Health and Safety in India

India has a vast health care sector and medical services in the large cities are well developed. Private hospitals are better equipped and more convenient in many cases than state hospitals, which are often overcrowded, under-staffed and plagued with bureaucratic issues. In small towns and villages, accessing adequate health care is a problem. India is considered the leading country promoting medical tourism.

Cholera, dengue fever, dysentery, hepatitis, malaria, meningitis (trekking areas only) and typhoid are the main health risks. Make sure that water is boiled or purified and be cautious about what you eat. Roadside vendors and smaller restaurants may be unhygienic so beware of contaminated food. Climatic conditions vary and it is necessary to take appropriate precautions against sunstroke and dehydration in the summer. Many of India's larger cities are highly polluted and travelers with respiratory ailments may want to take precautionary measures.

Theft is very common so take care of your belongings especially on crowded public transport. Do not strike up friendships with strangers and be careful about who you trust. Crimes against women are very common and range from street sexual harassment to rape. Do not go to isolated places with strangers or even casual acquaintances. Avoid walking the streets at night and never let strangers into the house.

Sensitive border areas, such as Jammu and Kashmir, are subject to sporadic bouts of terrorist activities. It's wise to seek the latest advice from your embassy. Communal differences are a sensitive topic in India and have caused riots on numerous occasions. Avoid discussions about religion, especially about the practices of a particular religion.