Brain tumour surgery is an operation to remove all or part of a tumour in the brain. This page is about a craniotomy. In a craniotomy, the surgeon opens part of the skull to reach the tumour. Afterwards, the bone is put back. Before the hospital sends a quote, the neurosurgery team reviews your brain MRI, any CT scans and any biopsy report. The team decides whether surgery is suitable for you, and what kind. The plan depends on the type of tumour, where it is and your general health. After surgery, the treating team may recommend more treatment, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This can mean a longer stay in India. The surgeon can explain the likely benefits and risks for you.
- Typical hospital stay
- 3–7 days
- Total time in India
- 2–3 weeks
- Fit to fly
- The neurosurgery team decides when you can safely fly home. UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance suggests waiting about 7 days after brain surgery, or longer if your team advises it.
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, your stay on the ward and in intensive care (ICU), and medicines in hospital. It usually does not include flights, visa fees, a hotel after discharge, extra ICU days, extra nights, complications, extra tests, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Ask the hospital to list both in writing.
Your Journey, Step by Step
- Before you travel, we send you a secure link for your brain MRI, other scans and 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 neurosurgery team examines you and plans the operation.
- You have the operation and usually stay in hospital for 3 to 7 days. This may include time in intensive care.
- The hospital tests the tissue taken during surgery. The treating team explains the results and whether you need more treatment.
- After you leave hospital, you stay nearby for check-ups until the team says you can fly.
- Before you fly, you get a discharge summary, a medicines list and a follow-up plan for your doctor at home.
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 3 to 7 days in hospital, which may include time in intensive care. For the operation alone, plan to stay in India for about 2 to 3 weeks in total. If the treating team recommends radiotherapy in India, you will stay longer. Your team may advise a different plan for you.
Which Reports and Scans Does the Hospital Need?
The neurosurgery team usually needs your brain MRI report and images, and any CT scans. Send any biopsy report and letters from your doctors too. Ask the hospital how recent your scans must be. We will send you a secure link, so please do not send reports on WhatsApp.
What Happens After Brain Tumour Surgery?
The hospital tests the tissue taken during surgery, and the treating team explains the results to you. The team may recommend more treatment, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Ask whether this can be done in India, at home, or both, and how long it takes.
Can More than One Doctor Review My Case?
Yes. You can ask whether a tumour board will review your case. A tumour board is a team of different doctors, such as surgeons, cancer doctors and scan doctors (radiologists). You can also compare the views of surgeons at different hospitals.
Why Might My Final Bill Be Different from the Quote?
A quote is based on your reports. The final bill can change after the team examines you in India. The main reasons are 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.
When Can I Fly Home After Brain Surgery?
The neurosurgery team decides when you are fit to fly. UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance suggests waiting about 7 days after brain surgery. Your team may ask you to wait longer. Carry your discharge summary in your hand luggage.
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. Which operation is the quote for? How many nights in intensive care and on the ward, and in what type of room? Are the surgeon and anaesthetist fees included? Are the tests on the tumour tissue 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