When it comes to healthcare, especially in a city like Chennai—widely considered the healthcare capital of India—finding the right hospital is more than just about reputation. It’s about the quality of treatment, modern facilities, and crucially, transparency in lab test and medical care costs. Whether you’re a local resident, a domestic traveler, or an international medical tourist, choosing a premium hospital in Chennai can make all the difference in outcomes and experience.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at the Top 10 Premium Hospitals in Chennai, their specializations, patient-centric features, and a breakdown of the lab test prices and treatment costs you can expect.
Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road
Widely recognized as one of India’s leading healthcare institutions, Apollo Hospitals in Greams Road is synonymous with trust, quality, and cutting-edge medical technology.
- Specialties: Cardiology, Oncology, Organ Transplantation
- Lab Test Costs:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): ₹400 – ₹800
- Lipid Profile: ₹800 – ₹1,200
- MRI Scan: ₹6,000 – ₹12,000
- Treatment Costs:
- Heart Bypass Surgery: ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,50,000
- Cancer Treatment (per cycle): ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000
- Kidney Transplant: ₹5,00,000 – ₹8,00,000
Apollo is also NABH-accredited and offers a seamless digital patient record system for quick diagnostics and follow-ups.
MIOT International Hospital
MIOT International in Manapakkam is known for its ultra-modern infrastructure, German medical technology, and global collaborations.
- Key Specialties: Orthopedics, Neurology, Gastroenterology
- Lab Charges:
- Liver Function Test (LFT): ₹1,000
- CT Scan (Abdomen): ₹5,000 – ₹8,000
- Medical Care Costs:
- Knee Replacement: ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000
- Brain Tumor Surgery: ₹3,50,000 – ₹6,00,000
MIOT also features one of the cleanest and most advanced ICUs in Chennai, ideal for post-operative recovery.
Fortis Malar Hospital
Located in Adyar, Fortis Malar offers top-notch tertiary care services with a patient-first philosophy.
- Focus Areas: Cardiac Sciences, Urology, ENT
- Lab Test Pricing:
- ECG: ₹300
- TMT (Stress Test): ₹2,000
- Treatment Charges:
- Angioplasty: ₹1,80,000 – ₹2,50,000
- ENT Surgeries: ₹50,000 – ₹1,20,000
Fortis Malar is especially popular among Chennai’s upper-middle-class population for its combination of comfort and care.
Global Hospitals, Perumbakkam
Part of the Gleneagles group, Global Hospitals in Chennai is a leader in multi-organ transplants and emergency critical care.
- Specialties: Liver Transplant, Nephrology, Gastroenterology
- Lab Costs:
- Renal Profile: ₹1,200
- Ultrasound Abdomen: ₹1,500
- Treatment Pricing:
- Liver Transplant: ₹18,00,000 – ₹25,00,000
- Kidney Dialysis (per session): ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
It is also JCI-accredited, ensuring international safety and hygiene standards.
SIMS Hospital (SRM Institutes for Medical Science)
Situated in Vadapalani, SIMS Hospital is a relatively newer but fast-rising premium healthcare institution.
- Top Areas: Oncology, Robotic Surgery, Cardiac Care
- Lab Fees:
- Cancer Markers: ₹3,000 – ₹8,000
- PET-CT: ₹18,000 – ₹25,000
- Medical Costs:
- Robotic Surgery: ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000
- Chemotherapy Cycle: ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000
SIMS offers a luxury wing for international and VIP patients with concierge services.
Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre
This specialty hospital in Chromepet is internationally renowned for liver care and complex pediatric surgeries.
- Specialties: Hepatology, Pediatric Transplants, Neonatal ICU
- Lab Test Rates:
- Coagulation Profile: ₹1,500
- Pediatric Blood Work: ₹600 – ₹1,000
- Treatment Estimates:
- Pediatric Liver Transplant: ₹20,00,000 – ₹30,00,000
- Jaundice Management (Inpatient): ₹30,000 – ₹60,000
Founded by Dr. Mohamed Rela, one of the world’s leading liver transplant surgeons, this hospital is a hub for complex liver cases.
Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre (SRMC)
A teaching and research-focused premium hospital in Porur, SRMC combines affordability with academic excellence.
- Core Areas: ENT, Cardiology, Pediatrics
- Lab Pricing:
- Audiometry: ₹1,000
- Blood Sugar Panel: ₹500
- Medical Charges:
- Pacemaker Implantation: ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000
- Pediatric Consults: ₹500 – ₹1,000/session
It’s a good blend of clinical education and compassionate patient care.
Billroth Hospitals
Billroth Hospitals, with branches in Shenoy Nagar and RA Puram, offers affordable yet high-quality private care.
- Specialties: General Surgery, Diabetology, Gynecology
- Lab Costs:
- HbA1c Test: ₹500
- Mammogram: ₹1,200 – ₹1,800
- Care Cost:
- Cesarean Delivery: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,80,000
- Diabetic Foot Surgery: ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000
Their diabetic clinic is among the most sought-after in Chennai.
Vijaya Group of Hospitals
With a legacy of over 40 years, Vijaya Hospital in Vadapalani is trusted by generations for reliable care.
- Departments: Nephrology, Neurology, Internal Medicine
- Lab Test Fees:
- Kidney Function Test (KFT): ₹1,000
- EEG: ₹2,000
- Treatment Costs:
- Seizure Management (Inpatient): ₹40,000 – ₹90,000
- Dialysis Packages: ₹20,000/month (8–10 sessions)
They offer structured treatment packages and cashless options with top insurers.
Prashanth Hospitals, Chetpet
A fast-growing premium facility with a focus on women’s health, neonatology, and fertility care.
- Specialties: IVF, Obstetrics, Neonatal ICU
- Lab Test Rates:
- AMH Test: ₹1,200
- Pregnancy Panel: ₹3,000 – ₹4,500
- Medical Pricing:
- IVF Package: ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000
- Delivery (Normal): ₹60,000 – ₹1,20,000
Their fertility wing is among the most technologically advanced in South India.
Average Lab Test Cost Comparison in Chennai
| Test | Price Range (INR) | Available In |
|---|---|---|
| CBC | ₹400 – ₹800 | All hospitals |
| MRI Scan | ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 | Apollo, MIOT, Fortis |
| Liver Function | ₹800 – ₹1,200 | Global, Rela, SRMC |
| Lipid Profile | ₹800 – ₹1,200 | Apollo, Fortis, SIMS |
| PET-CT | ₹18,000 – ₹25,000 | SIMS, Apollo, Global |
What Are Out-of-Pocket Costs in Chennai’s Premium Hospitals?
Even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses are common. Room charges in premium hospitals range from ₹3,000 to ₹15,000/day. ICU charges can go up to ₹30,000/day. For foreign patients, hospitals often require upfront payments or full deposits before admission.
Why Chennai Is a Hub for Medical Tourism
Chennai welcomes over 150,000 international patients annually, thanks to its:
- Affordable surgery packages (1/5th of Western prices)
- Highly trained English-speaking doctors
- NABH/JCI-accredited hospitals
- Easy visa and concierge assistance
Cost Breakdown by Treatment Category
| Treatment | Average Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Heart Bypass | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,50,000 |
| Liver Transplant | ₹18,00,000 – ₹30,00,000 |
| Knee Replacement | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| IVF Cycle | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
FAQs
Which hospital in Chennai offers the most affordable premium care?
Billroth and SRMC offer premium-quality services with slightly more affordable pricing compared to Apollo or MIOT.
Are lab tests cheaper at standalone diagnostic centers?
Yes. While hospital labs are more accurate and integrated, standalone labs like Thyrocare or Metropolis can be 30-40% cheaper.
Do Chennai hospitals accept international patients?
Absolutely. Most hospitals have dedicated International Patient Services departments with interpreters and travel assistance.
Is insurance accepted in Chennai’s private hospitals?
Yes, but always check if your insurer has a tie-up with the specific hospital and doctor.
Can I get a cost estimate before treatment?
Yes. Most premium hospitals in Chennai provide detailed treatment estimates in writing, especially for surgeries and critical care.
How do I choose the best hospital for my condition?
Consider the hospital’s specialization, doctor credentials, treatment outcomes, and patient reviews.
Conclusion
The Top 10 Premium Hospitals in Chennai offer a winning blend of international standards, specialist doctors, and transparent pricing. Whether you’re dealing with a critical illness or simply need preventive diagnostics, these institutions provide reliable, efficient, and compassionate care. Remember to compare lab test prices, understand treatment packages, and clarify insurance coverage to avoid surprise expenses.