If you are travelling to India for a heart transplant, you aren't just packing for a surgery—you are packing for a season of your life.

Unlike a bypass or stent procedure, where you might fly home in two weeks, a Heart Transplant requires a much longer commitment. The surgery itself takes hours, but ensuring your body accepts the new organ takes months.

For most international patients, the total stay in India is approximately 3 to 4 months. Why so long? It isn't just about healing the incision. It is about Immunosuppression and Rejection Monitoring. Your new heart is a stranger to your body, and the first 90 days are the critical "danger zone" where rejection is most likely to happen.

At Karetrip, we help you plan for this long-haul journey. Here is a breakdown of your timeline from landing to takeoff.

Phase 1: The Hospital Stay (Days 1–21)

Once the donor heart is found and the surgery is done, your life inside the hospital begins. ICU (Intensive Care Unit): You will spend about 5 to 7 days here. This is where doctors balance your new heart's function and prevent immediate infection. The Ward: Once stable, you move to a private room for another 2 weeks. Here, physiotherapists will help you walk again, and nurses will teach you how to take your anti-rejection medications perfectly. Total Hospital Time: Approx. 3 weeks.

Phase 2: The "Local Recovery" (Months 2–3)

This is the phase most patients underestimate. You are discharged, but you cannot go home yet. You must stay in a hotel or guesthouse near the hospital.

Why can't I fly home?

The Biopsy Schedule: To check if your body is rejecting the heart, doctors must perform an Endomyocardial Biopsy (taking a tiny piece of heart tissue to check under a microscope).

Month 1: Once a week. Month 2 & 3: Every two weeks.

Why it matters: You need to be minutes away from the lab for these tests.

Medication Tuning: Your dosage of immunosuppressants (like Tacrolimus) changes constantly based on your blood levels. A local doctor needs to adjust this daily or weekly

Phase 3: The "Fit to Fly" (Month 4)

Around the 90-100 day mark, your transplant team will conduct a comprehensive review.

• Final Biopsy: To ensure zero signs of rejection.
• Angiogram: To check the heart's arteries.
• Infection Screen: To ensure your suppressed immune system is stable.

If you pass these tests, the surgeon issues a "Fit to Fly" Certificate. This document is mandatory for airlines to allow a recent transplant patient on board.

The Visa Factor: FRRO & Extensions

Since you will be in India for over 60 days, legal paperwork is just as important as medical paperwork.

Registration: You must register with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) within 14 days of arrival.

Visa Validity: Most Medical Visas are valid for 6 months or 1 year. If your recovery takes longer due to complications, you will need to apply for a Medical Visa Extension.

Conclusion

A heart transplant is a partnership between you and your medical team. Rushing the process and flying home too early can lead to complications that are difficult to manage in your home country. Prepare for a 3-4 month stay. Bring books, bring a caregiver, and bring patience. At Karetrip, we specialise in managing these long-term stays. We assist with:

• Long-term accommodation: Finding hygienic, affordable apartments near the hospital.
• FRRO & Visa Extensions: Handling the government paperwork so you don't have to.
• Local Transport: Arranging sanitised cars for your weekly biopsy visits.

Need help finding a long-stay apartment or extending your visa? Ask Rua. Our AI agent, Rua, knows the neighbourhoods around every major heart hospital in India. Rua can help you find a safe place to stay and guide you through the FRRO registration process.

Medical Disclaimer The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Recovery timelines vary for every patient based on age, medical history, and post-surgical complications. Always follow the specific discharge and travel protocols provided by your transplant surgeon. Karetrip does not endorse any specific physicians or procedures mentioned herein. Reliance on any information provided by Karetrip is solely at your own risk.