What do Mauritius patients need to know before travelling to Mumbai for treatment?
Patients from Mauritius travelling to Mumbai for specialist care need a valid Indian medical visa, a confirmed appointment or admission letter from their treating hospital, and a pre-travel health summary from their local doctor. Lilavati International in Bandra West, Mumbai, offers dedicated international patient support to help coordinate every step before and after arrival.
Tip: Begin planning at least four to six weeks before your intended travel date to allow time for visa processing, document collection, and pre-treatment consultations.
Lilavati International, located at A-791, Bandra Reclamation Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050, is a JCI-accredited and NABH-accredited quaternary-care multi-specialty hospital. The international patient services team is available to assist Mauritius patients with admission planning, specialist appointments, and on-ground coordination.
Do patients from Mauritius need a medical visa to travel to India for treatment?
Yes. Mauritius nationals travelling to India specifically for medical treatment must obtain an Indian Medical Visa (MED Visa) rather than a standard tourist visa. This visa category is designed for patients seeking treatment at a recognised Indian hospital and may also cover one or two attendants travelling with the patient.
Key requirements for an Indian Medical Visa from Mauritius:
- Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- Completed visa application form (available via the Indian High Commission or VFS Global)
- A letter from the treating hospital in India confirming the appointment or admission
- Medical documents from the referring doctor in Mauritius explaining the diagnosis and need for treatment abroad
- Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Indian visa specifications
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover treatment and stay
- Return travel itinerary
Attendant visas (MEDX) are available for immediate family members accompanying the patient. Contact the Indian High Commission in Mauritius or the nearest VFS Global centre for the most current processing times and fee schedule.
Tip: Lilavati International's international patient services team can provide the official hospital appointment or admission letter required as part of your visa application. Use the booking form on this page or call 022 69318050 to request this document.
What documents should I carry when travelling to Mumbai for hospital treatment?
Carrying a complete and well-organised set of medical and travel documents ensures a smooth admission process at Lilavati International and avoids delays in starting treatment.
| Document Category | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Identity & Travel | Passport (original + copies), Indian Medical Visa, return flight tickets, travel insurance policy |
| Medical Records | Recent diagnosis reports, imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans on CD or digital), blood test results, biopsy reports if applicable |
| Referral & History | Referring doctor's letter, complete medication list with dosages, allergy history, previous surgical records |
| Financial | Proof of funds or insurance pre-authorisation letter, foreign exchange or credit/debit cards accepted internationally |
| Hospital Confirmation | Appointment or admission letter from Lilavati International, contact details for the international patient coordinator |
Carry physical copies and store digital backups in a secure cloud folder or email. If records are in French (Mauritius's co-official language), arrange certified translations into English before travel.
How far in advance should I plan my trip to Mumbai for specialist care, and are there direct flights?
Planning four to six weeks ahead is advisable for most elective specialist consultations. For complex procedures such as cardiac surgery, oncology treatment, or organ-related interventions, eight to twelve weeks allows adequate time for pre-operative assessments, visa processing, and accommodation arrangements.
Flight options from Mauritius to Mumbai:
- Air Mauritius and Air India operate direct or one-stop services between Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai.
- Flight duration on direct routes is approximately six to seven hours.
- Mumbai airport is approximately 30–40 minutes by road from Lilavati International in Bandra West, depending on traffic.
Practical planning checklist:
- Contact Lilavati International's international patient services team to confirm specialist availability and obtain an appointment letter.
- Apply for the Indian Medical Visa with the hospital letter as supporting documentation.
- Arrange accommodation near Bandra West — the hospital team can advise on options close to the facility.
- Organise travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad and medical evacuation.
- Confirm any pre-treatment instructions (fasting, medication adjustments) with your assigned specialist before departure.
Warning: Do not discontinue any prescribed medication before travel without explicit guidance from your treating physician. Carry sufficient medication supply for the entire trip plus a buffer of at least one week.
What health preparations should Mauritius patients make before travelling to India?
Beyond organising documents, a few health-related preparations reduce risk and ensure continuity of care during your stay in Mumbai.
Vaccinations and preventive health:
- Consult your local doctor or a travel medicine clinic in Mauritius at least four weeks before departure regarding any recommended vaccinations for travel to India.
- Ensure routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid, and others as advised) are current — your Mauritius doctor is best placed to advise based on your personal health history.
- Carry a written record of your vaccination history to present at the hospital if required.
Medication and supplies:
- Carry all prescription medications in their original labelled packaging.
- Bring a written prescription or doctor's letter for controlled or injectable medications to avoid issues at customs.
- Note that certain medications may be subject to import restrictions — verify with the Indian customs authority or your treating hospital before travel.
General wellness before travel:
- Stay well-hydrated on the flight; long-haul travel can affect circulation, particularly for patients with cardiac or vascular conditions.
- Inform the airline of any special medical requirements (wheelchair assistance, oxygen, dietary needs) at the time of booking.
- Avoid strenuous activity in the 24 hours before a long-haul flight if your condition warrants it.
When should a Mauritius patient seek specialist care in Mumbai rather than waiting?
Travelling abroad for treatment is a significant decision. The following situations indicate that seeking specialist care at a quaternary-care centre such as Lilavati International in Bandra West, Mumbai, may be appropriate without further delay:
- A diagnosis that requires subspecialist expertise not available locally — for example, complex cardiac surgery, interventional neurology, or advanced orthopaedic reconstruction.
- A condition that has not responded to treatment over four to six weeks despite appropriate local management.
- A recommendation from your Mauritius doctor to seek a second opinion or higher-level intervention.
- Pre-surgical workup or post-surgical follow-up for a procedure performed in India.
- A time-sensitive condition — such as a cardiac or neurological event — where emergency or urgent specialist care is required and local capacity is limited.
Warning: If you are experiencing chest pain, sudden neurological symptoms (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), or severe trauma, seek emergency care immediately. Lilavati International's emergency department is open 24/7, including holidays, with no appointment required. Emergency contact: 022-69318063 / 64. Ambulance: +91 97692 50010.
What support does Lilavati International provide for patients arriving from Mauritius?
Lilavati International in Bandra West, Mumbai, is a JCI-accredited (8th Edition) and NABH-accredited quaternary-care multi-specialty hospital with dedicated international patient-care support. The hospital's infrastructure is designed to serve patients who travel from abroad for complex or specialist treatment.
Services available to international patients from Mauritius include:
- Pre-arrival coordination: appointment scheduling, hospital admission letters for visa applications, and specialist allocation across cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, interventional radiology, and cardiothoracic surgery
- On-arrival support: assistance with admission formalities and orientation to the hospital
- Round-the-clock diagnostic access: CT, MRI, ultrasound, and full laboratory services available at all hours
- Critical-care infrastructure: ICU, ICCU, SICU, PICU, and NICU for patients requiring intensive monitoring
- Dedicated cardiac catheterisation laboratory and multiple operation theatres
- Dedicated paediatric emergency department for patients travelling with children
- Blood bank, pathology, dialysis, and endoscopy on-site
- 24/7 emergency department on the ground floor — no appointment required
For pre-travel queries, document requests, or to confirm specialist availability, use the booking form on this page or contact the team directly.
Book a consultation at Lilavati International
Use the booking form on this page, or reach out directly:
Call: 022 69318050
WhatsApp: 022 69318050