Guide For New Zealand Patients
A specialist who agrees you need the operation, and a public wait list stretching well past a year. A dental or cosmetic quote that ACC and private cover barely touch. A fertility clock that will not wait for a funded slot. This guide sets out what the same treatment costs in India, how the visa and flights work, and what recovering far from home really involves.
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For most major surgery a patient from New Zealand pays a fraction of the price charged at home, and that usually holds even after flights and accommodation. Heart Bypass (CABG) NZ$55,000–85,000, for example, is quoted at US$5,000 to 8,000 in India against US$32,450 to 50,150 at home. Patients travel mainly for cardiac surgery, orthopaedics, oncology, ivf & fertility. Send your reports and Forerunners will arrange the specialist opinion, the written estimate, the visa letter and your stay in India.
A hip or knee replacement with a public wait that keeps slipping past the original estimate. A full mouth of dental work that private cover only partly funds. For a great many New Zealand families, the choice is not between India and the public system — it is between India and continuing to wait, or paying private rates several times over.
Accredited private hospitals use the same equipment, implants and protocols you would meet at home
These are the ranges private patients in New Zealand are actually quoted, set against the Indian figure for the same operation rather than a best case. Indian prices cover the surgery, the surgeon’s fee and the hospital stay. The chart shows the potential cost savings for New Zealand Patients in percentage format in Indian Hospitals.
For Easy Comparison, Costs are mentioned in US Dollars (USD), Indian Rupees (INR) and New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Exchange Rate UsedNZ$1 ≈ US$0.59
Exchange Rate UsedUS$1 = ₹95
| # | Surgery / Procedure | New Zealand Private Healthcare | India Medical Tourism | Potential Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heart Bypass (CABG) NZ$55,000–85,000 | US$32,450–50,150 | ₹4.8–7.6 Lakh US$5,000–8,000 | ~75–85% |
| 2 | Total Knee Replacement NZ$25,000–40,000 | US$14,750–23,600 | ₹3.8–6.7 Lakh US$4,000–7,000 | ~60–75% |
| 3 | Total Hip Replacement NZ$25,000–40,000 | US$14,750–23,600 | ₹3.3–5.7 Lakh US$3,500–6,000 | ~60–75% |
| 4 | Kidney Transplant NZ$100,000–160,000 | US$59,000–94,400 | ₹11.4–20.9 Lakh US$12,000–22,000 | ~70–80% |
| 5 | Liver Transplant NZ$180,000–300,000 | US$106,200–177,000 | ₹19–33.3 Lakh US$20,000–35,000 | ~80–90% |
| 6 | Heart Valve Replacement NZ$50,000–80,000 | US$29,500–47,200 | ₹4.3–8.6 Lakh US$4,500–9,000 | ~75–85% |
| 7 | Brain Tumour Surgery NZ$70,000–120,000 | US$41,300–70,800 | ₹5.7–10.5 Lakh US$6,000–11,000 | ~75–85% |
| 8 | Spinal Fusion NZ$35,000–60,000 | US$20,650–35,400 | ₹4.3–8.6 Lakh US$4,500–9,000 | ~70–80% |
| 9 | Cancer Treatment NZ$50,000–150,000 | US$29,500–88,500 | ₹2.9–11.4 Lakh US$3,000–12,000 | ~65–85% |
| 10 | IVF NZ$8,000–12,000 | US$4,720–7,080 | ₹2.4–4.8 Lakh US$2,500–5,000 | ~10–50% |
Not everything justifies a long journey. These are the areas where the arithmetic, the waiting lists or both tend to make the trip worthwhile for New Zealand patients.
These are the routes New Zealand patients use most often to reach our hospital hubs. Book only once your admission date is confirmed — never before.
New Zealand passport holders apply entirely online. We supply the hospital invitation letter you will need at step two.
Go to the Indian government’s official portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in, and select the e-Medical Visa category. Avoid the unofficial sites that charge a mark-up for the same form.
A passport valid for at least six months, a recent photograph, your hospital invitation letter, travel itinerary and proof of funds. The invitation letter is generated by the hospital on the Government of India’s Medical and Ayush Visa portal — we arrange it for you.
Paid online by credit or debit card. The government sets the fee — it has recently been in the region of $25 — and it does change, so check the current figure on the portal.
Processing usually takes about three to five business days, and the portal asks you to apply at least four days before you travel. It arrives by email; print a copy and carry it with you alongside your passport.
Typically valid 60 days with triple entry. If treatment runs longer, an extension can be applied for through the FRRO, and we help arrange it.
The medicine is only part of it. These are the practical things that decide whether a trip feels manageable or overwhelming.
Doctors, nurses and coordinators speak English, and every record you are given — consent forms, reports, discharge summary — is written in it.
Native-language interpreters are available to help international patients communicate easily and comfortably throughout their medical journey in India.
Hospital meals can be adapted, and every city we work in has familiar options nearby. Tell your coordinator about allergies or a restricted diet early.
Serviced apartments and hotels within easy reach of the hospital, so nobody is crossing an unfamiliar city twice a day while you recover.
One named person on WhatsApp or the phone for appointments, a local SIM, currency, transport — and for the moments when something goes wrong at an inconvenient hour.
Discharge documentation formatted so your physician back home can pick it up directly, plus teleconsultation with your Indian surgeon if a question comes up later.
Guided physiotherapy from the day you are cleared to move, with a written home exercise plan before you fly so recovery does not stall on the flight back.
Itemised bills, receipts and medical reports prepared in the format most travel and international insurers ask for, so you are not chasing paperwork later.
Everything an international patient usually asks, on one screen.
| Detail | Treatment In India From New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand to India |
| Typical Saving | For most major surgery a New Zealand patient pays roughly a fifth to a third of the price back home — and that is usually still true after flights... |
| Cost Example | Heart Bypass (CABG) NZ$55,000–85,000: US$5,000 to 8,000 in India against US$32,450 to 50,150 at home (~75–85% saving) |
| Also Compared | Total Knee Replacement NZ$25,000–40,000, Total Hip Replacement NZ$25,000–40,000, Kidney Transplant... |
| Specialities | Cardiac Surgery, Orthopaedics, Oncology, IVF & Fertility, Neurology & Spine, Dental Care |
| Flights | AKL to DEL, AKL to BOM |
| Visa | We supply the hospital invitation letter you will need at step two. |
| Language | Medicine in India is taught and practised in English. |
| Accreditation | JCI is the same body that accredits leading hospitals across the world. |
| On The Ground | English Throughout, Interpreter & Translation Services, Food You Recognise, Somewhere For Family To Stay, A Coordinator... |
| Send Us | Recent scans or imaging, diagnosis or discharge summary, current medicines, and the dates you can travel |
| We Arrange | Doctor opinion, written hospital estimate, visa invitation letter, flights guidance, stay and follow-up |
Your reports are read by a specialist in the relevant field before any estimate is sent
Write to us today for trusted, personalized guidance and let us help you access quality healthcare in India at significantly more affordable costs.
We believe every international patient deserves the BEST MEDICAL VALUE FOR THE MONEY SPENT.
Our mission is to help patients make informed healthcare decisions in India — from understanding their medical reports and exploring the right treatment options, to connecting with trusted doctors and hospitals, and accessing high-quality treatment at the MOST AFFORDABLE PRICE.
We are committed to helping you find the right treatment, the right medical team, and the right value — with the best quality. When you travel thousands of miles for healthcare, every decision matters.
Full accounts from our patient library, in their own words rather than summarised by us.
Facing awake craniotomy required extraordinary trust, and Mr. Agus Hidayat, 58, from Indonesia found it in Forerunners Healthcare Consultants. His Awake Brain Surgery in India was carried out with expertise and the clear communication the procedure demanded. “I came through something I couldn't have imagined facing, with the right team,” he shared. Mr. Agus Hidayat, Indonesia Awake Brain SurgeryRead Full Story
A brain tumor diagnosis at 40 set Mr. Tendai Moyo from Zimbabwe on an urgent search for the right surgical team. Forerunners Healthcare Consultants guided him through his Brain Tumor Surgery in India with clarity and steady support. “I came home with a genuine sense that I had been in capable hands,” he shared. Mr. Tendai Moyo, Zimbabwe Brain Tumor SurgeryRead Full Story
Choosing cancer treatment and reconstruction together, Ms. Bibi Persaud, 45, from Guyana found Forerunners Healthcare Consultants could coordinate both with equal seriousness. Her Breast Cancer Surgery with Reconstruction in India left her feeling like herself again. “I came through feeling like myself, which was exactly what I had hoped for,” she shared. Ms. Bibi Persaud, Guyana Breast Cancer Surgery With ReconstructionRead Full Story
After breast cancer treatment, Ms. Maria Santos, 45, from the Philippines chose Forerunners Healthcare Consultants to complete her recovery through Breast Reconstruction Surgery in India. Attentive, sensitive care carried her through. “I came through this feeling whole in a way I hadn't since my diagnosis,” she shared. Ms. Maria Santos, Philippines Breast Reconstruction SurgeryRead Full Story
Facing complex ovarian cancer surgery at 38, Ms. Isla Williams from New Zealand found in Forerunners Healthcare Consultants a team equal to the challenge. Her Cytoreductive Ovarian Cancer Surgery in India was handled with precision and honest, consistent support. “I came home certain I had made the right choice,” she shared. Ms. Isla Williams, New Zealand Cytoreductive Ovarian Cancer SurgeryRead Full Story
Meeting his esophageal cancer diagnosis head-on, Mr. Joaquim Langa, 66, from Mozambique chose Forerunners Healthcare Consultants for his Esophageal Cancer Surgery in India. Honest guidance and detailed recovery support carried him through. “I am grateful for the straightforwardness and the quality of what I received,” he shared. Mr. Joaquim Langa, Mozambique Esophageal Cancer SurgeryRead Full Story
Done with half-measures, Mr. Jack Murphy, 48, from Ireland chose Forerunners Healthcare Consultants for his Gastric Bypass Surgery in India. Straight answers and practical aftercare defined the experience. “I'm making genuine progress now, and that feels different from everything I tried before,” he shared. Mr. Jack Murphy, Ireland Gastric Bypass SurgeryRead Full Story
Drawn to a non-surgical option, Mr. Rajesh Shrestha, 58, from Nepal researched HIFU carefully before choosing Forerunners Healthcare Consultants. His HIFU Prostate Cancer Treatment in India came with clear explanation and structured follow-up. “I am satisfied that I chose the right team and the right treatment,” he shared. Mr. Rajesh Shrestha, Nepal HIFU Prostate Cancer TreatmentRead Full Story
HIPEC surgery required a highly specialised team, and Mr. Kwame Owusu, 55, from Ghana found that in Forerunners Healthcare Consultants. His HIPEC Surgery for GI Cancer in India came with honest guidance and consistent support through a demanding recovery. “I'm grateful for the seriousness with which my care was approached,” he shared. Mr. Kwame Owusu, Ghana HIPEC Surgery For GI CancerRead Full Story
Facing complex hepatobiliary cancer surgery, Mr. Rustam Rahmonov, 55, from Tajikistan chose Forerunners Healthcare Consultants for expertise he could trust. His Hepatobiliary Cancer Surgery in India was handled with clinical honesty and consistent support. “I am grateful for the quality of what I received,” he shared. Mr. Rustam Rahmonov, Tajikistan Hepatobiliary Cancer SurgeryRead Full Story
When four-year-old Arjun Kumar was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, his family in Fiji needed expert paediatric neurosurgery urgently. Forerunners Healthcare Consultants guided him through his Hydrocephalus Surgery in India with speed and compassion. “We are grateful beyond what words can express,” his mother shared. Mr. Arjun Kumar, Fiji Hydrocephalus SurgeryRead Full Story
Finding specific expertise for Kasai portoenterostomy required persistence, and Ms. Aminatou Njoya, 51, from Cameroon found it in Forerunners Healthcare Consultants. Her Kasai Portoenterostomy Surgery in India was handled with rare specialist experience. “I found the right people for it,” she shared. Ms. Aminatou Njoya, Cameroon Kasai Portoenterostomy SurgeryRead Full Story
Years of managing kidney disease led Ms. Fatima Al Shehhi, 46, to a transplant decision she faced with clarity. She chose Forerunners Healthcare Consultants for her Kidney Transplant Surgery in India and found the care as serious as the situation required. “I am deeply grateful for the care I received,” she shared. Ms. Fatima Al Shehhi, United Arab Emirates Kidney Transplant SurgeryRead Full Story
When advanced liver disease left no other option, Mr. Muhammad Al-Otaibi's family placed their trust in Forerunners Healthcare Consultants for his Liver Transplant Surgery in India. The team's consistency through a critical procedure brought the family genuine reassurance. “We are thankful for the care that was given to him,” his wife shared. Mr. Muhammad Al-Otaibi, Saudi Arabia Liver Transplant SurgeryRead Full Story
After years of difficult diabetes management, Ms. Elena Ivanova, 50, from Bulgaria sought a more definitive solution. Her Metabolic Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes in India with Forerunners Healthcare Consultants came with evidence-based clarity and dual monitoring. “The early results are encouraging in a way that my management hadn't been for a long time,” she shared. Ms. Elena Ivanova, Bulgaria Metabolic Surgery For Type 2 DiabetesRead Full Story
Prioritising kidney preservation, Mr. Batyr Charyev, 50, from Turkmenistan chose Forerunners Healthcare Consultants for his Partial Nephrectomy Surgery in India. Precise surgery and close function monitoring followed. “My long-term kidney health was treated as the priority throughout,” he shared. Mr. Batyr Charyev, Turkmenistan Partial Nephrectomy SurgeryRead Full Story
After a long journey with kidney disease, 12-year-old Maria Namaliu's family from Papua New Guinea found the expertise they needed in Forerunners Healthcare Consultants. Her Pediatric Kidney Transplant in India was handled with expert care and consistent family support. “We are deeply grateful for the compassion and skill shown to our family,” her mother shared. Ms. Maria Namaliu, Papua New Guinea Pediatric Kidney TransplantRead Full Story
When their five-year-old needed a liver transplant urgently, Maksym Shevchenko's family in Ukraine turned to Forerunners Healthcare Consultants. His Pediatric Liver Transplant in India was delivered with speed, expertise, and daily compassion. “We will be grateful for this team for the rest of our lives,” his mother shared. Mr. Maksym Shevchenko, Ukraine Pediatric Liver TransplantRead Full Story
When a radical hysterectomy became necessary, Ms. Patricia Mohammed, 43, from Trinidad and Tobago chose Forerunners Healthcare Consultants and found a team she could trust. Her Radical Hysterectomy Surgery in India was handled with honesty and consistent care. “I came through something significant with confidence in the people around me,” she shared. Ms. Patricia Mohammed, Trinidad and Tobago Radical Hysterectomy SurgeryRead Full Story
When his first bariatric procedure stopped working, Mr. Adrian Popa, 58, from Romania needed a team experienced in revision cases. Forerunners Healthcare Consultants handled his Revision Bariatric Surgery in India with the specific expertise the situation required. “I am already seeing a different outcome,” he shared. Mr. Adrian Popa, Romania Revision Bariatric SurgeryRead Full Story
Ms. Mariam Al-Kuwari, 60, came to Forerunners Healthcare Consultants with specific questions and found a team who could answer all of them. Her Robotic Cancer Surgery in India was followed by structured, attentive care. “The care I received confirmed it was the right decision,” she shared. Ms. Mariam Al-Kuwari, Qatar Robotic Cancer SurgeryRead Full Story
Determined to act quickly after his diagnosis, Mr. Nimal Perera, 55, from Sri Lanka chose Forerunners Healthcare Consultants for his Robotic Colon Cancer Surgery in India. Specific guidance and thorough recovery support followed. “I came home certain the decision I had made was the right one,” he shared. Mr. Nimal Perera, Sri Lanka Robotic Colon Cancer SurgeryRead Full Story
Having researched robotic ovarian cancer surgery specifically, Ms. Sopheak Sok, 52, from Cambodia found the clinical depth she was looking for in Forerunners Healthcare Consultants. Her Robotic Ovarian Cancer Surgery in India confirmed she had chosen well. “Every aspect of the experience confirmed it was the right decision,” she shared. Ms. Sopheak Sok, Cambodia Robotic Ovarian Cancer SurgeryRead Full Story
Knowing pancreatic surgery demands specific expertise, Mr. Nurlan Karimov, 40, from Kyrgyzstan set a high bar before choosing Forerunners Healthcare Consultants. His Robotic Pancreatic Surgery in India met it. “The level of care I had insisted on was exactly what I received,” he shared. Mr. Nurlan Karimov, Kyrgyzstan Robotic Pancreatic SurgeryRead Full Story
Mr. Emmanuel Mukasa, 66, from Uganda researched carefully before choosing Forerunners Healthcare Consultants for his Robotic Prostatectomy Surgery in India. Thorough assessment and consistent monitoring matched the seriousness of his decision. “I chose carefully, and my care reflected that,” he shared. Mr. Emmanuel Mukasa, Uganda Robotic Prostatectomy SurgeryRead Full Story
Seeking specific robotic thoracic expertise, Mr. Elvin Mammadov, 58, from Azerbaijan found what he was looking for in Forerunners Healthcare Consultants. His Robotic Thoracic Surgery in India delivered the precision and recovery he had researched. “I have no reservations about the decision I made,” he shared. Mr. Elvin Mammadov, Azerbaijan Robotic Thoracic SurgeryRead Full Story
Ready for a lasting solution, Mr. Michael Brown, 38, from Jamaica chose Forerunners Healthcare Consultants for his Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery in India. Practical guidance and structured dietary support followed. “For the first time I genuinely believe this will last,” he shared. Mr. Michael Brown, Jamaica Sleeve Gastrectomy SurgeryRead Full Story
After years of managing gynaecological symptoms, Ms. Homa Ahmadzai, 49, from Afghanistan chose Forerunners Healthcare Consultants for her Total Hysterectomy Surgery in India. Professional, sensitive care brought the resolution she had long been working toward. “I feel resolved in a way I hadn't in years,” she shared. Ms. Homa Ahmadzai, Afghanistan Total Hysterectomy SurgeryRead Full Story
Having researched her options thoroughly, Ms. Aigerim Akhmetova, 51, from Kazakhstan chose Forerunners Healthcare Consultants for her VATS Lung Cancer Surgery in India. Specific clinical engagement and structured aftercare confirmed her decision. “I am satisfied with every aspect of the decision I made,” she shared. Ms. Aigerim Akhmetova, Kazakhstan VATS Lung Cancer SurgeryRead Full Story
Facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Ms. Amina Juma's family turned to Forerunners Healthcare Consultants for a Whipple Procedure for Pancreatic Cancer in India. Honesty and consistent care carried them through the most difficult days. “Our family is grateful for the compassion shown to our mother,” her daughter shared. Ms. Amina Juma, Tanzania Whipple Procedure For Pancreatic CancerRead Full Story
Share your diagnosis, recent scans and the quote you were given at home. A specialist reviews it and we come back with honest options and a clear written estimate — usually within a day. It costs nothing, and if India is not right for your case we will tell you that too.
Share your reports and we will connect you with the right specialist.
Private & ConfidentialMedical disclaimer: This guide is general information for people planning medical travel from New Zealand. It is not a diagnosis, medical advice, or a substitute for consultation with a qualified doctor. Costs, exchange rates, visa rules and fees, flight schedules and recovery times vary between patients and change over time — visa requirements should be confirmed on the Government of India’s official portal, and anything affecting your treatment should be confirmed with our team and your treating specialist after your reports have been reviewed.
