Once your appointment is scheduled at HCG , preparing the patient is essential to ensure all aspects of the visit are well-organized.
You will first meet one of our cancer specialists through a virtual consultation. This will be a detailed discussion, during which our doctor will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and family’s medical history. You will be asked to share all the medical reports, including your imaging reports (MRI, PET/CT, etc.), histopathology reports, and other test reports, before your online appointment.
Our specialist, along with their team, will carefully review these reports, understand the case thoroughly, and come up with a tentative treatment plan, which will be explained to you during your virtual consultation.
If you are required to visit HCG immediately for additional tests or immediate treatment, the doctor will let you know.
Once you decide to undergo treatment at one of HCG’s cancer hospitals in India, our care officers will help you prepare for your visit, starting from your first in-person appointment to your treatment and follow-up.
Need an expert opinion on your condition? HCG allows you to consult its specialists virtually from the comfort of your home. For an appointment, please click here.
After your in-person appointment has been scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email or message with information such as the date and time and any other specific details related to it.
Ensure you obtain clearance from your local doctor, confirming that you are fit to travel and that it is necessary for you to travel to India for your treatment.
Additionally, for visa applications, a referral or recommendation letter from your local doctor might be required. This letter is often shared with the visa-issuing authorities to expedite the approval process and serve as supporting documentation.
Applying for a medical visa is part of your preparation to visit India for your treatment. It is a must for you to have a medical attendant who can assist you with documentation, care needs, and other formalities.
To apply for a medical visa, you will need to submit a visa invitation letter, which will be provided by the hospital where you will be receiving your treatment. This letter acts as a formal invitation for a foreign patient to travel to this country for their medical treatment. Without this document, a medical visa cannot be issued. We send the visa invitation letter for both the patient and their 1-2 attendants.
Our care officers will assist you with FRRO (Foreigners Registration Regional Office) registration as well.
Once our team generates the visa invitation letter, it will be shared with you for you to apply for a medical visa.
Our care officers will provide you with emergency and medical care numbers you will need when you are visiting HCG for your treatment. We recommend that you keep them with you all the time. This way, we make sure that you are always close to help in the case of emergencies.
If you're traveling to India from any country, proper preparation before your hospital visit is essential. Our care officers will let you know what to carry well in advance, which helps you plan your travel accordingly. Here is a general medical and travel document checklist for your reference:
Once your treatment journey begins, stay in regular contact with your care officer. They will provide updates on your treatment and offer support throughout the process. Share relevant updates with them to ensure seamless coordination.
Wondering how to prepare for a hospital stay? Here's the key: Create a simple pre-visit checklist to save time and effort. Include these essentials:
(loose-fitting and easy to wear)
(toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
(passport, visa, appointment confirmation)
(books, headphones, etc.)
By preparing in advance for your hospital visit and having a pre-visit checklist, you are able to avoid stress and have a well-planned event. The tips discussed above will help you avoid distractions so that you can concentrate on what is most important—your recovery.
Take your medical history, clothes you would feel comfortable in, your grooming items, your medicines, and your travel documents, passport, and visa, inclusive. An example of a personal checklist is the following:
Documents: Passport, medical visa, tickets, insurance documents, itinerary documents, vaccination certificates, copies of important documents.
Medical Reports: Blood test reports, slides/blocks, CDs/films carrying scanning information, etc.
Medical supplies: Currently prescribed medications, OTC medications, like painkillers, inhalers, etc.
Clothing: Weather-appropriate attire such as clothing layers for different climate conditions along with undergarment options and shoes to make you comfortable throughout your travel experience.
Grooming: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, razors, and sunscreen.
Electronics: Phone charger, power bank, adapters, headphones, etc.
Essentials: Wallet, local currency cards, snacks, reusable water bottles, day bag, etc.
Preparation before a hospital visit is necessary. You will be required to present your passport, medical visa, doctor’s referral letter, medical history, insurance documents, and certificates of vaccination. Make sure all documents are well arranged and well within reach.
There are some cases when you need to fast before the procedures. Our expert team will provide you with the necessary instructions before any tests or treatment procedures, allowing you to prepare yourself for the procedure.
Prepare for your hospital stay by packing essential items to ensure comfort and convenience. Bring comfortable clothes, personal hygiene items like a toothbrush and shower essentials, any necessary medications, and all important travel documents, including ID and insurance details. Proper preparation helps reduce stress and ensures both you and your caregivers are ready for a smooth experience.
It is recommended to have a medical attendant or caregiver, as they can assist you with paperwork, admission and discharge procedures, billing, and your travel.
Inform the care officers at the hospital as soon as possible if there are changes to your visit. Share the details of your revised schedule and other itinerary updates so the appointment can be rescheduled to a more suitable date. Prompt communication ensures your care plan remains uninterrupted and well-coordinated.
We provide comprehensive information beforehand to help patients and their caregivers plan their travel well in advance. Patients and caregivers are encouraged to ask as many questions as they need, and our care officers are always happy to address every concern. From the moment you begin planning your journey through your treatment, follow-up, or screening and until you return home, our care officers will be there to guide and support you every step of the way.
Patients should carry a valid passport as a primary form of identification. Alongside this, a medical visa and insurance documents are essential for a smooth travel and treatment process. Ensuring these identification documents are in order is crucial.
At HCG, we offer interpreter services for non-English-speaking patients. We can arrange for these services during your consultations, treatment plan discussions, and other interactions.
Please do not bring expensive items like jewelry, lots of money, or high-value gadgets to the hospital. Cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal drugs are also prohibited.
