A bone marrow transplant (stem cell transplant) replaces damaged blood-forming cells with healthy stem cells. It is used for some blood cancers, such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and some other blood conditions. Some transplants use your own stem cells (autologous). Others use stem cells from a donor (allogeneic). If you need a donor, the hospital looks for a suitable donor match, for example a family member. Before the transplant, you usually have strong chemotherapy. You then stay in a special hospital unit while the new cells start to grow. Before the hospital sends a quote, its blood doctors (haematologists) review your reports and past treatment. The treating doctor decides whether a transplant is right for you, and which type.
- Typical hospital stay
- 27–35 days
- Total time in India
- 6–12 weeks
- Fit to fly
- Your transplant team decides when you can safely fly home. Ask them what you need for the journey and what check-ups you need at home.
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 tests before the transplant, the transplant, your stay and medicines in hospital. It usually does not include flights, visa fees, a hotel after discharge, donor travel, extra nights, complications or extra tests. Ask the hospital to list both in writing.
Your Journey, Step by Step
- Before you travel, we send you a secure link for your medical reports, such as bone marrow reports.
- Two or three accredited hospitals review your reports and send written quotes. You choose one.
- If you need a donor, the hospital explains how it looks for a suitable donor match.
- The hospital you choose sends a letter for your medical visa. You book flights and a place to stay near the hospital.
- When you arrive, the hospital does tests to check that you are ready for the transplant.
- You have the transplant and stay in the transplant unit, often for about 4 to 5 weeks.
- After you leave hospital, you stay nearby for check-ups. In total, plan for about 6 to 8 weeks with your own cells. Donor-cell transplants often need up to about 12 weeks.
- Before you fly, the team gives you a discharge summary, a medicines list and a follow-up plan.
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?
Many people stay in hospital for about 4 to 5 weeks. For a transplant using your own cells, plan to stay in India for about 6 to 8 weeks in total. A transplant using donor cells usually needs longer, often up to about 12 weeks. Ask the hospital for your plan before you book.
Can a Family Member Be My Donor?
It depends on the type of transplant you need. Some transplants use your own stem cells, so you do not need a donor. If you need a donor, the hospital looks for a suitable donor match, for example a family member. The transplant team decides who can donate.
Which Reports Should I Get Ready?
Get your diagnosis reports, such as blood tests and bone marrow biopsy reports. Add a summary of the treatment you have had, such as chemotherapy, and a list of your medicines. 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 team examines you in India. The main reasons are extra days in hospital, extra tests, donor costs or a complication. Ask the hospital to explain any change in writing before it charges you.
What Happens After I Go Home?
Recovery continues for a long time after you go home. NHS guidance says it can take up to a year. Before you leave, ask the team for a discharge summary, a medicines list and a follow-up plan. Ask whether the team can talk to your doctor at home.
When Can I Fly Home?
When your transplant team says you are fit to fly. Ask them what you need for the journey. 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 with you, and about its visitor rules in the transplant unit. 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 a transplant with your own cells or with donor cells? Are donor tests included? How many days in the transplant unit, and in what type of room? Are doctor fees and medicines 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