How long do I need to stay in India after a total knee replacement?

For a total knee or hip replacement, you should plan to stay in India for about 2 to 3 weeks. You will usually spend 4 to 5 days in the hospital, and the remaining time at a nearby hotel or recovery apartment. This period is vital for attending daily physical therapy sessions and ensuring your surgical incisions are fully healed before your flight back home.

Can I travel to India from Kenya on a standard tourist visa for medical treatment?

No, you must travel on an official Indian Medical Visa (MED Visa). The Indian immigration authorities require a formal Medical Visa Invitation Letter issued directly by the accredited hospital in India where you will receive care. A tourist visa can lead to major complications or entry refusal at airport immigration.

How do I securely manage medical payments while in India?

Most international hospitals in India accept major global credit/debit cards, wire transfers, and cash in major currencies like US Dollars. Curaway Health helps you coordinate direct bank transfers to the hospital's official account in advance, ensuring you don't have to carry large amounts of cash while traveling.

Will my Kenyan health insurance cover the cost of my surgery in India?

Some premium private health insurance policies in Kenya offer international overseas treatment covers, but this varies wildly depending on your specific plan. You must check with your insurance provider beforehand to see if they have a cashless arrangement or reimbursement agreement with the specific Indian hospital you select.

Is language going to be a barrier for me in Indian hospitals?

Not at all. English is the primary language used for medical documentation, treatment, and daily communication across all major accredited hospitals in India. The doctors, nurses, and administrative staff speak fluent English. Additionally, major hospitals provide dedicated international patient desks to assist with any communication needs.

Why is orthopedic surgery so much cheaper in India compared to Kenya?

The lower cost in India is driven by lower real estate expenses, lower operational overhead for hospitals, and highly competitive domestic manufacturing of medical supplies. Because Indian orthopedic centers handle an incredibly high volume of patients daily, they can maintain highly accessible prices without ever compromising on global quality standards or implant safety.

Orthopedic Surgery India for Kenya Patients: Costs & Top Hospitals