Is India a good location for Stem Cell Therapy?
India is one of the go to destinations for stem cell therapy, and it’s easy to see why. It’s one of the cheapest countries for Stem Cell Therapy.
Every year, thousands of patients travel to India looking for Stem Cell Treatments.. But, it’s not all smooth sailing, there are some risks which we’ll go into in this article.
And if you do want to read more about treatments in other countries, check out our article on the Best countries for Stem Cell Therapy!
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All prices are updated as of December 2025. Our pricing data is attained from real clinics in India and verified patient treatment data. Legal Data is obtained directly from official government sources (India’s National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research) and is reviewed monthly.
Is Stem Cell Therapy Legal in India?
No, as of August 2025, commercial Stem Cell Treatments are NOT legal according to the The National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research published in 2017. Specifically, it quoted:
The 2017 guidelines, reiterate that any stem cell use in patients, other than that for hematopoietic stem cell reconstitution for approved indications, is investigational at present.
The only Stem Cell Treatment that is legal is Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for approved blood related & immune system disorders.
Legally, clinics aren’t even allowed to advertise any Stem Cell treatments, according to point 19.1 in India’s national guidelines for Stem Cell Research.
We know nearly every other article (created by clinics) may tell you otherwise, but check the latest literature & government announcements. We’ve included sources above.
Can Clinics in India Offer Stem Cell Therapy for Cosmetic & Orthopedic Purposes?
No, you cannot get Orthopedic, Anti aging or any other stem cell treatments LEGALLY in India, apart from HSCT transplant for certain blood related & immune system disorders.
With clinics operating in gray areas and little to no government enforcement, you CAN still get Stem Cell Treatment in India for a variety of conditions.
Want to know if Stem Cells can actually help your condition?
Which diseases can be treated with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants in India in 2025?
According to the National Policy for Rare Diseases press release in 2024, the following diseases are treatable through HSCT:
- Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) for which Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) is not available, and severe forms of Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) Type I within the first 2 years of age.
- Adrenoleukodystrophy (early stages), before the onset of neurological signs.
- Immune deficiency disorders such as Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) & Chronic Granulomatous Disease
- Fanconi Anemia
How Much Does Stem Cell Therapy Cost in India in 2026?
In India, Stem Cell Therapy costs range from $3,500 up to $10,000 per treatment. Globally, it is one of the cheapest countries for Stem Cell Therapy.
To compare average costs with different countries, check out our article covering Average Stem Cell Therapy Costs Around the World.
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Is India cheaper than Thailand for Stem Cell Therapy?
It’s close, but India is just slightly cheaper than Thailand for Stem Cell Therapy. In Thailand, stem cell treatment prices range from $3,080 up to $18,200.
Is Thailand better then India for Stem Cell Therapy?
Whilst India is cheaper in most cases for Stem Cell Therapy, more people are choosing to go to Thailand for a few reasons:
Treatment Types
Clinics in Thailand offer high dosage, umbilical cord derived Stem Cell Treatments, whereas most clinics in India will only use your own cells (which isn’t a bad thing, just depends on your preference).
Clinic Standards
Standards of clinics tend to be generally higher in Thailand regarding facilities and service quality.
Recovery Experience
Whilst not a medical reason, as a tourist destination, Bangkok & Phuket are often preferred choices over Mumbai for a holiday where people want to relax and recover.
Not sure if you should get stem cell treatment in India? We’ll help you decide. We’ll walk you through real data on success rates for each condition, stem cell treatments that don’t work & how to avoid poor clinics.
Stem Cell Therapy in India Vs Japan & Colombia
Here’s a breakdown comparing stem cell treatment in India to treatments in Japan & Colombia
| Country | Cell Types | Cultured Cell Treatment | Regulations |
| India | Autologous | No | Lax |
| Japan | Autologous | Yes | Strict |
| Colombia | Umbilical Cord derived | Yes | Lax |
Reasons Why Patients Choose India for Stem Cell Therapy:
- Cost-Effective: Treatments are up to 80% cheaper than in Western countries.
- Many doctors in India have trained or worked in top hospitals across the US, Europe, and other leading medical hubs.
- Plus, they speak fluent English, making communication easy for international patients. (the medical tourism division of the government backs this up)
- Dedicated international patient programs, visa assistance, and affordable accommodations make the process seamless.
- The government recently extended the e-medical visa to nationals of 167 countries
- They’re also investing heavily into the medical infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier cities
How to Choose the Best Stem Cell Clinic in India
- Stay away from ANY clinic offering guarantees or miracle cures. Stem Cell Therapy is still experimental
- Ensure their labs are either ISO or GMP accredited.
- Stay away from crazy marketing tactics, paid reviews etc, it’s tough out there to figure out which clinics are legitimate!
- Check out our list of Top Questions to ask Clinics, might be helpful!
Top Stem Cell Therapy clinics in Asia
We don’t let any clinic just sign up or pay to be listed.
We speak to every clinic directly and review their medical team, the treatments they offer, how their stem cells are sourced and how they follow up with patients after treatment.
We also review licensing documents to confirm they meet the legal and medical standards of the country they operate in. For example, whether cells are processed in a GMP-certified facility or if they provide documentation on stem cell quality.
Clinics must also agree to let us collect and publish independent patient reviews. Both positive and negative.
Why Use Alt Treatment?
We don’t just list clinics, we help you choose the right one, get the best pricing and support you through the entire journey. For free.
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Top Stem Cell Therapy Clinics in Asia
We’ve vetted Stem Cell Therapy clinics across Asia. Information on their processes, standards they follow & prices are on their profiles.
Compare ClinicsDo I need a Visa to go to India for Stem Cell Therapy?
Yes, for most people, yes you will need a Visa to enter India, for tourism or treatment.
| Country | Visa Required? | Visa on Arrival? | Visa Exemption? | Recommended Visa for Medical Treatment |
| Canada | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Medical Visa (e-Medical Visa available) |
| United States | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Medical Visa (e-Medical Visa available) |
| United Kingdom | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Medical Visa (e-Medical Visa available) |
| Australia | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Medical Visa (e-Medical Visa available) |
| New Zealand | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Medical Visa (e-Medical Visa available) |
| Singapore | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Medical Visa (e-Medical Visa available) |
Processing Time for the Medical Visa generally takes 3-5 working days.
Normally, all you’ll need to apply for the Medical Visa is your passport, recent photograph, invitation letter from the hospital and a return ticket. You might also be asked to prove financial stability during your duration of stay as well.
What Are the Risks of Stem Cell Therapy in India specifically?
- Unverified Clinics:
- This is the biggest one. Regulations aren’t enforced heavily, so it’s like the wild west out here! This is going to be your biggest challenge.
- But, we can help you out here, we’ve selected the best clinics across India for you to compare and we’ll help you through your entire journey, before, during and after treatment!
- Cell Quality:
- Again, because regulations aren’t enforced, you have to be careful of whats being injected into you.
- Have they been tested, are they clean, all of these things are super important to be aware of.
Read these before booking any consultations
Where else can I get Stem Cell Treatment near India?
Japan, South Korea & Thailand are all other options to consider if you want to get Stem Cell Treatment in Asia, if you want choices outside of India. Here’s more details:
Japan
Japan is a leader in stem cell research, with some of the strictest regulations in the world. Like South Korea, it has legalized Stem Cell Therapy & has strict enforcement. Clinics offer a wide range of stem cell therapies for multiple conditions. If you’re looking for a highly regulated and safe option, Japan is one of the best choices, but it’s not as cheap as India or Thailand. Read our full guide on stem cell therapy in Japan →
South Korea
South Korea recently changed its laws in 2025 to mirror Japan’s. Approved Regenerative Medicine Facilities can offer Autologous Cultured Stem Cell Treatments for a wide variety of conditions. They also have the world’s first umbilical cord derived Stem Cell Product for Knee Osteoarthritis (Cartistem). Read our full South Korea Country & Cost Guide.
Thailand
A common choice for people looking into Stem Cell Therapy, Thailand has a large number of stem cell clinics. Offering everything from joint therapy to anti-aging treatments. Similar to India, Stem Cell treatments aren’t legal but there’s a vast choice of options for you. But, it’s super important to choose the right clinic, regulations aren’t the tightest here. If you’re considering treatment here, proper research is key. See our full breakdown of stem cell therapy in Thailand →
Not sure which country’s right for you?
Browse verified stem cell clinics in Colombia, Japan, UAE and more that we’ve already personally vetted.
Browse Verified Stem Cell ClinicsShould I got to India for Stem Cell Therapy in 2026?
Now, we know there’s a lot of clinics offering Stem Cell Treatment in India & we’re not saying not to go. Just be aware it’s not legal, there’s government enforcement or “government approved” clinics.
However, it is one of the if not THE cheapest country in the world for Stem Cell Treatment and has a strong medical tourism infrastructure.
Standards here will vary, so be extremely careful when selecting your clinic. Make sure you’re asking the right questions. We’ve put a checklist together of Top Questions to ask Clinics that might help.
Another challenge is distinguishing legitimate clinics from those making exaggerated claims. Since many treatments are still considered experimental, some clinics take advantage of unclear regulations to market unapproved procedures. If a clinic guarantees results claims it’s “government approved”, consider it a red flag.
To learn more about options across Asia, speak to our team by filling in the form below. They’ll walk you through regulations in different countries, data from past patients treatments & how to stay safe.
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Alt Treatment is a free, independent platform that helps you understand stem cell therapy & decide if it’s right for you.
We break down complex information into clear, honest guidance. When you’re ready, we can connect you with verified clinics that meet your needs, in the right location, and often with exclusive discounts.
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If you want to talk, fill out our form here & our personal concierge team will reach out.
$3,500 – $10,000 depending on the treatment.
India is probably the cheapest country for Stem Cell Therapy. But, it doesn’t mean there aren’t risks. To compare different countries, check out our article on best countries for Stem Cell Therapy.
Common risks of getting Stem Cells are fever and local pain/swelling at the injection site. We go into all of the side effects in more detail in our Stem Cell Therapy Side Effects Article
Yes, you can get Stem Cell Therapy for Alzheimer’s, but it’s not a guaranteed cure. Early data suggests it may help slow down the progression of the disease. You can get treatment in the likes of India, Japan, Colombia & South Korea. To read more about how Stem Cells can help with Alzheimer’s, our article on Stem Cell Therapy for Alzheimer’s might be useful.
Or, if you want to see how stem cells can help other conditions, check out our Areas of Treatment Section.
Most stem cell treatments work by releasing healing signals that reduce inflammation, regulate the immune system and stimulate the body’s own repair processes. To learn more, see our full guide on How Stem Cell Treatments Work
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