Cancer Treatment in India - Compare Costs, Hospitals & Doctors in 2023

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases out there. It takes a physical and emotional toll on everyone involved in the journey to defeat the Big C. The treatment procedures impact a person’s psyche and also disrupt financial stability.

But, on a brighter note, India is emerging as a leading healthcare destination due to its advancement in medical science at affordable costs. 

Thousands of people worldwide travel every year to avail in India. So they can get quality assurance on medical skills and expertise.

Let's take a look at all the treatment choices we have to cure cancer in India.

What are the different types of cancer treatment in India?

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For cancer detection, bone scans, computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone scans, and other imaging tests may be used to diagnose cancer.

There are three medical approaches to treating cancer in India:

• Primary treatment focuses on the complete elimination of cancerous cells.
• The adjuvant treatment removes cancerous cells that persist even after primary treatment.
• Palliative care relieves cancer patients from physical agony caused by cancer tumors or cancer treatments.

Confused about which hospital to choose for your cancer treatment? Here is a list of the best cancer care facilities in India. 

What are the best cancer hospitals in India?

India has some of the best cancer care centers in the world. They have world-class medical equipment and the most advanced technology to treat all forms of cancer. These prestigious hospitals treat thousands of cancer patients every year. Given below is a list of the best cancer hospital in India city-wise, so you have no hassles picking the best for your treatment. 

City	Hospitals
Mumbai	Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital S L Raheja Fortis Hospital             View More
Delhi	All India Institute Of Medical Sciences Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute And Research Centre Sir Ganga Ram Hospital             View More
Bangalore	Apollo Hospital Rangadore Memorial Hospital MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital             View More
Chennai	HCG Hospital Gleneagles Global Health City Adyar Cancer Institute             View More

The cost of cancer treatment is on the rise. Hence, several government initiatives and well-known institutes aim to provide low-cost or free cancer treatment in India. Let's take a look at them.

Is free cancer treatment in India available?

To reduce the number of deaths due to cancer, many cancer care facilities in India offer free treatment or treatment at subsidized rates. 

Some hospitals, like Tata Memorial Center and Kidwai Institute, treat around 60-70% of their cancer patients at no cost or minimal rates. Click here to see the list of hospitals that offer free cancer treatment in India.

Some NGOs are also working toward financing patients with this life-threatening condition. 

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Are you looking for the best oncologist in India? Here is a collated list of the best cancer doctors for you to pick from. 

Who are the best cancer doctors in India? 

Successful treatment of cancer is possible only when you get treated by a top oncologist. Here is a list of the best cancer doctor in India who use a single modal or multi-modal approach that includes chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy to treat cancer and give their patients the best possible treatment and cure. 

Oncologists in Mumbai
Dr. Suresh Advani	45+ years of experience Padmabhushan Award and Padma Shri Award recipient Expert in bone marrow transplant Enquire Now
Dr. Anil Heroor	22+ years of experience Key access is minimal access surgery  Expert in thoracic surgery Enquire Now
Dr. Ramakant Krishnaji Deshpande	40+ years of experience Padma Shri Award recipient Head of surgical oncology at S.L. Raheja Hospital Enquire Now

Click here to find more about the best oncologists in Mumbai.

Oncologists in Delhi
Dr. Ramesh Sarin	50+ years of experience Expert in breast cancer treatment Chairperson of Breast Cancer Protection NGO Forum                                Enquire Now
Dr. Jawahar Ticku	41+ years of experience Expert in chemotherapy  Introduced and implemented the concept of Natural and Herbal therapy                                Enquire Now
Dr. Shyam Aggarwal	40+ years of experience Specializes in medical oncology Expert in bone marrow transplant                                Enquire Now

Click here to find more about the best oncologists in Delhi.

Oncologists in Bangalore
Dr. Sandeep Nayak	23+ years of experience Pioneer of laparoscopic cancer surgery in India Expert in advanced laparoscopic cancer surgery, robotic surgery, endoscopic surgery                              Enquire Now
Dr. Jayanti Thumsi	29+ years of experience Expert in breast cancer treatment Performed 2500+ surgeries                             Enquire Now
Dr. Radheshyam Naik	31+ years of experience Successfully performed 30 haploidentical transplants Completed 350+ bone marrow transplants                              Enquire Now

Click here to find more about the best oncologists in Bangalore.

Oncologists in Chennai
Dr. Bellarmine	57+ years of experience Specializes in internal medicine and surgical oncology Served as Captain in Indian Army Medical Corps                                  Enquire Now
Dr. Prof. S. Subramanian	56+ years of experience India’s senior most practicing medical oncologist  Expertise in bone marrow transplant, lumpectomy and stem cell transplantation                                 Enquire Now
Dr. K. Vijayasarthy	43+ years of experience Specializes in medical oncology and internal medicine Expertise in melanoma treatment, breast cancer treatment and large cell tumour treatment                                Enquire Now

Click here to find more about the best oncologists in Chennai.
 

Government hospitals in India is at par with their private counterparts. Avail treatment from India's best government hospitals for free or at nominal costs. 

What are the best government hospitals to treat cancer in India?

The government hospital in India is striving to make cancer treatment accessible to people even with limited means. The government of India has undertaken many initiatives to provide subsidized or free cancer treatment in India. Here is a list of the top 3 government cancer hospital in India offering malignancy treatment free of cost or at subsidized rates.
 

Cancer treatment can burn a hole in the pocket. In India, however, cost of cancer treatment is very affordable if compared against the developed nations of the world.

What is the cancer treatment cost in India?

The cost of cancer treatment in India starts from INR 90,000 (USD 1160) and can go up to INR 27,50,000 (USD 35,459) with an average cost of INR 5,00,000 (USD 6447). 

Given below is the cost list for treating the most common types of cancer in India:

There are different types of cancer treatment in India for patients from around the world. Given below is a breakdown of the costs: 

As you can see, cancer treatment in India is very affordable compared to the medically developed nations of the world. Moreover, imaging tests to diagnose cancer are also at the low end. Cost of PET scan, MRI, CT scan, bone scan, ultrasound and X-ray is very efficient and low-priced in India. 

Let's check the below chart to understand the difference in cancer treatment in India and other countries.

Note: Please expect a cost variation of around 5-10% as it depends on the stage and location of cancer along with the patient’s age and other medical records.

If you wish to seek Ayurvedic treatment, India has a plethora of Ayurvedic institutions dedicated to cancer care and cure. 

Is there any alternative treatment available for cancer in India?

India is the land of Ayurveda; the ancient medical science practice began in the country thousands of years ago. There are a plethora of Ayurvedic cancer care centers in India. Thousands of patients visit these facilities every year to receive the best ayurvedic cancer treatment in India. 

Ayurvedic hospitals offer a thorough treatment using the power of the Indian indigenous medicine system of plant drugs to treat cancer patients in India. Moreover, they have medical equipment and state-of-the-art medical technology to give patients the best possible treatment. 

In case you believe in the power of alternative medicine or want to give support to your cancer treatment with alternative therapies, here is a list of the top 10 Ayurvedic cancer hospitals in India that offer the best ayurvedic cancer treatment in India. They are India’s best institutes for alternative medicines and a few also offer complementary therapies to heal issues of the body, mind and spirit. 

Disclaimer: There is no scientific evidence to prove that alternative therapy and medicines can treat or cure cancer. According to research, some Ayurvedic treatments can help relieve cancer symptoms. Further researchers found that some alternative treatments slow the growth of cancer in animals but there is no reliable evidence that Ayurveda can treat or cure cancer in humans.

Are there insurance plans for cancer treatment in India?

There are hardly any preventive measures that one can take against cancer, except maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping away from smoking and drinking. Even then, no-one can guarantee freedom from cancer. Unfortunately, when a person is diagnosed with cancer, it burns a deep hole in their pockets in the name of treatment. As such it is recommended to stay financially prepared so one can avail cancer treatment on time. 

 A basic health insurance doesn’t cover the expenses and benefits adequately, as are required for cancer treatment. You can avail of cancer insurance which is designed to manage the costs associated with cancer. A comprehensive cancer insurance policy offers coverage against all cancer stages and most policies also offer a dual benefit of lump-sum payment along with income on the diagnosis of a major stage.

India’s major cancer insurance policies are: 

• HDFC Life Cancer Care
• Aditya Birla Activ Cancer Secure Plan
• Tata AIG Critical Illness Health Insurance Plan
• Bajaj Allianz Critical Illness Insurance Plan

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Why choose India to treat cancer?

India is fast developing and technology is adopting the country. The country has made continuous progress in researching and developing new and revolutionary treatments. The technology used in the best hospital for cancer in India is at par with those of developed countries. Moreover, medical expenses are very affordable in India, thus making it an ideal destination for cancer treatment. 

Here are a few reasons why you should consider India to get your cancer treatment: 

• Internationally Accredited Hospitals – The best cancer hospitals in India are internationally accredited and have high treatment standards on par with the hospitals of developed countries.
   
• Skilled and Experienced Doctors – The doctors practicing in any top cancer hospital in India are highly acclaimed and skilled. They have many years of experience and underwent their training at globally recognized institutes. There are the best oncologists in India who is world-famous for their expertise and experience.
   
• Affordable Treatment – One of the major reasons to choose India for cancer treatment is its affordability. The generic drugs available here are less priced as compared to international countries which makes a huge impact on the expenses. 
  
  Additionally, the Indian currency’s value is less than the currencies of countries like the USA, UK, etc. At the same time,  the quality of treatment is not compromised due to the low cost. That’s the reason why people from both developed as well as underdeveloped countries come to India for treatment.
   
• Advanced Technology – All the latest technologies available in developed countries are also available in India. The hospitals over here are well-equipped with the latest machines and tools to offer effective cancer treatment.
   
• Medical Visa Availability – Processing of applications is quick and approval of medical visas in India faster due to less waiting time. Authorities prioritize patients suffering from life-threatening diseases.
   

World Class Services – The hospitals in India are among the best cancer hospital in the world and have great infrastructure and are famous for their world-class services. Hospitals give premium and personalized services to the patients such as personal medical staff, language translators, etc which are more cost-effective than in developed countries.
 

How can ClinicSpots help you in your cancer treatment?  

ClinicSpots is an integrated medical platform connecting India’s best medical facilities and most efficient doctors with patients worldwide. We allow patients to search, compare and coordinate their medical treatments with trusted hospitals. Whether cancer, heart disease treatment, or gender reassignment surgery, we cater to patients in every niche. 

Here are the details of how ClinicSpots assist international patients in the following ways:

• Medical Counselling
• Help With Medical Visa Travel Guidance
• Assistance with Payment, Currency Exchange & Insurance

Step 1. Medical Counselling

Steps	Things You Should Know
Visit the Website	Your enquiry is reviewed within 24 hours You receive call to review medical histories and reports. Our medical counselors will guide you with treatment plans. Our medical counselors will assist with travel planning. You travel to India and begin treatment.
Connect on WhatsApp	You need to send your medical reports over WhatsApp Our medical counselors will review your reports. Our executives pitch doctors and hospitals best suited to your needs. Treatment is tailored to meet your financial and medical expectations. Our medical counselors explain tentative treatment plans. You will receive a cost estimate.
Video consultation	Connect with doctors to make informed choices. Clear all your doubts regarding critical care before you travel. Connect with India’s best doctors regarding critical cases such as transplants, cancer treatment, surgical complications etc.

Step 2: Help With Medical Visa Travel Guidance

Steps	Things You Should Know
Medical Visa	Medical visa is issued for 3-6 months as per the line of tentative treatment. We assist in extending visa duration (IF REQUIRED)
Visa Invitation Letter	Only NABH/JCI-accredited hospitals can give VIL. We issue VIL once you confirm your visit to India. With VIL, visa to India is processed and issued quickly.
Travel Guideline	Through VIL, 2 people will get visas to assist the patient (max. 3 in some cases) Patients can visit India on tourist visa for minor treatments (dermatology treatment, basic health check up, etc) Patients need medical visas in India to undergo major treatments (cancer, cardiovascular issues, neurological issues, etc) Patients in India need a medical visa for admission to a hospital.
Stay & Bookings	We assist in FRRO form registration. We assist in C form submission. We arrange accommodation suiting your medical needs (built-in kitchen, infection control) We arrange accommodation suiting your financial needs

Step 3: Assistance with Payment, Currency Exchange & Insurance

Steps	Things You Should Know
Payment	Cash payment limit is subject to change with the hospital Only cash is accepted for minor medical expenses (doctor consultation, blood tests) Wire transfer/Credit/Debit card accepted for major expenses International currencies accepted in SUPER/multi-specialty hospitals We do not participate in fundraising initiatives
Currency Exchange	We assist you with forex Hospital admin assists you with forex
Insurance	Send your insurance documents to our executives Our executives will check which hospitals accept the insurance policy. Hospitals then directly connect with your policy provider.

Patient Stories

Now read ahead the patient stories to understand how Clinicspots help every patient to get treated in India from across the world. 

FAQs

1. Is India good at cancer treatment?

Answer: India is at par with developed nations when it comes to cancer treatment. The country has experienced oncologists and cutting-edge technology to cater to the needs of several cancer patients from across the world. The medical facilities have a stellar reputation and are amongst the best cancer hospitals in the world.
 

Thousands of patients from India and abroad avail satisfied cancer treatment in India every year. It is one of the leading medical destinations that is treating all forms of cancer. 

2. Is chemotherapy-free in India?

Answer: There are many hospitals in India that provide free cancer treatment, including chemotherapy to people who are not financially stable. The Government of India has launched several schemes and initiatives to help people from poor economic backgrounds with cancer treatment. The chemotherapy cost in Indian government hospitals is much lower than in private institutions. 

Given below are a few hospitals that offer free chemotherapy in India:

• Regional Cancer Center, Thiruvananthapuram
• TATA Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
• Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore

3. What is the success rate of cancer treatments in India?

Answer: The success rate of treatment for cancer depends on the stage of cancer at which the patient undergoes treatment. According to Onco Surgeon and Vice Chairman of Asian Cancer Institute Ramakant Deshpande, patients who approach medical help in the first stage of cancer most often have an 85% chance of cure.

Likewise, many Indian and international patients have received treatment for cancer in India. The country has amply skilled oncologists, is proficient in medical science and treatment costs are also very affordable. All these forces combined make India a leading destination to cure cancer.