Heart valve surgery repairs or replaces a heart valve that is too narrow or leaks. Your heart has 4 valves that keep blood flowing the right way. The surgeon may repair your own valve or replace it with a new valve. Some people need more than one valve treated. Some people can have a new aortic valve put in through a blood vessel (TAVI), instead of open surgery. TAVI usually means a shorter stay. Before the hospital sends a quote, heart doctors (cardiologists) and surgeons review your echo (heart scan), ECG and angiography reports. The type of new valve changes the price, so each quote should name the valve. The surgeon can explain the likely benefits and risks for you. The treating doctor decides which valve treatment is right for you.
- Typical hospital stay
- 5–7 days
- Total time in India
- 3–5 weeks
- Fit to fly
- Your heart team decides when you can safely fly home. UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance for doctors gives about 10 to 14 days after chest surgery.
Indicative Costs at Partner Hospitals
Each range is supplied by the named hospital. Your actual quote depends on your medical reports and choices such as implants.
No hospital has confirmed a current range for this treatment. Ask us for written quotes.
A hospital quote usually includes the operation, days in intensive care (ICU), your stay, and medicines in hospital. It usually does not include flights, visa fees, a hotel after discharge, meals for your family member, extra days in intensive care, complications or extra tests. Ask the hospital to list both in writing. Some quotes include the new valve and some do not, so ask whether it is included.
Your Journey, Step by Step
- Before you travel, we send you a secure link for your echo, ECG and other medical reports.
- Two or three accredited hospitals review your reports and send written quotes. You choose one.
- The hospital you choose sends a letter for your medical visa. You book flights and a place to stay.
- When you arrive, the hospital does tests and the heart team checks that you are ready for surgery.
- You have the operation and usually stay in hospital for 5 to 7 days, often 1 to 2 in intensive care.
- After you leave hospital, you stay nearby for about 2 to 3 weeks for check-ups.
- Before you fly, the heart team checks you and gives you a discharge summary and a medicines list.
- At home, you share your discharge summary and medicines list with your local doctor.
Recovery, Step by Step
Ask the hospital what recovery support it offers, including physiotherapy and follow-up care after you leave.
Questions Families Ask About This Treatment
How Long Will I Stay in Hospital, and in India?
Plan for about 5 to 7 days in hospital, often with 1 to 2 days in intensive care (ICU). Plan to stay in India for about 3 to 5 weeks in total, for tests, surgery and check-ups. These figures are for open valve surgery. The NHS says the hospital stay after TAVI is usually 2 to 3 days.
Why Does the Type of Valve Change the Price?
New heart valves come in different types and brands, and they cost different amounts. Some quotes include the valve and some do not. Treating more than one valve also costs more. Ask each hospital to name the valve type and brand in its quote. Ask the surgeon why it suits you.
Which Reports Should I Get Ready?
Get your echo (heart scan) and ECG reports, any angiography report, and a list of your medicines. Add reports about other illnesses, such as diabetes. The hospital will tell you if it needs more. We will send you a secure link, so please do not send reports on WhatsApp.
Why Might My Final Bill Be Different from the Quote?
A quote is based on your reports. The final bill can change after the heart team examines you in India. The main reasons are a different valve, extra days in intensive care, extra nights, extra tests or a complication. Ask the hospital to explain any change in writing before it charges you.
How Long Does Recovery Take, and When Can I Fly?
The NHS says full recovery after aortic valve replacement can take 2 to 3 months. Much of it happens at home. Your heart team decides when you are fit to fly. UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance for doctors gives about 10 to 14 days after chest surgery.
What Medicines Will I Need at Home, and Can I Buy Them There?
Your heart team decides your medicines. Before you leave hospital, ask for a written list with the generic name and dose of each medicine. Send the list to your local doctor or pharmacist, to check that you can get each medicine at home.
Can a Family Member Come with Me and Stay with Me?
Ask the hospital whether a family member can stay in your room, and whether their meals cost extra. Under Government of India e-Visa rules, up to 2 family members can get e-Medical Attendant visas with your e-Medical visa. Source: indianvisaonline.gov.in, checked on 15 September 2026.
What Should I Ask the Hospital About My Quote?
Ask these questions. Is the quote for one valve or more? Is the new valve included, and which type and brand? How many days in intensive care and nights in hospital are included? Are the surgeon and anaesthetist fees included? What happens to the cost if there is a complication? How long is the quote valid?
This page is general information, not medical advice. Whether a treatment is right for you is decided by the treating doctor after reviewing your reports.
Page reviewed: 15 September 2026