How Robotic Surgery in India Gave a Kiwi Nurse Her Life Back (and Saved Her $60,000)
Introduction
When a seasoned New Zealand nurse describes her country's hospitals as “third world” compared to those in India, people take notice. It's a sobering reminder that medical excellence is no longer confined to the West and India is fast emerging as a global hub for advanced, patient-centric, and affordable healthcare with trusted medical tourism partner like IndiCure Health Tours guiding and helping international patients navigate this journey with confidence.
Her narrative is a powerful example of how medical tourism is rewriting the rules of global healthcare. India's private hospitals, equipped with cutting-edge surgical tools and staffed by internationally trained doctors, are offering services that rival—if not surpass—those in developed nations.
Ms. Claire's Quest with New Zealand Healthcare
A 65-year-old woman from Tauranga New Zealand, Claire Olsen had been suffering from crippling arthritic pain for several years. The pain was so debilitating that she found even walking and other day to day activities a challenge. But instead of receiving urgent care, she was told her GP referral had been rejected—and that she might have to wait up to five years for a double hip replacement.
Having worked as a registered nurse for 40 years in both public and private settings in various hospitals in New Zealand, she approached several private hospitals and surgeons and was given a quotation of $ 80,000 for her surgery. In her own words "If I waited five years I'd be in agony, immobile and pre-diabetic. If I paid $80,000, I'd be mobile, but with no money to go anywhere. And this cost when it was for a standard hip replacement, while it's recognised that the best procedure is robot assisted."
Ms. Claire Finds IndiCure Health Tours in India
The delay wasn't just frustrating—it was devastating. Facing prolonged suffering and a declining quality of life, Claire knew she couldn't afford to wait. That's when she began exploring options beyond her country's borders and found herself considering a place she never expected: India.
India not only offered the possibility of immediate surgery but also access to some of the most advanced medical technologies available—at a fraction of the cost. What started as a reluctant search for alternatives quickly turned into a promising opportunity.
With internationally accredited hospitals, experienced surgeons trained abroad, and comprehensive patient care packages, India stood out as a world-class destination for treatment. For Claire, it was a chance to reclaim her mobility—and her life—without waiting years or falling into debt.
Any lingering doubts she had were laid to rest after coming across IndiCure Health Tours. A medical value travel company that has been assisting international patients for more than a decade and half, IndiCure connected her with one of the best orthopedic surgeons in India through a video consultation, gave her a detailed itinerary regarding pre and post-surgery care, arranged accommodation for her stay after discharge from hospital and made other logistical arrangements. Engaging with the IndiCure staff helped ease her fears, however, she was still to take that leap of faith—stepping into a hospital halfway across the world, hoping it would be everything she'd been assured it would be.
Her Robotic Hip Surgery and Recovery in India
Claire boarded her flight to India in pain and apprehension. She was anxious about the journey, not very sure of what to expect, and carrying the weight of years of discomfort. But what awaited her in Mumbai was more than just a surgery—it was a transformation.
From the moment she stepped into the hospital, she was struck by the speed, efficiency, cleanliness, and advanced technology on offer—things she said she hadn't encountered back home, even in private setups. What she expected to be a compromise due to lower cost turned out to be a revelation. In her words, India didn't just meet the standards—it redefined them.
Claire was accompanied by a friend and a veteran travel agent Jackie Brown, who specializes in organizing medical trips abroad, including cosmetic surgery in Thailand and bariatric procedures in Mexico. Jackie was equally surprised with the level of sophistication and care they encountered in India. From the airport pickup to the hospital admission process, everything was seamless and professionally handled. The hospital itself was spotless, equipped with advanced technology, and staffed by attentive, English-speaking medical professionals. Even for someone familiar with international healthcare systems, Jackie admitted that India exceeded her expectations in every way.
"I went as a friend, not in my professional capacity, but I was curious about the hospitals and standards and they were the best I had seen. I shared a room with Claire while she was recovering, and a cleaner came in every two hours. She had so many attentive nurses and visits from the surgeon, we joked that we should get cheese and biscuits to offer our constant visitors."
Claire, however, does not forget to mention IndiCure here. She gives them full credit for connecting her with the best surgeon and hospital, and for handling all the other arrangements that made her journey smooth and stress-free. From coordinating consultations and managing medical reports to arranging airport transfers and local support, IndiCure ensured every detail was well taken care of. For Claire, having a reliable team guiding her through an unfamiliar healthcare system made all the difference—it turned what could have been an overwhelming experience into one marked by confidence, comfort, and care.
Overall, very happy with her surgery and recovery, Claire's advice to others considering India is to do thorough research, and decide after due deliberation. Here is here medical journey for robotic hip replacement surgery in India in here own words -
Experiential Retreat in India:
As for her recovery, though she had a bilateral surgery, Claire felt it was not difficult- "A few days out of hospital I was out shopping and drinking Aperol Spritz in a grand hotel."
Claire had a great time in Mumbai and found the city really fascinating. She explored its vibrant streets, tasted local delicacies, and admired the colonial-era architecture that stood proudly alongside modern skyscrapers. From the iconic Gateway of India to the colourful lanes of Colaba Causeway, every corner offered something unique. She especially loved the energy of the city—fast-paced yet welcoming—and the warmth of the people she met along the way.
"What began as a casual stroll soon turned into an adventure, through some of the city's most colourful, chaotic, and fascinating little corners. The streets buzzed with life... and I loved it."
A Double Robotic Hip Replacement—at One-Fourth the Cost.
What Claire considers a life-changing surgery turned out to be a win-win: she regained her mobility without the financial strain, and received care that far exceeded her expectations.
She underwent a robotic-assisted bilateral hip replacement at a JCI-accredited hospital, performed by a top orthopaedic surgeon with international credentials, using cutting-edge robotics to enhance precision and recovery outcomes, completed successfully with minimal discomfort. And the total cost? Just $20,000 NZD-a saving of over $60,000, even after factoring in travel, accommodation, and rehabilitation.
Why Patients Like Claire Are Choosing India
Claire's story is not unique. As global healthcare systems strain under rising costs and long waitlists, more patients are turning to medical tourism for timely, affordable, and advanced treatment.
Thousands of international patients travel to India every year for serious surgeries like organ transplants, orthopedic procedures, cancer treatments, fertility services, cosmetic surgery, and more.
Some of the factors that make India a preferred destination for medical tourism are:
- Cost savings of up to 70-80% as compared to Western countries
- State of the art hospitals with international accreditations (JCI/NABH)
- Highly experienced surgeons, often trained in the US/UK
- Advanced technology, including robotic surgery, 3D navigation, and minimally invasive techniques
- Minimal wait times and streamlined patient care
Final Thoughts
Claire returned home walking tall—with two new hips, a savings of over $60,000, and a completely transformed view of global healthcare. And she is not alone, every year, thousands of patients from countries like New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the US are travelling to India in search of timely, affordable, and high-quality medical care.
For many, like Claire, the experience goes far beyond just treatment—it's a reminder that world-class healthcare isn't defined by geography or price tag, but by expertise, innovation, and compassion. India, is not just an alternative—it's a destination of choice.
IndiCure offers medical travel options that could prevent unnecessary suffering and help you save money. Get in touch to find out more.
