Varicose veins are swollen, tortuous veins of a bluish or purple appearance. They are usually felt in the legs owing to weak vein walls or valves. For many, varicose veins are painful, itchy, or downright embarrassing. Those who can tolerate them otherwise would prefer to treat them if they start to hurt or turn into a serious disease.
Laser treatment for varicose veins is one of the newer and more trendy approaches to treating this condition. It is considered to be safe, quick, minimally painful, and almost void of downtime compared to surgery. The question of cost is among the commonly asked when one googles treatment: “How much is this going to cost? This is a price guide for surgery of varicose veins by laser in India and probably abroad in developed countries, for example, the USA and the UK.
What Is Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins?
Let us now look into what a varicose veins laser is: before we get into the pricing for the treatment.
Varicose veins laser treatment is also known as EVLT or EVLA- an acronym for Endovenous Laser Therapy and Endovenous Laser Ablation, respectively. In short, a very thin laser fiber is inserted by a doctor; laser energy is then applied inside the vein which is involved. The heated closure of the vein gets absorbed gradually by the body, bearing in mind the diversion of blood flow through good veins.
General procedure undertakings include:
- Minimally invasive (no big cuts)
- Mostly just needs local anesthesia
- Quick (only 30 – 60 minutes)
- No hospital admission, outpatient basis
Varicose Veins Laser Treatment Cost in India
Nowadays, India is fast becoming a medical-tourism destination. This is because medical care, in India, is comparable with Western countries but only at a fraction of their costs.
Average Cost in India
Laser surgery for varicose veins in India generally varies from ₹35,000 up to ₹80,000 per leg (roughly 420 to 950 USD). Depending upon the following factors, the cost may vary:
- City (Delhi, Mumbai,mohali, chandigarh, Chennai, and Bangalore tend to be higher)
- Hospital/clinic
- Experience of the doctor
- Treatment for single leg or for both legs
- If any part of the treatment is claimable under any insurance scheme
What Is Included in the Cost?
Usually, in India, the cost covers:
- Doctor’s consultation fees
- Pre-procedure tests (ultrasound, etc.)
- Laser procedure
- Follow-up visits
But it is always good to ask someone either at the clinic or hospital exactly what they cover under the cost.
Cost of Varicose Veins Laser Treatment Abroad
Now, the US-Canada, UK, and Australian fare of varicose veins laser treatment costs.
United States
The price for varicose vein laser treatment in the USA is well and truly higher. Usually, the cost of treatment can run from about $2,000 to $5,000 (₹1.6 lakh to ₹4.2 lakh) for one leg and the price can climb if a higher number of veins are treated or if both legs are taken up.
United Kingdom
The private treatment cost in UK would be between £1,500 and £3,000 (₹1.6 lakh to ₹3.2 lakh) per leg. The treatment, however, is covered by the NHS only when it is a severely debilitating condition; otherwise, it is not covered for cosmetic cases.
Canada
Public health insurance would presumably cover it if a condition is painful or life-threatening (the examples cited beforehand). Otherwise, a private clinic will charge anything between $2,000 and $4,000 CAD per leg.
Australia
Variations in fees for different clinics, and depending on the technicality of treatment, will be somewhere between AUD 2,000 and 4,000 (₹1.1 lakh to ₹2.2 lakh) per leg in Australia.
Worldly-wise,
Why the Exceedingly Cheap Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins in India?
One would pose the question of why the varicose veins laser treatment in India is comparatively less-priced than in other countries. Following are some reasons:
- Cheap labor: Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff get paid relatively low in India, cheaper than in most Western nations.
- Infrastructure cost: The cost of putting up a hospital and running it is low in India.
- High Competition: Tons of hospitals and clinics alike offer services of the same kind, thus bringing the prices down.
- Advantage of currency conversion: Foreign tourists’ currency will go much farther in India.
Many hospitals in India affording similar low costs are known to utilize the latest technology based on international standards.
Is a Lowly-priced Procedure Straightaway Better?
Important considerations include:
- The credentials of a doctor
- The reputation of the hospital
- The equipment and safety standards
- Offerings for post-procedure care
In the majority of cases, hospitals and clinics found in major metropolitan cities in India offer international-level treatment at fairly economical rates. Many doctors have received training abroad and are fluent in English, which comes as a great advantage for foreign patients.
Travel and Stay Expense?
If coming there from abroad, then travel and accommodation need to be factored in. Still, many a patient won’t find it more expensive than getting treated back home.
Example:
– Round-trip ticket: $700
– Hotel stay for 5 days: $300
– Cost of treatment: $800—Total: $1,800, still far cheaper than the $3,000-$5,000 charged in the US and UK.
And finally, a neat bonus, you can tour and soak in the rich culture of India during your recovery time.
Is It Safe to Travel to India for Treatment?
Yes, fining lots of international patients flocking to India for laser treatment, cosmetic surgery, dental treatment, and the like has become commonplace each year. The best hospitals adhere to international standards and provide:
– English-speaking staff
– Visa and travel assistance
– Post-treatment care
– International patient coordinators
Cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai have JCI- and NABH-accredited hospitals (certified for safety and quality).
Advantages of Treatment in India
– Huge Savings: You can save 60 to 80% as compared to Western Countries.
– World-Class Doctors: Many of them are trained internationally.
– Appointments are quick: There is no waiting list.
– Incentive for Tourism: One may tour and see sights while recuperating.
Things to Consider
– Try to study extensively and assess the chosen hospital and doctor.
– Ask for a price payable on paper for varicose veins laser treatment.
– Schedule to stay there at least one week for consultation, treatment, and follow-ups.
– Check that post-procedure support like stocking is included.
Is It Always the Cheaper Option?
Lastly, besides the price, you should consider:
– Who does the treatment? Has she or he been properly trained for this?
– Does the hospital have a good reputation?
– Does the hospital have the equipment and are safety standards high?
– Aftercare of the patient.
Of course, let us not forget the opportunity cost of travelling and accommodation. Treatment in India is cheaper but almost all metropolitan level establishments are of top quality. Many doctors have studied abroad and speak English, which is an advantage for foreign visitors.
Conclusion
Laser treatment, actually quite new, is for treating painful and unsightly varicose veins. Cost is very huge for any treatment in countries such as the USA or UK. On the brighter side, India offers treatment of the same elite quality but for a fraction of the cost. Varicose veins Laser treatment cost in India stands between ₹35000 and ₹80000 per leg and hence, far cheaper compared to abroad. If you are thinking of getting this procedure done and want to save some money without compromising on the quality, India would be a worthy country to consider. As always, consult trusted doctors to see if the laser is a good way to go and weigh all options before proceeding with the decision.
While comparing varicose veins laser treatment costs of India and abroad, it is an open and shut case. Undeniably, cheaper, India is a worthy consideration for laser treatment, be it for a home-grown Indian or for someone contemplating flying from another country- especially when value for money is being pursued. Of course, remember to do your own research. Go through reviews online, try to interact with ex-patients, and keep yourself informed about everything salient such as, have you picked a qualified doctor, are you sure the hospital or clinic they selected for you is well-equipped? Don’t get me wrong; saving most of the money is one thing; safe and effective treatment of your varicose veins so that you could walk freely and live comfortably is another.
