UK Patients' Guide to Affordable Surgery in Kerala

The NHS Waiting List Problem

Many UK patients face waits of 12-18 months or longer for elective procedures like knee and hip replacement on the NHS, and private treatment in the UK can cost £10,000-£15,000 or more — pushing increasing numbers of patients to consider treatment abroad.

How Kerala Compares on Cost

A knee replacement costing £10,000-£14,000 privately in the UK costs roughly £4,000-£4,500 equivalent in Kerala, including hospital stay and physiotherapy — savings that can fund the flight, accommodation, and still leave a significant balance.

Accreditation UK Patients Should Look For

UK patients should specifically look for NABH (India's national accreditation) or JCI (the international gold standard) certification, both of which several Kerala hospitals hold, ensuring clinical governance standards comparable to UK private hospitals.

Visa Process for UK Citizens

UK passport holders are eligible for India's e-Medical Visa, applied for entirely online, typically processed within a few business days once you have a hospital invitation letter confirming treatment dates.

What to Discuss with Your GP First

Before travelling, discuss your case with your GP or current consultant and bring a full set of imaging and reports — this gives your Kerala surgical team everything needed to confirm suitability and pricing before you commit to travel, and gives your GP visibility for aftercare once you return home.