When it comes to heart surgery in South Asia, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road (Chennai) is widely recognized for its cardiac programs.

It was here that India’s first successful heart transplant was performed. Today, it remains a referral center for many patients from Bangladesh, Kenya, and the Middle East who require complex cardiac evaluation and surgery.

For self-paying international patients, one of the biggest concerns is financial clarity.

How much will a bypass actually cost? Is the stent price included in the package? Will international tariffs differ from domestic pricing?

At Karetrip, we encourage patients to understand estimated costs before traveling. This guide outlines the 2026 Cardiology Package ranges at Apollo Chennai and explains how structured estimates may help reduce uncertainty.

1. The "Starting Point": Coronary Angiogram Cost

Before any revascularization procedure, an angiogram is typically required to visualize coronary artery blockages.

Procedure: Catheter-based contrast imaging of heart arteries. Duration: Approximately 20–30 minutes (usually day-care, if stable). Cost Range: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 ($180 – $300 USD, approximate).

Inclusions (may vary):

• Cath lab usage
• Cardiologist procedural fee
• Basic consumables
• Digital report (CD or digital access)

Actual billing may vary depending on contrast use, access route, and hospital policy.

2. Angioplasty (Stent) Packages

If the blockages are suitable for percutaneous intervention, the cardiologist may recommend angioplasty with placement of a Drug-Eluting Stent (DES).

Package Cost (Single Stent)

Range: ₹2,20,000 – ₹3,50,000 ($2,600 – $4,200 USD, approximate).

What Determines the Price?

Stent Type: Imported, FDA-approved stents (e.g., Abbott Xience or equivalent) may cost more than domestically manufactured stents. Both types are subject to regulatory approval standards in India.

Number of Stents: The package typically covers the procedural setup. Each additional stent may increase the bill by approximately ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 depending on brand and type.

Inclusions (may vary):

• Cath lab charges
• Cardiologist fee
• 1 day ICU observation (if required)
• 1 additional day room stay
• Standard in-hospital medications

Actual stay duration depends on patient stability and comorbid conditions.

3. Bypass Surgery (CABG) Packages

For multiple or complex blockages, Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) may be recommended.

Option A: Conventional CABG (Median Sternotomy)

Cost: ₹3,80,000 – ₹5,50,000 ($4,500 – $6,500 USD, approximate). Average Stay: Around 7 days (commonly 2–3 ICU + 4–5 ward days, depending on recovery).

This remains the standard surgical approach for multi-vessel disease in many patients.

Option B: Minimally Invasive / Robotic-Assisted CABG (Selected Cases Only)

Cost: ₹5,00,000 – ₹7,50,000 ($6,000 – $9,000 USD, approximate).

In selected patients, minimally invasive approaches may avoid full sternotomy. Potential advantages may include:

• Smaller incision
• Reduced post-operative pain
• Faster mobilization in suitable candidates

However, not all patients are eligible. Suitability depends on coronary anatomy, disease complexity, and surgeon assessment. “2x faster recovery” is not guaranteed and varies individually.

4. What Is Included (and What Is NOT)

A “Package” generally covers standard procedural components but not all possible expenses.

Included in Package (Typically)

• Surgeon & anesthetist fees
• Operation theatre / cath lab charges
• Standard ICU stay (as defined in package)
• Standard ward room charges
• Routine in-hospital medications
• Patient meals

Often Excluded (Additional Costs May Apply)

• Pre-operative advanced imaging (CT, MRI, special scans)
• Management of unexpected complications
• Extended ICU stay beyond package limit
• Blood products and transfusion charges
• High-end or imported antibiotics
• Additional specialist consultations

Final billing depends on patient condition, procedural complexity, and recovery course.

5. How Karetrip Helps with Financial Planning

If patients approach hospitals independently, billing may be on an “open basis” (itemized billing), which can sometimes exceed bundled package pricing depending on services used.

The Karetrip Approach

Written Financial Estimate: We coordinate with the hospital to obtain a written pre-travel cost estimate based on available medical reports. This assists with financial planning and visa documentation. It remains an estimate, not a legally binding guarantee.

Room Category Guidance: Choosing a higher room category may increase overall cost, including professional fees in some institutions. We help patients understand these differences before admission.

International Tariff Transparency: Hospitals often maintain separate international pricing structures. We ensure patients are aware of applicable tariffs in advance to reduce billing surprises.

Conclusion: Planning Reduces Financial Stress

Cardiac surgery in the US may exceed $80,000–$100,000. In India, the same procedure may be significantly lower in cost, depending on hospital and clinical factors.

However, cost transparency depends on:

• Type of procedure
• Implant selection
• ICU duration
• Complications (if any)
• Room category

No hospital can guarantee a fixed final amount without considering clinical progression. Need a customized cost estimate? Ask Rua.

Upload your latest angiogram and medical reports. We will coordinate with the Apollo billing team to provide a structured cost estimate within 24 hours (subject to hospital response time).

Medical Disclaimer The prices mentioned in this blog are approximate estimates based on available 2025–2026 tariff ranges and are subject to change without notice. Final billing depends on individual medical condition, room category selected, number and type of stents or grafts used, ICU duration, and potential complications. Karetrip facilitates financial counseling coordination but does not determine hospital pricing or guarantee final billing amounts. All treatment decisions must be made in consultation with a qualified cardiologist or cardiac surgeon.