Complete Cost Breakdown: Medical Treatment at Apollo Hospital India (2026)
The real cost of treatment at Apollo Hospital India goes far beyond the hospital bill. Room charges, hidden fees, companion accommodation, food, transport, visa — we break down every rupee.
Quick Steps
- 1
Get an itemized estimate before admission
Contact Apollo's International Patient Services for a written treatment estimate. Ask for itemized breakdown: surgeon fees, OT charges, anesthesia, room charges (specify category), diagnostics, medicines, consumables, and implants. Get this in writing. Verbal estimates are not binding.
- 2
Choose your room category strategically
Your room category doesn't just affect bed cost — it changes the billing rate for every procedure, scan, consultation, and service during your stay. General ward (₹4,515-₹5,040/day) vs suite (₹33,390/day) means a 7x difference in bed cost, but the total bill difference is even larger because all services are billed at the room category rate.
- 3
Budget for costs outside the hospital bill
Companion accommodation (₹500-₹8,000/night depending on city), meals (₹400-₹1,200/day), local transport (₹150-₹500/trip), medical visa fees ($25-$100 depending on country), SIM card (₹500-₹1,000), and incidentals. For a 3-week treatment, these add ₹42,000-₹1,89,000 ($500-$2,270) to your total cost.
- 4
Pre-authorize your insurance before admission
If using insurance with TPA (Third Party Administrator), get cashless pre-authorization approved BEFORE admission — not during. If TPA rejects the cashless claim, you must pay the entire hospital bill upfront and claim reimbursement later. This can mean ₹5-₹20 lakh ($6,000-$24,000) out-of-pocket at discharge. Carry emergency funds for this scenario.
- 5
Review your final bill line-by-line before paying
Request an itemized final bill. Check for: unauthorized tests, discharge-day injection charges, duplicate charges, and medicines you didn't consume. Under Indian consumer law, you have the right to an itemized bill and can dispute charges before payment. Do not sign discharge papers without reviewing the bill.
- 6
Keep all receipts for post-trip insurance claims
If paying out-of-pocket and claiming later, keep every receipt: hospital bill, pharmacy receipts, diagnostic reports, accommodation bills, transport receipts, and visa fees. Some insurance policies reimburse companion travel and accommodation for medical tourism — check your policy terms.
Why the Hospital Bill Is Only Part of the Cost
Every medical tourism website shows you the hospital estimate. None of them show you the total trip cost — the number that actually leaves your bank account. At Apollo Hospital, the gap between the quoted estimate and the real total cost can be 30-60% or more, driven by room category multipliers, excluded charges, companion expenses, and ancillary costs that nobody mentions upfront.
This guide breaks down every cost category so you can budget accurately before you fly.
Category 1: Hospital Charges
Room Rates (Apollo Delhi — Per Day)
| Room Category | Daily Rate | Impact on Total Bill |
|---|---|---|
| General Ward | ₹4,515–₹5,040 ($54–$61) | Base billing rate for all services |
| Semi-Private | ₹7,035 ($85) | ~1.4x billing multiplier |
| Private Ward | ₹12,600 ($152) | ~2.5x billing multiplier |
| Deluxe AC Private | ₹15,435 ($186) | ~3x billing multiplier |
| Suite | ₹33,390 ($402) | Highest billing multiplier |
| ICU | ₹13,440+ ($162+) | Standard rate for all patients |
The multiplier trap: These aren’t just bed prices. Your room category changes the billing rate for every procedure, consultation, diagnostic test, and nursing charge during your entire stay. A patient in a private room pays 2.5-3x more for the same surgery by the same surgeon as a general ward patient.
Real example: If CABG surgery costs ₹5.4 lakh in general ward billing, the same surgery in a private room can cost ₹7.5 lakh — a ₹2.1 lakh ($2,500) difference, driven entirely by room choice.
Procedure Cost Ranges
| Procedure | Apollo Delhi (₹) | Apollo Hyderabad (₹) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart bypass (CABG) | 5,40,000–7,50,000 | ~6,65,000 | Surgery, surgeon fees, OT, 5-7 day stay (ICU + ward), standard medicines, post-op physio |
| Liver transplant | 6,12,294–8,16,392 | 6,00,000–8,00,000 | Surgery, donor evaluation, ICU stay, standard medicines |
| Kidney transplant | 4,00,000–6,00,000 | 4,00,000–6,00,000 | Surgery, donor workup, hospital stay |
| Robotic knee replacement | — | 3,50,000–5,50,000 | Mako-assisted surgery, implant, 3-5 day stay |
| BMT (autologous) | 51,810–69,079 | — | Stem cell collection, conditioning, infusion |
| Bariatric surgery | 2,73,000–5,46,000 | 2,50,000–5,00,000 | Surgery, 3-5 day stay, dietician |
| Cancer treatment | 11,669–5,83,440 | 50,000–6,00,000 | Varies enormously by staging and modality |
What the Package Estimate Does NOT Include
These are consistently excluded from initial quotes and added to the final bill:
| Excluded Cost | Typical Range | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Medicines and consumables | +20-40% of base estimate | Always extra; branded medicines cost more than generics |
| Implants (joints, stents, valves) | ₹50,000–₹3,00,000+ | Can be the single largest cost item in orthopedic and cardiac surgery |
| Immunosuppressants (transplant) | ₹15,000–₹30,000/month ongoing | Not a one-time cost — lifelong for transplant patients |
| Multiple specialist consultations | ₹1,500 each × 3-4 specialists | Cardiologist, anesthesiologist, pulmonologist, etc. |
| Advanced imaging (MRI, PET-CT) | ₹15,000–₹40,000 per scan | If not pre-specified in package |
| Blood products and transfusions | ₹5,000–₹20,000 | Variable, depends on surgery |
| Extended ICU beyond package | ₹13,440+/day | If complications require extra ICU days |
| Discharge-day charges | ₹5,000–₹10,000 | Last-day injections, medicines, clearance tests |
| Physiotherapy sessions (extra) | ₹1,000–₹2,000/session | Orthopedic patients may need 15-20 sessions |
Pro tip: Ask for a “worst-case estimate” — not just the standard package price. A good hospital will give you a range that accounts for potential complications and extended stays.
Category 2: Accommodation (Companion/Family)
Apollo Delhi Area (Sarita Vihar)
| Type | Per Night | Per Week | 3 Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guest house (basic) | ₹1,500–₹2,500 | ₹10,500–₹17,500 | ₹31,500–₹52,500 |
| OYO / budget hotel | ₹2,000–₹3,500 | ₹14,000–₹24,500 | ₹42,000–₹73,500 |
| Mid-range hotel | ₹4,000–₹8,000 | ₹28,000–₹56,000 | ₹84,000–₹1,68,000 |
| Serviced apartment | ₹3,000–₹6,000 | ₹21,000–₹42,000 | ₹63,000–₹1,26,000 |
Apollo Hyderabad Area (Jubilee Hills)
| Type | Per Night | Per Week | 3 Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| OYO / budget hotel | ₹500–₹1,500 | ₹3,500–₹10,500 | ₹10,500–₹31,500 |
| Budget hotel (Jubilee Ridge) | ₹1,500–₹2,500 | ₹10,500–₹17,500 | ₹31,500–₹52,500 |
| Mid-range hotel | ₹2,000–₹3,500 | ₹14,000–₹24,500 | ₹42,000–₹73,500 |
| Airbnb (with kitchen) | ₹1,200–₹3,000 | ₹8,400–₹21,000 | ₹25,200–₹63,000 |
| Serviced apartment | ₹1,500–₹3,000 | ₹10,500–₹21,000 | ₹31,500–₹63,000 |
Key insight: A companion staying in a budget hotel near Apollo Hyderabad for 3 weeks spends ₹10,500-₹31,500. The same near Apollo Delhi: ₹42,000-₹73,500. That’s a ₹31,500-₹42,000 ($380-$505) difference on accommodation alone.
Category 3: Daily Living Costs
Food
| Expense | Apollo Delhi Area | Apollo Hyderabad Area |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital canteen meal | ₹150–₹250 | ₹100–₹200 |
| Street food / local restaurant | ₹100–₹200 | ₹60–₹120 |
| Mid-range restaurant | ₹300–₹500 | ₹200–₹350 |
| Daily food budget (companion) | ₹400–₹800 | ₹250–₹500 |
| 3-week food cost | ₹8,400–₹16,800 | ₹5,250–₹10,500 |
Hyderabad food advantage: Beyond price, Hyderabad’s cuisine is more compatible with Middle Eastern and African palates. Biryani, kebabs, and Halal food are everywhere — not specialty items you need to seek out.
Transport
| Trip Type | Apollo Delhi | Apollo Hyderabad |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital ↔ hotel (Uber/auto) | ₹100–₹300 | ₹50–₹150 |
| Airport transfer (one way) | ₹300–₹500 | ₹500–₹800 |
| Full day errands | ₹500–₹800 | ₹300–₹500 |
| 3-week transport cost | ₹5,000–₹10,000 | ₹3,000–₹6,000 |
Delhi metro advantage: Apollo Delhi is directly opposite Jasola Apollo Metro Station (₹20-₹50 per trip). If your companion is mobile, metro is far cheaper than Uber for getting around Delhi. Hyderabad has no metro access to the hospital.
Communication
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian SIM card (prepaid) | ₹500–₹1,000 | Jio or Airtel recommended; requires passport copy |
| SIM with 2GB/day data (28 days) | ₹299–₹599 | Sufficient for video calls, navigation |
| Available at hospital lounge | Yes (Delhi) | Ask at Gate No. 10 International Lounge |
Category 4: Travel & Visa Costs
Medical Visa
| Country | Visa Fee (Approximate) | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | $100–$150 | 5-10 business days | Requires hospital invitation letter |
| Kenya | $50–$100 | 3-7 business days | Apollo Nairobi office can assist |
| Bangladesh | $50–$80 | 3-5 business days | High volume, generally smooth |
| Iraq | $25–$50 | 5-10 business days | Arabic letter helpful |
| Uzbekistan | $40–$80 | 5-7 business days | — |
| UAE | $50–$100 | 3-5 business days | Generally straightforward |
Hospital invitation letter: Apollo provides an official visa invitation letter within 3-5 business days. This is required for medical visa applications in most countries. Contact the International Patient Services team to initiate this.
Scam warning: Unregistered “medical visa agents” charge ₹10,000-₹50,000 for services the hospital provides free or at minimal cost. Verify any facilitator holds GHA CMTP certification or ISO 22525 compliance. Check credentials directly through GHA and JCI websites. If someone claims “special connections” for faster approvals, it’s likely a scam.
Flights (Approximate Round Trip)
| Route | Economy Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi → Delhi | $400–$700 | Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways (1 stop) |
| Nairobi → Hyderabad | $350–$600 | Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa |
| Lagos → Delhi | $500–$900 | Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates (1-2 stops) |
| Dhaka → Delhi | $200–$350 | Direct flights available (Biman, IndiGo) |
| Tashkent → Delhi | $250–$400 | Uzbekistan Airways, IndiGo (direct) |
| Dubai → Delhi | $200–$350 | Multiple airlines, frequent direct flights |
| Dubai → Hyderabad | $150–$300 | Direct flights (IndiGo, Air India Express) |
Category 5: The Complete Picture
Total Trip Cost Calculator
Scenario: Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG) with 1 companion, 3-week stay
| Cost Category | Apollo Delhi | Apollo Hyderabad |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital bill (private room) | ₹7,50,000 ($9,000) | ₹6,65,000 ($8,000) |
| Medicines & consumables (+25%) | ₹1,87,500 ($2,250) | ₹1,66,250 ($2,000) |
| Companion accommodation (21 nights) | ₹63,000 ($760) | ₹21,000 ($250) |
| Food — patient + companion (21 days) | ₹25,200 ($300) | ₹15,750 ($190) |
| Local transport (21 days) | ₹8,400 ($100) | ₹5,250 ($63) |
| Airport transfers (×2) | ₹1,000 ($12) | ₹1,600 ($19) |
| SIM card + communication | ₹1,000 ($12) | ₹1,000 ($12) |
| Visa + documentation | ₹5,000 ($60) | ₹5,000 ($60) |
| Flights (from Nairobi, example) | ₹50,000 ($600) | ₹42,000 ($505) |
| Incidentals (pharmacy, supplies) | ₹5,000 ($60) | ₹4,000 ($48) |
| TOTAL TRIP COST | ₹10,96,100 ($13,154) | ₹9,26,850 ($11,147) |
| Savings at Hyderabad | — | ₹1,69,250 ($2,007) |
The real picture: For a Nigerian patient flying to India for CABG, the total out-of-pocket cost including everything is approximately $11,000-$13,000. The hospital bill is only 60-70% of this total. The remaining 30-40% — accommodation, food, travel, medicines — is where city choice makes a significant financial difference.
Total Trip Cost by Procedure (Estimates)
| Procedure | Apollo Delhi Total | Apollo Hyderabad Total | Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart bypass (CABG) | $11,500–$14,500 | $9,500–$12,000 | 3 weeks |
| Knee replacement (robotic) | $7,000–$10,000 | $6,000–$8,500 | 2 weeks |
| Liver transplant | $12,000–$16,000 | $10,500–$14,000 | 4 weeks |
| Kidney transplant | $9,000–$12,000 | $7,500–$10,500 | 3 weeks |
| Cancer treatment (surgical) | $4,000–$12,000 | $3,500–$10,500 | 2-4 weeks |
| Bariatric surgery | $5,500–$9,500 | $4,500–$8,000 | 2 weeks |
| Brain tumor (ZAP-X) | $5,000–$7,000 | N/A (Delhi only) | 1 week |
Totals include hospital bill, medicines/consumables (+25%), companion accommodation, food, transport, visa, and flights from East Africa as reference.
How to Protect Yourself from Billing Surprises
Before Admission
- Get a written, itemized estimate — not a verbal quote or range. Specify room category in the estimate.
- Ask what’s excluded — medicines, consumables, implants, additional specialists, imaging, blood products.
- Ask for a “worst-case estimate” — what if you need 3 extra ICU days? What if there’s a complication?
- Pre-authorize insurance before admission, not during. Carry emergency funds equal to your estimated bill.
- Choose room category deliberately — understand that general ward saves 2-3x on the total bill, not just the bed.
During Stay
- Track charges daily — ask for interim billing statements every 2-3 days.
- Question unfamiliar tests — ask your doctor to explain why each test is necessary before it’s performed.
- Refuse unnecessary upgrades — if staff suggest upgrading your room mid-stay, know that all charges may be recalculated retroactively.
At Discharge
- Review the final bill line-by-line before payment — check for duplicate charges, unauthorized tests, and discharge-day additions.
- Under Indian consumer law, you have the right to an itemized bill and can dispute charges.
- Keep every receipt — hospital bills, pharmacy receipts, diagnostic reports, accommodation, transport. You’ll need these for insurance reimbursement.
- Get a discharge summary and all medical records in English — you’ll need these for follow-up care at home and insurance claims.
Your Rights as a Patient in India
Under Indian consumer protection law and Clinical Establishments Act:
- Right to an itemized bill with breakdown of all charges
- Right to informed consent — every test and procedure requires your approval
- Right to a second opinion — you can consult another doctor at any time
- Right to your medical records — the hospital must provide copies
- Right to complain — file grievances with the hospital’s patient relations office, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, or the National Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000)
If you face billing disputes after returning home, you can file complaints through:
- Apollo’s official grievance portal (apollohospitals.com/contact-us)
- India’s National Consumer Helpline: 1800-11-4000
- District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in the hospital’s city
Fittour India Editorial Team
Research-backed health content reviewed by healthcare professionals. Data sourced from medical literature, government health portals (NMC, NABH, FSSAI), accreditation bodies (JCI), peer-reviewed studies, and verified patient experiences. Updated .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the room category billing multiplier at Apollo Hospital?
At Apollo hospitals, your room category determines the billing rate for all services during your stay — not just the bed cost. Choosing a general ward means all procedures, diagnostics, consultations, and nursing charges are billed at the base rate. Choosing a suite means those same services are billed at a significantly higher rate. This is the single biggest cost factor that international patients don't understand until they see the final bill. The bed cost difference between general ward (₹4,515/day) and suite (₹33,390/day) is 7x, but the total bill difference can be 3-4x because every service is multiplied.
What costs are NOT included in Apollo Hospital treatment packages?
Even when Apollo quotes a 'package price,' the following are typically excluded: (1) Medicines, consumables, and implants — can add 20-40% to the base cost. (2) Immunosuppressants for transplant patients — entirely out-of-pocket and ongoing. (3) Specialist consultations beyond the primary surgeon — ₹1,500 each, and you may see 3-4 specialists. (4) Advanced imaging (MRI, PET-CT) if not specified in the package. (5) Blood products and transfusions. (6) Extended ICU stay beyond the package days. (7) Complications requiring additional procedures. (8) Post-discharge medications and follow-up consultations.
Why do some patients say Apollo is 4x more expensive than other hospitals?
This claim (common on Quora and patient forums) is misleading but not entirely wrong. Apollo's surgical fees are typically 1.5-2x government hospital rates — not 4x. The perception of 4x pricing comes from: (1) Room category multiplier inflating all charges. (2) Extensive diagnostic testing — Apollo tends to run comprehensive workups that smaller hospitals skip. (3) Branded medicines vs generic alternatives. (4) Premium room charges adding ₹10,000-₹33,000/day to the bill. (5) Ancillary services (dietician, physiotherapy, nursing) billed separately. The total bill can reach 3-4x a budget hospital for the same surgery — but you're also getting JCI/NABH-level protocols, advanced technology, and a more comprehensive diagnostic and post-operative care pathway.
What happens if my insurance cashless claim is rejected at Apollo?
If your TPA (Third Party Administrator) rejects the cashless pre-authorization, you must pay the entire hospital bill upfront in cash/card and submit a reimbursement claim to your insurer after discharge. This can mean ₹5-₹20 lakh ($6,000-$24,000) out-of-pocket. Common rejection reasons: pre-existing condition exclusion, policy-specific exclusions, insufficient supporting documents, or the treatment not being covered. To minimize risk: (1) Get pre-authorization before admission (not during). (2) Carry emergency funds equal to your estimated bill. (3) Ask Apollo's Insurance Cell to handle pre-authorization paperwork — they are experienced with TPA formalities. (4) Bring all policy documents, previous medical records, and referral letters.
Is it cheaper to get treated at Apollo Hyderabad vs Apollo Delhi?
Hospital charges are broadly comparable — CABG costs $6,500-$9,000 at Delhi vs ~$8,000 at Hyderabad. The real savings are in ancillary costs: accommodation near Apollo Hyderabad is 60-70% cheaper (₹500-₹1,500/night vs ₹2,000-₹3,500/night in Delhi). Food is 30-40% cheaper. Local transport is 45-50% cheaper. Over a 3-week treatment with one companion, total trip cost at Hyderabad is $550-$760 less than Delhi for identical hospital charges.
Should I tip hospital staff at Apollo? How much?
Tipping is not officially required at Apollo hospitals, but it is culturally customary in Indian healthcare. Ward boys, attendants, and support staff who assist with non-medical tasks (wheelchair transport, meal delivery, room cleaning) typically receive ₹200-₹500 ($2.50-$6) tips. Ambulance drivers: ₹200-₹300. This is not bribery — it's a cultural norm similar to tipping in restaurants. Nursing staff and doctors should not be tipped. No one at the hospital will mention this, but international patients who don't tip may receive less attentive non-medical support.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.