This is again a very common question that we hear while doing Financial Planning for NRIs “I Am an NRI. Do I Need Health Insurance in India?”
Buying health insurance for NRI in India is an important financial decision. You have to consider factors like your age, health status, family members’ health status, policy details, etc. Health insurance is a tricky insurance policy to buy.
Many people do not want to buy it when they are young and healthy and, the insurance companies won’t provide it to people who are old and sick.
Can NRI buy health insurance in India?
As an NRI, you are allowed to purchase a health insurance policy in India. NRIs will need ID & address proof – insurance companies can collect premiums in all forms cash to credit cards. Even OCI can buy health insurance in India.
Health Insurance for NRI in India
The crucial question is – Do you need health insurance in India? Here are some factors that you need to look at to arrive at a decision –
1) Duration of Stay and Family Status
You will have to think about the following –
- How long do you intend to stay abroad?
- What is your expected time of return?
- Where is your family residing?
- Will your family be changing their residence to India/abroad anytime soon?
- What is the expected time of your return or your family’s return to India?
If you are already abroad or if you are going abroad and you know you might be moving back to India in 2 to 3 years, it is a no-brainer. You must buy health insurance. It might be an expense, but the waiting period for many illnesses will be completed by the time you return.
If you have a family in India that has members who are financially dependent on you or has older persons who might find it difficult to get health insurance, you can buy family floater insurance policies.
If you and your family are abroad and will continue to reside there for more than 4-5 years, avoid buying health insurance in India. In that case, it is better to buy it in the country of residence.
“For NRIs moving back to India in 2 to 3 years, buying Health Insurance in India is a no-brainer.” wiseNRI
2) Geographic Restrictions
Many health insurance policies provide coverage only within India. Check your policy details. If you have a health policy that does not cover overseas health issues, do a rethink on the policy. You may want to port to a different health insurance provider who provides coverage abroad as well.
You should also consider that if you have sufficient health insurance abroad – either from your employer or you have purchased, then even if your policy is not covering you outside India is fine.
3) Tax Benefits
Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, a taxpayer (NRIs included) gets tax deduction on payment of health insurance premiums. The deduction is as follows –
- ₹ 25,000 for a policy for oneself, spouse and dependent children
- ₹ 25,000 for policies covering parents under the age of 60 years
- ₹ 50,000 for policies for parents who are senior citizen parents
- ₹ 50,000 for policies if the main proposer’s age is 60 years or more
If you have income in India, and you plan to return, it will be a good idea to have health insurance in India. If you have financial dependents or insurance dependents in India, it might be better to take a health insurance policy in India in that way your medical expenses are taken care of and your tax liability is reduced too.
4) Regular Travel To India
If you travel regularly for work or business to India, or you are a pilot or are in the Merchant Navy who has regular visits to India, it might make sense to purchase a health insurance policy in India.
It can be useful in case of emergencies. Moreover, medical facilities and quality of treatment in India are better compared to many countries. Medical treatment in India is cost-effective too, as compared to many other countries. From both health and economic perspectives; it makes sense to have a health insurance for NRI in India.
Mediclaim policy for NRI
I am sharing names of a few health insurance specialist companies in India that are offering health insurance to NRI
- Apollo Munich (purchased by HDFC)
- Max Bupa
- Star Health
- Religare Health
Health Insurance for NRI parents in India
Most of the NRIs live in nuclear families & their parents stay in India. For NRI parents health care is also very important as in many cases their decision of coming back to India is influenced by their parent’s health. Read – NRIs want to return to India
Few Health Insurance Policies that NRIs can consider for their parents:
- Apollo Munich Optima Senior
- Bajaj Allianz Silver Health
- New India – Senior Citizen Mediclaim Policy
- Star Health – Senior Citizen Rec Carpet
NRIs should consider these points before you make your decision –
- Insurers take extra precautions when they have to issue a policy to NRIs. Some of them have stringent practices for claims.
- Before buying an insurance policy, check the geographical coverage and the extent of the geographical coverage as regards to illness and accidents.
- FEMA rules say that the claim amount to be repatriated should be only to the extent of the total premium paid in foreign currency.
NRIs should consider the policy coverage, tax laws, residency, and the location where medical treatment will be taken; to decide on the purchase of health insurance.
“Financial matters are complex, more so if you are an NRI. But managing them is not impossible.”
Talk to us about your Financial Plan
If you already have health insurance in India or planning to buy – please share our views in the comment section.
I have Star Health Comprehensive Policy (Floater for me, spouse and kids {covered up to the age of 25) for 15 Lakhs plus I have taken Senior Citizen Health Policy (Red Carpet) for 5 Lakhs for my mother. Since last three years I have been renewing this policy. Star Health states all pre-existing illness will be covered from 4th year.
My suggestion is one Health Insurance should be accepted Worldwide, just like the Credit Cards. Currently, I have a Health Insurance in India. When I travel abroad, I have to take a short period Health / Medical Insurance called Travel Insurance. If I am staying on deputation in a foreign country, both these insurance will not be valid , again I have to get a Health insurance in that Foreign country. Instead of the all this, I suggest one Health Insurance should suffice your Medical needs where ever you are e.g. My SBI Credit Cards (Visa and Master) works anywhere in the world. Likewise my health card should be acceptable in any hospital around the world.
Hi Reji,
Thanks for sharing your views.
Now Indian health insurance companies are providing global covers but people must read fine lines. For Example in the case of Tata AIG they say we provide global cover but fine print reads “provided that the diagnosis was made in India.”
Thanks for very useful information. I am an 84 year old OCI getting pension in India. Could you please let me know if I can get tax deduction U/S 80D in Indian Tax for my health insurance premium paid in USA.
Hi Charanjit Ji,
Sorry to disappoint but I don’t have an idea about this.
You can only claim the insurance premium paid in India.
What is your opinion on SBI LIFE. I am an NRI AND is planning to return this year. I have medical policy with SBI. I am above 65.
Hi Jose,
You can continue & may also think of increasing sum assured.
HOW MANY DISEASE ARE COVER IN ANY PLAN?
Hi Nadeem,
It depends on the plan but if I talk about vanilla health insurance products – it covers most of the diseases other than pre-existing & in a few cases there is a waiting period.
1.health insurance policies having life long renewal 2. Is it good to buy a separate policy for an elder parent or including in the existing health insurance in our policy?
Hi Jagadeesha,
According to me go with the separate policy.
Which is the best health insurance policy in India?
Hi Monica,
You can check HDFC Ergo policy.
I am an NRI and I want a maternity insurance.
Hi Revathy,
Yes, you can but there are certain terms and conditions which you have to check out.
As an NRI can i get health insurance in india for me and my wife?
Hi Jacob,
Yes.
I would like to know if healthy insurance policy can be available for a child with oci studying in India
Yes Madhupalan.
I am Canadian with oci status, visiting India for 3 months . Please advise which and where to buy insurance, I am 66 yrs old
Hi Kuldip Ji,
I will suggest you can check HDFC Ergo Policy
Hi Hemanth
I am an OCI, 60 years. I am insulin dependent Diabetic Type 2
I do not have any other preexisting health conditions such heart, BP , eye or kidney issues
Perfect health other than diabetes
I am planning on returning to India on permanent basis .
What type of health insurance I am eligible
Which company I should chose if I am going to move to Hyderabad
Hi Lakshmi,
The above mention companies are the best for you. But I suggest you go through the policy conditions once then go with a suitable one.
Hi Lakshmi,
You can contact any health insurance company which is mentioned in article. they will better tell you that what type of policy you are eligible for.
I am oci card holder living in india for more than 5 years wants a health insurance which covers covid.
Hi Dicky,
As per my knowledge above mention policies cover COVID.
Our family in singapore currently will go back to india in 5-10 years. I want to buy an insurance policy in India.
Hi Jyothi,
Yes, you can buy health insurance in India.
I am NRI from Uk and i am visiting India for 3 to 6 months can i buy a medical insaurance there for 6 months to make my self safe?
Hi Darsh
No, you cannot buy it for 6 months. The term of the Policy is minimum 1 year.
If you are a frequent traveler to India, you must go with the Health Insurance and regularly renew it.
I have OCI with Australian Passport & wife is an NRI, currently I am based in Australia but will back to India in 3-4 years.
May I eligible to buy health insurance right now & which one?
Thanks.
Hi Ani,
As per my knowledge after coming back to India you will be eligible for Health Insurance.
I need to know more details about the Mediclaim Policy for NRI?
Hi Murugaswamy,
You can contact any health insurance company or agent for more details about policy.
I want to purchase health insurance for my short visit to India.
Hi Amit,
Yes, you can.
I am settled in oman . Can I buy health insurance from India and get treatment in Oman and get reimbursing?
Hi George,
Many insurance policies provide coverage with in India. so you have to check details before buying it.
My name is Raymond Peter OCI Cardholder and Citizen of Australia. I am now 73 years of age. I want to buy health insurance.
Hi Raymond,
Its difficult to get a health insurance coverage at this age but still you can contact any health insurance company for this.
I am a Canadian .will move to India in 2023 with oci what are the policies for health insurance.
Hi Sameer,
You can go for any health insurance policy in India.