Treatment in India from Kenya

We help with cancer care, heart surgery, brain and spine surgery, and bone and joint surgery.

Many Kenyan families hear about India from their doctor. A 2022 study of Kenyan cancer patients (PLoS One) found that all 80 patients in the study who were treated abroad went to India.

Visa for Kenyan Citizens

• Most patients use India's e-Medical visa. Apply only on the official website, indianvisaonline.gov.in.
• The e-Medical visa fee for Kenyan citizens is US$80. The portal adds a 3% bank charge if you pay by card.
• The portal says the visa is valid for 365 days, with multiple entries.
• Apply at least 4 days before you arrive, and no more than 120 days before.
• You need your passport bio page and a letter from the Indian hospital, on its letterhead, with your planned admission date.
• Family members who come with you can apply for e-Medical Attendant visas. Up to 2 e-Medical Attendant visas can be granted for one e-Medical visa.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Kenya is on India's yellow fever list. You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. The High Commission of India in Nairobi says you should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel.

India's Ministry of Health says travellers who arrive without a certificate can be kept in quarantine for up to 6 days.

If You Apply for a Paper Visa Instead

The High Commission of India in Nairobi lists extra documents for a paper medical visa:

• an invitation letter from the hospital that states the estimated cost;
• a referral letter from your doctor in Kenya;
• bank statements for the last 3 months.

You give your fingerprints in person. The High Commission says it does not accept applications from a third party.

Sources: Indian Visa Online (indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa) and its e-Visa fee list; High Commission of India, Nairobi (hcinairobi.gov.in); Ministry of Health and Family Welfare yellow fever page (ihpoe.mohfw.gov.in). Checked on 15 September 2026.

Read more in our visa and travel guide.

Getting to India

Direct and one-stop flights connect Nairobi with Delhi and Mumbai; check airlines for current schedules.

Paying for Treatment

• The hospital bills you directly. Pay only into the hospital's own bank account, and ask for a receipt.
• We never ask you to pay us, and we never accept cash.
• If your family is raising money together, keep a written record of every payment to the hospital.

SHA and Treatment in India: What We Know

News reports about the Social Health Authority (SHA) and treatment abroad have changed often. Here is what they said:

• SHA replaced NHIF in October 2024.
• On 11 September 2025, Eastleigh Voice reported that SHA had suspended overseas referrals over concerns about cartels and referrals made for commission.
• On 12 February 2026, Kenyans.co.ke reported that the SHA chief executive told Parliament that SHA had no contracts with any facility in India.
• On 25 May 2026, Eastleigh Voice reported that only one Kenyan had been approved for overseas treatment since the scheme began.

SHA's rules have changed often. In February 2026 SHA said it had no contracts with facilities in India, but in May 2026 one approval was reported. Check with SHA before you plan treatment in India. India Medical Cart cannot apply to SHA for you, and cannot tell you whether you qualify.

Sources: Eastleigh Voice (11 September 2025 and 25 May 2026); Kenyans.co.ke (12 February 2026). Checked on 15 September 2026.

Language and Food

Our coordinators speak English, Hindi.

If you prefer another language, tell us. Some hospitals can arrange an interpreter, and we ask the hospital before you travel.

Tell us about any food needs, such as halal or vegetarian meals. We ask the hospital what is available. Read more about staying in India.

Scams to Watch for in Kenya

• In 2018, Kenyans.co.ke reported that some people who referred cancer patients to India were paid kickbacks of up to US$1,000 per patient.
• In 2017, Business Daily reported that two Indian nationals were deported for recruiting patients. It said the kickback was added to the patients' hospital bills abroad.
• Apply for your e-Visa only on indianvisaonline.gov.in. Other websites can charge you more.
• Never give cash to an agent for your treatment or your visa.

Read our full guide: beware of scams.

Questions Families from Kenya Ask

How Much Is the Medical Visa for Kenyan Citizens?

The e-Medical visa fee for Kenyan citizens is US$80, plus a 3% bank charge if you pay by card. Pay only on indianvisaonline.gov.in. Checked on 15 September 2026.

Do I Need a Yellow Fever Certificate?

Yes. Kenya is on India's yellow fever list. The High Commission of India in Nairobi says to get vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel.

Will SHA Pay for My Treatment in India?

We cannot tell you. SHA's rules for treatment abroad have changed often since 2025. Please check with SHA directly.

How Many Family Members Can Come with Me?

The e-Visa portal says up to 2 e-Medical Attendant visas can be granted for one e-Medical visa.

How Do I Send My Medical Reports?

Please do not send medical reports by WhatsApp or email. Read how to send your medical reports.

What Happens After I Go Home?

Ask the hospital for a discharge summary, and take it to your doctor in Kenya. Read after you go home.