Knee replacement in India for patients from Iraq: costs, hospitals, visa

How much does knee replacement cost in India?

Prices depend on the hospital, the implant, the room type, the length of stay and any complications. Published price lists from Indian medical-travel facilitators give these indicative package ranges for one knee:

These are ranges, not quotes. Your hospital quote may differ, sometimes significantly. Always ask for a written quote that lists what is included.

Remember to budget for things outside the hospital package: flights for the patient and any attendant, accommodation near the hospital before and after surgery, meals, local transport, and visa fees. Ask your treating doctor how long you should plan to stay in India after surgery before you book return flights.

How to compare hospitals

India has a large accredited hospital sector. NABH, India’s national hospital accreditation, has accredited more than 1,299 hospitals, and several Indian hospitals also hold international JCI accreditation. As of 2022, JCI-accredited hospitals were concentrated in Delhi (9), Mumbai (6), Bangalore (3), Chennai (2), Hyderabad (2) and Ahmedabad (2), with one each in Kolkata, Nagpur and Kochi (PIB, May 2026 (opens in a new tab)).

Accreditation is a starting point, not a guarantee. When you compare hospitals, ask each one:

• What exactly does the package include: surgeon’s fee, implant, room type, physiotherapy, medicines, and how many nights?
• Which implant is quoted, and what would a different implant cost?
• What happens to the price if the stay is longer than planned?
• Is an Arabic interpreter available at the hospital?
• What follow-up care is recommended after you return to Iraq, and can the hospital share reports with your doctor at home?

Medical visa for Iraqi citizens

Iraqi citizens are not currently on India’s e-Visa eligibility list (checked on the official portal, October 2026: indianvisaonline.gov.in (opens in a new tab)). They apply for a regular Medical Visa. According to the Embassy of India, Baghdad (opens in a new tab):

1. Fill in the online application at indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa (opens in a new tab) and choose the mission IRAQ-BAGHDAD. The application number should start with IRQB.
2. Print and sign the form, then submit it with your documents at VFS Global in Baghdad or Basra. No appointment is needed. Biometrics are taken if they were not captured in the last five years.
3. For a Medical Visa, the Embassy asks for an invitation letter (with barcode) from a recognised Indian hospital, a recommendation letter from your treating doctor in Iraq, and proof of funds. You also need your passport (at least 6 months’ validity and two blank pages), a copy of your Iraqi national ID and photographs.
4. Up to 2 family members can travel as Medical Attendants. Their names and passport numbers must appear on the hospital’s invitation letter.

The Embassy lists the Medical Visa fee as US$80 (up to 6 months), plus US$3 for the ICWF, as of October 2026. Fees can change, so check before applying. Residents of the Kurdistan Region should check with the Consulate General of India, Erbil (opens in a new tab). Use official government websites only: the Embassy warns that fake visa websites exist.

Reports to prepare

Hospitals usually need recent knee X-rays (and an MRI if you have one), recent blood test results, a letter or summary from your treating doctor, and a list of your current medicines. Clear phone photos of paper reports are usually fine. The hospital may ask for more.

How SurgiLoom can help

SurgiLoom is a hospital-matching and coordination service based in India. We are not a hospital. You can securely upload your reports for our team to review. After payment and receipt of complete reports, our published delivery period is five business days for 3–5 suitable JCI/NABH-accredited Indian hospital options, with indicative costs.

The one-time Booking/Coordination Fee is US$180 plus applicable tax, shown before you pay. It covers SurgiLoom’s facilitation and coordination service only. Hospital treatment is billed separately by the hospital. Flights, accommodation, meals, local transport and visa fees are separate costs.