What Medical Reports Are Needed Before Travelling to India for Cancer Treatment?

What Medical Reports Are Needed Before Travelling to India for Cancer Treatment?

  • Category

    Dermatology

  • Published By

    GetWellGo Team

  • Updated on

    14-Nov-2026

When travelling abroad for cancer treatment, it is important to ensure that you have all your medical reports ready to give to the hospital and specialist doctors. This gives the doctors an understanding of the type and staging of the cancer, previous treatment and current medical status.

You may need to give biopsy reports, histopathology reports, blood work, CT scan, MRI scan, PET-CT scan and previous chemotherapy/radiotherapy. This depends on the type of cancer and stage of cancer you may have.

Having all your medical reports ready can help the doctors give you an opinion, suggest further investigations and start putting together a treatment plan. It can also give you an indication of how much treatment will cost and how long you may need to be in India.

In this article we will explain what medical reports you will need, why it is important, how to get them to the hospitals in India and how we can help international patients.

Why Medical Reports are Important

When looking at giving cancer treatment, doctors will want to know your medical history and diagnosis. This is why having medical reports can be very helpful to specialists.

By sending your medical reports ahead you can:

  • Confirm diagnosis – Biopsy and Histopathology reports will show the doctors what type of cancer you have.

  • Staging – Images and investigations will show how far the cancer has spread.

  • Previous treatment – Doctors can see what treatment you have had in the past.

  • Treatment options – Specialists can see if treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or a combination would be suitable.

  • Initial treatment recommendations – Doctors can give you an initial recommendation.

  • Treatment costs – Hospitals may give you an indication of how much treatment may cost.

  • Reduce delays – By sending reports ahead you can see if further tests are needed.

Sending your medical records is an essential step for international patients looking for the best hospital for cancer treatment in India. It allows the hospitals to look at your case and find which specialist department is needed.

What Medical Reports Will I Need?

This depends on your diagnosis and planned treatment but most international patients will need:

Biopsy and Histopathology Reports

One of the most important reports you will need to send is a biopsy report.

A biopsy is when a small sample of tissue is taken from the affected area. It is then analysed in the lab to see if there are any cancerous cells.

The reports will show:

  • What type of cancer you have.

  • Where the tumour originated from.

  • Characteristics of the cancer cells.

  • What grade the tumour is.

  • Histological sub-type.

  • Other pathology findings.

We recommend sending the full histopathology report.

If you have Immunohistochemistry (IHC) reports these should also be sent. This helps identify specific proteins or markers within the cancer cells. Doctors can then decide if this would be a suitable treatment option.

PET-CT Scan Reports

PET-CT scans are used to show areas of high metabolic activity using PET and CT scans. This helps doctors to see how the cancer may have spread.

You should send:

  • Recent PET-CT report.

  • Older PET-CT reports.

  • Images of the scan.

  • Date of investigation.

PET-CT scans are commonly used to help investigate a number of cancers such as lymphoma, lung cancer and some solid tumours.

Comparing old and new scans can help doctors to see how well the cancer has responded to treatment.

CT Scan and MRI Reports

CT and MRI scans can give detailed images of your organs and tissues. This helps doctors to see where the tumour is, how big it is and how far it has spread.

Depending on the type of cancer you may need to send:

  • CT chest report.

  • CT abdomen and pelvis.

  • MRI brain.

  • MRI spine.

  • MRI pelvis.

  • Other relevant imaging.

Ideally we recommend sending the full report and original images (DICOM).

This can help oncologists and surgeons to understand your condition and if further imaging is needed.

Blood Tests

Blood tests help doctors understand your general health and if you would be suitable for certain cancer treatments.

Common tests include:

  • Full blood count (FBC).

  • Liver function tests (LFT).

  • Kidney function tests (KFT).

  • Electrolytes.

  • Blood sugar.

  • Coagulation.

  • Other cancer related blood tests.

If you have a blood cancer, other investigations may be needed such as:

  • Peripheral blood film.

  • Bone marrow.

  • Flow cytometry.

  • Relevant molecular testing.

Doctors may ask for updated blood tests once you arrive in India.

Molecular and Genetic Testing

Molecular testing can help to identify genetic changes or biomarkers in certain cancers.

This can help doctors to decide if targeted or immunotherapy may be an option.

Depending on your diagnosis you may need to send:

  • EGFR mutation.

  • ALK.

  • HER2.

  • PD-L1.

  • BCR-ABL.

  • Other relevant molecular/genetic reports.

Not all patients would need all of these tests. This depends on your cancer and treatment.

Previous Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

If you have had cancer treatment in the past we recommend sending full details of your treatment.

This can include:

  • Types of chemotherapy.

  • Drugs used.

  • Number of cycles of chemo.

  • Dates of treatment.

  • Radiotherapy details and dosage.

  • Surgery.

  • Response to treatment.

  • Side effects and complications.

This can help doctors to understand how you have responded to treatment and if a different treatment may be suitable.

Previous Surgery

If you have had cancer surgery or any major procedures the hospital may ask for:

  • Previous surgery reports.

  • Operation notes.

  • Discharge summaries.

  • Post-op reports.

  • Histopathology.

  • Complications.

This can help surgeons and oncologists understand how you were treated previously.

Current Medication

We recommend making a list of all medication you are currently taking.

This can include:

  • Cancer related drugs.

  • Pain relief.

  • Antibiotics.

  • Blood thinners.

  • Steroids.

  • Other prescribed medication.

  • Any drug allergies.

We also recommend informing doctors of any other medical issues you may have such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney or heart problems.

What Additional Documents Will I Need?

As an international patient travelling to India for cancer treatment you will need to have some personal documents ready

These can include:

  • Passport.

  • Recent passport sized photos.

  • Medical history.

  • Referral letter from doctor.

  • Contact details.

  • Family members coming with you.

  • Medical visa documentation.

  • Appointment/invitation letter from hospital.

The hospital may ask for your passport details to register you as an international patient and help organise your appointment.

Check with relevant visa authorities in India for the latest medical visa requirements.

How to Send Medical Reports to Hospitals in India

As an international patient you can usually send your medical reports electronically.

To do this:

Gather all reports

This can include biopsy results, scans, blood tests, prescriptions and previous treatment.

Ensure you have them in order from when they were done.

Scan your reports and Save as PDF

If you have imaging investigations we recommend sending the original images (DICOM). This will give more detail than just a scan report.

Contact the hospital or medical tourism facilitator

Give them your medical history, diagnosis and investigations. 

They can help to send these to the correct oncology specialist.

Wait for the Specialist’s Review

Once received by the hospital they may organise an initial medical review.

The oncologist may recommend further investigations, a video consultation or face to face.

Initial Treatment Estimate

The hospital may give you an initial treatment recommendation. Once they have seen your reports they may give you an initial cost.

The final treatment recommendation and cost may change once they have physically seen you, carried out further investigations and assessed you.

Can I Get an Estimate of How Much Cancer Treatment Will Cost?

Yes! As an international patient you can ask for an initial estimate of how much cancer treatment would cost. The hospital will need to look at your diagnosis, staging, previous treatment and current medical status before giving you an estimate.

The cost of treating blood cancer in India can vary depending on the type of cancer, treatment protocol, drugs, hospitalization and if a bone marrow transplant is required.

The cost of treating solid tumours can depend on if you require surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy.

Factors affecting the cost of cancer treatment can include:

  • Type and stage of cancer.

  • Treatment.

  • Hospital and city.

  • Experience of Doctor.

  • Cost of drugs.

  • Number of chemo cycles.

  • Number of radiotherapy sessions.

  • Surgery.

  • ICU if required.

  • Length of hospitalisation.

  • Follow up treatment.

We recommend asking for a detailed breakdown of how much treatment would cost and what is included. There may be extra charges for further investigations, drugs and hospitalisation.

How to Find the Best Hospital for Cancer Treatment in India

There are many multispecialty and dedicated cancer hospitals in India. International patients should look at which hospital would be best for their diagnosis and treatment.

Things to consider:

  • Oncology – Ensure the hospital have Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology and Radiation Oncology.

  • Doctor – Look at what qualifications and experience the oncologist has.

  • Investigations – Check if they have PET-CT, MRI, CT, Molecular and Pathology.

  • Treatment – Find hospitals that provide surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

  • Multidisciplinary – Complex cancers may benefit from multidisciplinary meetings.

  • Accreditations – Check if they have relevant accreditations nationally and internationally.

  • International support – Support with medical reports, appointments, visa and accommodation.

  • Estimate – Ask for a written estimate based on your medical reports.

Your diagnosis, treatment needs, specialist knowledge and facilities should be considered when choosing the best hospital for cancer treatment in India.

How GetWellGo Can Help

There are a number of steps involved when travelling abroad for cancer treatment. We can help international patients manage their medical journey.

We can help with:

Medical Report Review

Send us your medical reports and we can help to manage getting them reviewed by the correct specialists.

Finding the Right Specialist

We can help you find the correct specialist depending on your diagnosis and treatment needs. We can find Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Haematology.

Finding the Right Hospital

We can help you find the right hospital in India. We can look at oncology departments, specialist doctors, treatment facilities and international support.

Online Doctor Consultations

If you cannot travel immediately we can help arrange online consultations with cancer specialists in India. You can discuss your diagnosis, previous treatment and possible treatment options.

Treatment Estimates

Once the hospital has seen your medical reports we can help you get initial treatment estimates.

Medical Visa Support

If you are advised to have treatment in India we can help manage getting invitation letters from the hospital. We can also help with medical visa documentation. This will depend on the relevant authorities.

Travel and Accommodation

We can help with:

  • Airport transfer.

  • Accommodation.

  • Local transport.

  • Appointments.

  • Medical interpreters.

  • Patient management.

  • Follow up consultations.

We aim to make it easier for international patients to have cancer treatment in India.

FAQs

  • What Medical Reports Will I Need?

Depending on your cancer and treatment you may need to send biopsy reports, histopathology, PET-CT, MRI, CT, blood tests, molecular testing, previous chemotherapy, surgery reports and current prescriptions.

  • Will I Need a Biopsy Report?

Generally a biopsy report is important. Doctors may also ask for histopathology slides, tissue blocks and Immunohistochemistry reports.

  • Can I Have Cancer Treatment in India Without a PET-CT?

Yes. Depending on your diagnosis and investigations doctors will look at your reports and decide if a PET-CT or other investigation is required.

  • Do I Need to Send Previous Chemotherapy?

Yes. If you have had chemotherapy please send details of the treatment protocol, drugs used, number of cycles, dates and response.

  • Can Indian Doctors Look at My Cancer Reports Online?

Yes! Many hospitals in India provide online consultations. We can send your medical reports and have a video consultation with doctors.

  • Can I Get an Estimate of How Much Cancer Treatment Will Cost?

Yes. Once the hospital has seen your medical reports they may give you an initial estimate. The final cost may change depending on further investigations.

  • How Much Does Blood Cancer Treatment Cost in India?

The cost of blood cancer treatment in India depends on your diagnosis, staging, treatment protocol, drugs and hospitalisation. Different treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and bone marrow transplantation will have different costs. We recommend getting a personal estimate.

  • Do I Need to Take Original Medical Reports?

Yes. It is advisable to take original reports, biopsy documents, prescriptions and previous treatment. We would also recommend taking digital copies.

  • Can I Have Cancer Treatment in India Without a Doctor Referral?

Yes. International patients can contact hospitals directly. However sending previous medical reports and referral letter if you have one can help doctors to understand your case.

  • Can GetWellGo Help Me Find the Best Hospital for Cancer Treatment in India?

Yes. We can help international patients find the right hospital and cancer specialist. We can manage medical report reviews, online consultations and initial treatment estimates.

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