India
Healthcare quality & costs · 2022
Limited — 42.5/100 Private systemHealthcare index trend
Asia comparison
| Country | Index | Life Exp | GP Visit | Doctors/1k | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 84.2 | 83.2 yrs | $92 | 2.60 | 100.0% |
| Hong Kong | 83.8 | 84.4 yrs | $74 | 2.00 | 100.0% |
| Japan | 81.5 | 83.6 yrs | $28 | 2.60 | 100.0% |
| South Korea | 79.8 | 82.9 yrs | $14 | 2.50 | 100.0% |
| Taiwan | 77.5 | 80.5 yrs | $14 | 3.40 | 99.0% |
| Thailand | 65.5 | 76.5 yrs | $28 | 0.95 | 99.0% |
| Malaysia | 60.8 | 75.8 yrs | $32 | 1.50 | 70.0% |
| China | 59.5 | 77.5 yrs | $23 | 3.10 | 96.0% |
| Vietnam | 53.8 | 74.7 yrs | $14 | 0.94 | 88.0% |
| Indonesia | 46.2 | 71.0 yrs | $18 | 0.47 | 56.0% |
| Philippines | 44.5 | 71.8 yrs | $17 | 0.64 | 40.0% |
| India | 42.5 | 70.1 yrs | $11 | 0.70 | 27.0% |
Healthcare in India — FAQs
How good is healthcare in India in 2022?
India scores 42.5 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2022, rated as "Limited". Life expectancy is 70.1 years. The country runs a Primarily private (limited public safety net) and spends 3.00% of GDP on health services.
How much does a doctor visit cost in India?
A typical GP / doctor visit in India costs approximately $11 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $92 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.
Is healthcare free in India?
Public healthcare in India covers only 27.0% of the population. A significant portion of the population pays out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Health expenditure stands at 3.00% of GDP.
How much is private health insurance in India?
Average private health insurance in India costs approximately $32 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.
What type of healthcare system does India have?
India relies primarily on private healthcare. Public coverage is limited to 27.0% of the population. Most residents use employer-sponsored or individual private insurance.
How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in India?
India has 0.7 doctors per 1,000 people. This is below the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 0.50 hospital beds per 1,000 people.
What is the life expectancy in India?
Life expectancy in India is 70.1 years in 2022, compared to the Asia average of 77.7 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.
What is the infant mortality rate in India?
The infant mortality rate in India is 27.7 deaths per 1,000 live births. This rate reflects significant challenges in maternal healthcare, nutrition and access to medical services.
How does India compare to other Asia countries?
India ranks 12 out of 12 Asia countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 42.5/100 is -22.5pp below the Asia average of 65/100. Life expectancy is -7.6 years versus the regional average.
Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in India?
Foreign nationals and expats in India typically rely on private health insurance, as public healthcare access may be limited or require employment-linked contributions. International health insurance is strongly recommended before relocating.
Is India a good destination for medical tourism?
Yes — India is a recognised medical tourism destination, attracting international patients with quality care at lower cost than Western Europe or North America. Common procedures include dental treatment, cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic surgery and specialist consultations. Private hospitals typically offer English-speaking staff and international accreditation.
How much does a hospital stay cost in India?
A hospital stay in India costs approximately $92 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Insured patients typically pay a co-payment or deductible on top of the base rate. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.
Is India's healthcare improving?
India's healthcare quality index has improved by 2 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 42.5/100 to 44.5/100. Life expectancy also rose from 70.1 to 70.8 years over the same period.
What is the quality of hospitals in India?
Hospital quality in India varies significantly. Urban private hospitals generally meet international standards, while rural public facilities may face resource constraints. The country has 0.50 beds per 1,000 people and 0.70 doctors per 1,000.