $286.1 billion by 2030. It also cites government figures projecting India’s medical tourism market could rise from about $8.7 billion in 2025 to $16.2 billion by 2030.
These are projections, not guaranteed outcomes. Actual growth would depend on factors including healthcare quality, patient experience, travel logistics, insurance rules and the ability to provide follow-up care after patients return home.
Competition between destinations is also likely to remain strong. Countries seeking medical travellers need to build trust in clinical standards and make it easier for patients to understand the costs and process before they travel.
Preventive health and early detection
Reddy also discussed preventive health checks and the role of technology in healthcare. She said Apollo conducted more than four million preventive check-ups in 2025.
The aim of preventive care is to identify health risks earlier and follow a person’s condition over time. Reddy described it as broader than a single test, with a focus on looking at overall health and supporting early detection.
She also said artificial intelligence could help identify symptoms and support more informed health decisions. Those possibilities depend on how tools are designed, validated and used by clinicians. AI systems do not replace medical professionals, and their usefulness depends on the quality of information available to them.
What could shape the sector
For medical tourism to grow sustainably, patients need confidence not only in treatment but also in communication, pricing and aftercare. International insurance arrangements could help some people manage costs, but they would need clear rules about eligible treatments, providers and claims.
India’s established hospitals and relatively broad range of services may attract patients from abroad. Expanding access will also require coordination across healthcare and travel systems, along with reliable information for patients deciding where to receive care.
Reddy’s comments put insurance access at the centre of that discussion. Whether it leads to a substantial increase in patient numbers will depend on how insurers and governments respond.