Mountain town in Himachal Pradesh, India
Healthcare in Shimla: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Shimla
Adequate for common illness and injuries; complex cases go to Chandigarh (PGI or Fortis), about four hours away.
Hospitals for foreigners in Shimla
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) | Main government referral hospital; crowded |
| Indus Hospital Shimla | Private hospital near Lakkar Bazaar |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: ₹300–800 ($3.1–8.3) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In India: Private hospitals in big cities (Apollo, Fortis, Max, Manipal) are excellent and cheap by Western standards; public hospitals are crowded and rural care is basic.
- Pharmacies: Chemists on every street sell many medicines without prescription; chains like Apollo Pharmacy are reliable. Check expiry dates.
- Health spending: US$85 per person a year (2023); 0.7 doctors per 1,000 people (2020), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 100 · Ambulance 108 · Fire 101 · Tourist police 1363 · All emergencies 112.
Travel and health insurance
Travel insurance isn't required to enter India, but treatment for visitors is paid upfront.
| Insurer | Good for |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Monthly subscription for nomads and long trips; cancel anytime. |
| Genki | Health insurance for nomads, from a European insurer. |
| World Nomads | Trip insurance that covers many adventure activities. |
| Heymondo | Single-trip, annual and long-stay plans with a medical app. |
| IMG Global | Travel medical and long-term international health plans. |
Quick answers
What is the best hospital in Shimla for foreigners?
Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC): Main government referral hospital; crowded
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Shimla?
About ₹300–800 ($3.1–8.3) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for India?
It isn't required for entry, but recommended: hospitals in India expect visitors to pay or show insurance.
More about Shimla
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: India
- IRCTC (toy train bookings)
- Airports Authority of India
SoloSquare has no commercial relationship with the insurers listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.