A hole in the heart is a gap in the wall that divides the heart. An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole between the 2 upper chambers. A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a hole between the 2 lower chambers. Hospitals close these holes in children and adults. Some holes are closed with a small device, put in through a thin tube in a blood vessel (catheter closure). Other holes are closed with open heart surgery. The cardiology team decides which method suits you or your child. For a child, a parent or guardian makes the enquiry. Before the hospital sends a quote, heart doctors review the echo (heart scan) and ECG reports. The doctor can explain the likely benefits and risks. The treating doctor decides whether closure is right for you or your child.
- Typical hospital stay
- 2–10 days
- Total time in India
- 1–4 weeks
- Fit to fly
- The heart team decides when you or your child can safely fly home. Ask the team before you book return flights.
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 procedure, the hospital stay, and medicines in hospital. It usually does not include flights, visa fees, a hotel after discharge, meals for family members, extra days in intensive care (ICU), complications or extra tests. Ask the hospital to list both in writing. If a closure device is used, ask whether it is included.
Your Journey, Step by Step
- Before you travel, we send you a secure link for the echo, ECG and other medical reports.
- Two or three accredited hospitals review the reports and send written quotes. You choose one.
- The hospital you choose sends a letter for the medical visa. You book flights and a place to stay.
- When you arrive, the hospital does tests and the heart team decides between catheter closure and surgery.
- After catheter closure, the hospital stay is usually 2 to 3 days. After open heart surgery, it is usually 5 to 10 days.
- After you leave hospital, you stay nearby for check-ups until the heart team says you can travel.
- Before you fly, the heart team gives you a discharge summary, a medicines list and a follow-up plan.
- At home, you share the discharge summary with your local doctor and ask about follow-up checks.
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 We Stay in Hospital, and in India?
It depends on the method. After catheter closure, plan for about 2 to 3 days in hospital and about 1 to 2 weeks in India. After open heart surgery, plan for about 5 to 10 days in hospital and 3 to 4 weeks in India. The heart team decides when you can travel home.
Catheter Closure or Surgery: Who Decides?
The cardiology team decides, after reviewing the echo (heart scan) and other reports. The method changes the hospital stay, the time in India and the cost. Ask each hospital which method its quote covers.
Can You Help with Hole-in-the-Heart Closure for a Child?
Yes. Hospitals close these holes in children and adults. For a child, a parent or guardian makes the enquiry and shares the reports. Heart care for children is a separate service. Ask whether the hospital has an intensive care unit for children after heart surgery.
Which Reports Should We Get Ready?
Get the echo (heart scan) report, the ECG report and a list of medicines. For a child, add any letters or reports from the child's doctor at home. 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 the Final Bill Be Different from the Quote?
A quote is based on the reports. After tests in India, the heart team may change the plan, for example from catheter closure to surgery. Extra nights, extra days in intensive care, extra tests or a complication can also change the cost. Ask the hospital to explain any change in writing before it charges you.
When Can We Fly Home?
When the heart team says it is safe to fly. The time is usually longer after open heart surgery than after catheter closure. Ask the team before you book return flights, and carry the discharge summary and medicines in your hand luggage.
Can a Parent or Family Member Come with Us and Stay in Hospital?
Ask the hospital whether a parent or family member can stay in the 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 one 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 catheter closure or open heart surgery? Is the closure device included, and which one? How many nights in hospital and days in intensive care are included? Are the doctor and anaesthetist fees included? What happens to the cost if the plan changes or 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