How Much Does a Kidney Transplant Cost in India? Complete Guide

How Much Does a Kidney Transplant Cost?

An estimated 151 to 232 cases per million people in India suffer from end-stage renal disease that requires kidney transplantation. Even though kidney transplant services are offered by numerous facilities nationwide, patients face significant financial hardship. It happens due to the kidney transplant cost and the ongoing post-operative care. This financial burden frequently determines a patient's ability to pursue transplantation.

In India, the kidney transplant cost ranges from INR 5 Lakhs to INR 15 Lakhs. In some situations, prices can go up. The transplant procedure, hospital stays, surgeon fees, anaesthesia, diagnostic tests, post-operative medications, and regular follow-up care are typically included in this cost.

What is kidney transplant?

Before knowing about the kidney transplant cost, you need to know about the process. It is a medical operation in which a functioning kidney from a living or deceased donor is surgically placed into a patient suffering from advanced failure. Doctors use this procedure when kidneys lose their ability to filter waste from human blood. Transplantation provides better health results. Patients who receive kidney transplant experience better life quality and extended lifespan. Moreover, they can experience fewer dietary and fluid restriction needs. Some research indicates that people who get transplants will live longer.

Comprehensive donor-recipient compatibility testing, continuous immunosuppressive medication use to lower the risk of rejection, and regular long-term medical supervision are a part of the kidney transplantation process. 

Situation of kidney transplant in India

There is no doubt that kidney transplant is widely practised in India. Private and government hospitals offer comprehensive transplantation services to needy patients.

Transplant technology, surgical skills, and post-operative care have together made kidney transplantation a relatively routine procedure. If it is performed properly, there is a chance of minimising risks. Skilled transplant surgeons, nephrologists, and specialised medical teams devoted to renal care are also beneficial.

A living donor donates a kidney in the transplantation process. It can include family members and relatives. According to research, kidneys from living donors typically preserve graft function longer than those from deceased donors.

Transplant protocols, regulations, and access to donor organs can vary by region and may evolve. People should consult reputable transplant facilities or licensed medical professionals directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding kidney transplantation. 

Kidney transplantation cost in India

The kidney transplant cost in India is affordable compared to other countries. The price range starts from INR 5,00,000. Pre-transplant evaluation, surgery, and other miscellaneous expenses are included in this cost. The cost of transplantation is impacted by the factors stated below: 

• Donor availability 

When determining the kidney transplant cost for the entire process, donor availability plays a significant role. For a living-related donor, the method is cost-effective as compatibility is higher, and waiting time is shorter. Moreover, the formalities are completed faster. When it comes to a living-unrelated donor, the cost can increase due to legal clearances, ethical committee approvals, and additional compatibility testing. For deceased donors, the cost is higher due to factors such as organ retrieval procedures and preservation. 

• Patient’s severity 

The patient's medical condition before surgery also influences medical expenses. The cost increases in patients with complex medical conditions like diabetes and heart problems, infections, and others who have been under dialytic therapy. Patients who are in critical health conditions may spend more on hospital and medication expenses as a result of pre- and post-operative care.

• Transplant type 

Cost implications vary across kidney transplant techniques. The standard transplant involves routine procedures and is less costly. Immunotherapy and plasmapheresis are required in the ABO-incompatible transplant. Multiple donors increase surgical costs through paired kidney exchange. With immune responses and surgeries, the re-transplantation process becomes costly. 

• Hospital stay duration

Undoubtedly, the duration of hospital stay has also an impact on the kidney transplant cost. Experienced, highly accomplished surgeons with a strong track record of success in organ transplant procedures charge higher prices. Additionally, professionals trained abroad or affiliated with top-notch hospitals also charge higher prices.

• Expertise and surgeon fee 

The surgeon's reputation and experience affect the kidney transplant cost. Experienced surgeons with valuable success rates charge higher fees. On the other hand, internationally trained surgeons charge higher fees because they are specialised experts. 

• Laboratory tests and diagnostics 

Blood typing, tissue matching, cross-matching, imaging studies, cardiac evaluations, and infection screening are included in the pre-transplant tests. Frequent blood tests, kidney function evaluations, medication level monitoring, and biopsies are for post-transplant monitoring. Although they can raise expenses, advanced diagnostic technologies increase the success rate of transplants.

Cost chart of kidney transplant in India

Kidney transplantation is done with two procedures, namely, open or laparoscopic nephrectomy. The cost ranges from INR 5,00,000 to INR 15,00,000. It is the standard cost at which kidney transplants are performed in some advanced hospitals with highly experienced kidney specialists. India offers world-class transplant care at a much lower cost than in many countries, with no compromise on quality or safety. Here is a cost chart of kidney transplant cost in Delhi and other metro cities. 

City-wise Treatment Cost (INR)

Cost of diagnostic tests

The kidney transplant cost also involves diagnostic tests. Pre-operative assessments help doctors understand the overall health of the patient. These tests reduce surgical risks and help in proper treatment planning.

The total cost of a kidney transplant can be estimated using the following test details:

Tests Determining Donor and Recipient Compatibility

A donor undergoes blood tests and scans to ensure good health and compatibility.

Liver and Kidney Tests

These tests check for infections and evaluate blood enzyme levels before transplantation.

Immune System Tests

Lung Tests

Heart Tests

Blood Flow Tests

Factors affecting the cost of a transplant

The kidney transplant cost includes pre-transplant assessment and surgery. Moreover, other miscellaneous costs are included. The cost in India is more affordable than in other countries. Here are the factors that affect the cost of a kidney transplant in India: 

• Procedure type

Both open surgery and laparoscopic procedures are available for kidney transplants. Laparoscopic procedures have a number of benefits over open surgery, such as fewer or no stitches, quicker recovery, and shorter operating times. Surgeons frequently use more sophisticated and expensive surgical techniques when performing laparoscopic transplants because of these advantages.

• Hospital 

The kidney transplant cost is lower at a government or charitable hospital. In private hospitals, costs are higher. If you are looking for personalised, homely care at an affordable price, public hospitals are the right choice. Patients visit these hospitals and receive kidney implant treatment at an affordable cost. 

• Surgeon fee 

A kidney transplant is a very specialized procedure that requires accuracy, knowledge, and careful planning. This procedure is carried out by the expert transplant surgeons with a wealth of experience at state-of-the-art medical facilities. Depending on the city, hospital, and related medical services, the total cost of the procedure may vary.

• Prescribed medicines 

During and after this procedure, a person has to take specific medications known as immunosuppressants or anti-rejection drugs. These are expensive because most are imported and protected by patents, a factor that drives costs. Despite this, these medications are important for preventing immune rejection of a new kidney and for its proper functioning. The cost of these medications, before and after the procedure, is calculated separately from the surgical cost.

• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation

A crucial role also exists for physiotherapy and rehabilitation work prior to and following transplant surgery. This work ensures that patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases are able to increase muscle power within the body and decrease tiredness while also improving cardiovascular endurance.

• Hospital stay

Generally, the period required for the patient to recover takes about 10 to 15 days. If the patient stays in the hospital longer than the aforementioned period, he/she has to pay some extra expenses related to the transplant.

• Room type 

In general terms, after receiving the transplant, the patient remains under observation for around 10-15 days in the hospital. Various wards in the hospital offer both shared and private rooms for your comfort.

Does insurance cover the kidney transplant cost?

Health insurance covers a portion of the kidney transplant cost. It is associated with kidney transplant surgery and the medical care needed before, during, and after the procedure. These costs usually include hospitalisation, blood, and physician fees. Some insurance companies in India do provide coverage for transplant procedures, but there are stringent requirements. The policy must be taken out when the policyholder has no history of kidney disease, and there is typically a waiting period of three to five years before transplant benefits can be claimed, because many patients receive their diagnoses before obtaining such insurance. In this situation, they might not have insurance for this treatment. It has a huge impact on the financial burden. To take advantage of these benefits, it is better to obtain a comprehensive health insurance policy.

How to estimate and plan the kidney transplant cost?

These three points allow you to plan the kidney transplant cost. 

• Various quotes from hospitals 

There are numerous costs associated with kidney transplant procedures across different hospitals. By comparing prices at both government and private hospitals, you will learn how to save on costs and which services are included in each hospital's package.

• Discussion of the insurance coverage early 

It is very important that, before finalising the hospital, individuals ensure that the surgery expenses are covered by the health insurance policies they have taken out. Also, ask whether there are any waiting-period expenses or sub-limits.

• Itemised bills 

Patients need to request a detailed cost breakdown. It will include ICU charges, surgery fees, and other medical expenses. With these itemised bills, you can see the costs that were not disclosed to you in advance. 

Conclusion

Therefore, the cost of kidney transplant treatment in India depends on various factors. Getting a kidney from a donor can increase your life expectancy. Consult a reputable hospital and get this treatment done. The medical provider will provide you with information about the cost of the treatment and the other details.