When someone you care about is going through medical treatment — whether it’s a sudden emergency, long-term therapy, or even something elective like cosmetic surgery — the last thing you want to worry about is paperwork, approvals, or banking delays.
But if the treatment is happening abroad, sending money internationally can feel like one more complication during an already stressful time.
From rising hospital bills to strict admission deadlines, getting funds across borders quickly and compliantly becomes urgent. And while many assume it’s a simple online transfer, the truth is — if you’re an Indian resident, you must follow specific RBI rules under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) before you can legally remit money abroad for medical expenses.
Whether you’re supporting a family member in Germany, arranging surgery in Thailand, or preparing for a scheduled procedure in the US, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — without the jargon or red tape.
In the next sections, we’ll explain:
- What documents are required
- What the RBI allows under the “medical treatment” category
- How to send money quickly and legally
- And how Matrix Forex can help make the process smooth, fast, and stress-free
Because during difficult times, the last thing you should be doing is running from bank to bank.
What Is the Legal Way to Send Money Abroad for Medical Treatment?
If you’re in India and need to send money overseas for medical treatment, you can’t just make a quick international transfer and hope for the best — at least not legally.
All such transactions are regulated under a pair of important financial frameworks:
- FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act): This is the law that governs how and when foreign currency can leave India. It ensures that international payments are made through formal, transparent, and legal channels.
- LRS (Liberalised Remittance Scheme): Introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the LRS allows resident individuals to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for specific approved purposes — and medical treatment is one of them.
What does this mean for you?
It means that if you’re sending money abroad for someone’s hospital bills, surgery, or even rehabilitation therapy, you’re legally required to do it through an RBI-authorised channel (like Matrix Forex), following the LRS guidelines.
And don’t worry — you won’t need to navigate the red tape alone. An experienced provider can walk you through the paperwork, process your transfer quickly, and ensure everything is RBI-compliant — so the funds reach on time, and you stay stress-free.
What Medical Expenses Are Covered Under LRS?
The Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) doesn’t just allow you to send money abroad for general medical treatment — it actually covers a wide range of medical-related expenses, provided the transfer is made for genuine treatment purposes and backed by documentation.
Under LRS, you can legally remit money for:
- Hospitalisation and surgery costs
Whether it’s an emergency operation or a scheduled procedure, hospital bills and medical fees are fully covered. - Doctor consultations and diagnostics
Payments for medical evaluations, imaging (like MRIs or CT scans), lab tests, and consultations with specialists abroad are allowed. - Post-treatment care
This includes rehabilitation, physical therapy, or post-operative check-ups at foreign medical facilities. - Cosmetic or elective procedures
Even non-essential treatments like cosmetic surgery can qualify, as long as you provide appropriate documentation and the purpose is clearly stated. - Prepaid treatment packages
Many clinics overseas offer bundled packages for international patients – these can also be paid for under LRS. - Medication and prescribed drugs
You can remit funds to cover the cost of medicines or treatment-related prescriptions issued abroad.
One important note:
You can’t send money abroad under LRS for just any health-related reason. The remittance must clearly fall under medical treatment – wellness retreats, general check-ups, or alternative therapies may not qualify unless specifically supported by a medical recommendation.
That’s why working with an RBI-licensed provider is crucial. They’ll help you interpret what’s covered and ensure every rupee you send complies with the law.
What Documents Are Required for Medical Remittance?
Sending money abroad for medical treatment isn’t as simple as wiring funds — especially when it needs to comply with RBI regulations under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). To ensure that the transaction is legitimate and for genuine medical purposes, the Reserve Bank of India requires several supporting documents.
Here’s what you’ll typically need to submit:
Mandatory Documentation:
- Copy of the patient’s passport
If you’re sending money for your own treatment, your passport is required. If you’re doing it on behalf of someone else (e.g. a family member), both your passport and the patient’s passport must be included. - PAN card of the remitter
This is compulsory under the LRS framework, regardless of the amount being transferred. - Medical estimate or invoice from the hospital/clinic abroad
A formal quotation or bill detailing the expected cost of treatment, issued by the medical provider. - Doctor’s prescription or treatment recommendation
This should include the diagnosis and treatment plan. - Proof of relationship
If you’re remitting funds on behalf of someone else (like your child, spouse, or parent), you’ll need to provide documentation that establishes your relationship – such as a birth certificate, Aadhaar card, or marriage certificate. - Form A2 and LRS Declaration Form
These standard RBI forms are mandatory for any foreign remittance and will be provided by your forex provider. They confirm the purpose of the transfer and declare that you’re acting in compliance with LRS limits and conditions.
Additional Notes:
- SWIFT/IBAN details
Most overseas hospitals will require you to send funds via a SWIFT transfer, and you’ll need their SWIFT/IBAN code, bank name, and address for a successful transaction. - Country-specific or hospital-specific forms
Some institutions – especially in countries like the US, UK, or Thailand – may request additional paperwork for overseas payments. A good forex provider will walk you through these and ensure nothing is missed.
Who Can You Send Money To?
Under RBI’s LRS guidelines, funds for medical treatment abroad must be sent directly to the appropriate and verified recipient. These include:
- The hospital or medical institution abroad
Payments can go directly to the hospital, clinic, or healthcare provider managing the treatment. This is the most straightforward and preferred route under RBI rules. - A doctor’s clinic or specialist facility
If treatment is being provided by an independent practitioner or smaller clinic, funds may be remitted to their official account, provided valid documentation (invoice, license, registration) is furnished. - The patient’s own foreign bank account
This is allowed in specific situations such as:
– When funds are meant to cover travel, lodging, or post-operative living expenses
– When the patient is traveling ahead and needs money for medical prepayments
– When the hospital requires local payment through the patient
This route must be supported by a proper medical estimate and personal declaration.
Transfers to Agents or Third Parties
RBI generally does not allow remittances to agents, intermediaries, or third-party accounts unless:
- They are legally authorized representatives of the medical institution
- Supporting documentation justifies their involvement
- The remitter is fully compliant with KYC and LRS documentation
Why Choose a Specialist Forex Provider?
While many banks in India facilitate international transfers, they may not be equipped to handle the nuances and urgency that come with medical remittances. Medical forex isn’t just another transaction – it often involves sensitive timelines, detailed documentation, and strict regulatory compliance.
That’s where working with a specialist forex provider like Matrix Forex can make a real difference.
We offer:
- Personalized support to help you prepare and verify all required documents
- Transparent exchange rates with no hidden fees or inflated charges
- Direct transfers to hospitals or clinics abroad, where applicable
- Full compliance assistance, so your transfer aligns with RBI and FEMA regulations
- Faster processing and expert guidance every step of the way
When you or a loved one needs medical treatment overseas, financial clarity and speed are just as important as the care itself. Let Matrix Forex take care of the remittance process – so you can focus on what truly matters.
Contact us today to speak with a forex specialist and get started with your medical remittance.