Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) often visit India for family functions, medical treatments, investments, or simply to reconnect with their roots. However, what many overlook is the importance of health insurance coverage while staying in India. Unexpected medical emergencies can be financially draining without a suitable insurance policy, especially considering the rising cost of healthcare.
This comprehensive guide explores the best health insurance plans for NRIs visiting India, what to look for in a policy, top providers, benefits, exclusions, and expert tips to make an informed decision.
Why Do NRIs Need Health Insurance in India?
NRIs typically have health coverage in their resident country, but this does not extend to India. When visiting India—even for a short duration—they are exposed to the same risks as local residents:
- Sudden illness or injury
- Accidents
- Hospitalization
- Medical evacuation
- Outpatient care
Healthcare costs in India, especially in private hospitals, have increased dramatically. A few days in a high-end facility can cost lakhs of rupees. Having temporary or short-term health insurance specifically designed for NRIs can prevent financial burdens.
Key Benefits of NRI Health Insurance in India
- Cashless Hospitalization: Most policies allow cashless treatment at a wide network of hospitals.
- Coverage for Pre-existing Diseases: After a short waiting period, many insurers cover pre-existing conditions.
- Emergency Coverage: Ambulance charges, ICU stays, and surgeries are usually covered.
- Tax Benefits: If you pay taxes in India, you may be eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D.
- COVID-19 Coverage: Most new plans now include COVID-19 hospitalization and treatment.
- Customizable Tenure: Choose short-term plans from 1 month to 12 months, depending on your visit.
- Global Repatriation Add-ons: In the unfortunate event of death, some plans offer repatriation of mortal remains.
Important Features to Look For
When choosing a health insurance plan as an NRI, consider the following:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Short-Term Validity | Suits travel duration (30–180 days). |
| Age Eligibility | Plans for seniors (60+) may differ. |
| Network Hospitals | Check if hospitals in your destination city are covered. |
| Coverage Amount | ₹3 lakh–₹25 lakh is standard. |
| Cashless Facility | Reduces upfront expenses. |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Check waiting periods and inclusion terms. |
| Claim Process | Should be easy, preferably with app/portal support. |
| Premium Cost | Balance affordability with benefits. |
Top 7 Health Insurance Plans for NRIs Visiting India
Here are the best health insurance plans in India (2025) tailored for NRIs:
1. TATA AIG Travel Guard Health Insurance
Key Features:
- Sum insured up to $5,00,000
- Cashless hospitalization in 6,500+ hospitals
- Covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and loss of passport
- Available for ages 6 months to 70 years
Why it’s best for NRIs:
Comprehensive coverage for short visits. Includes emergency evacuation and travel-related benefits.
2. Religare (now Care Health) Explore Plan
Key Features:
- Customizable plans for NRIs
- Cashless treatment in over 8,000 hospitals
- Optional maternity and OPD coverage
- Affordable premiums for short stays
Why it’s best for NRIs:
Ideal for those staying a few weeks or months in India. Wide hospital network and smooth claim process.
3. ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance
Key Features:
- Covers hospitalization, daycare procedures, and home care
- Sum insured: ₹3 lakh to ₹50 lakh
- 100% cashless claim support
- Optional add-on for international coverage
Why it’s best for NRIs:
Robust coverage and high claim settlement ratio. Also great for senior NRIs.
4. Bajaj Allianz Global Personal Guard
Key Features:
- Emergency hospitalization and repatriation
- Global coverage including India
- Covers accidents, permanent disability, and more
- Customizable tenure from 1 month to 1 year
Why it’s best for NRIs:
One of the few plans offering worldwide accident coverage, including visits to India.
5. Star Health Travel Protect Insurance
Key Features:
- Travel-specific policy for NRIs
- Medical evacuation and personal accident cover
- Covers COVID-19 and tropical diseases
- Tie-ups with Indian embassies for document support
Why it’s best for NRIs:
Tailored to Indian-origin travelers with short-stay benefits and minimal documentation.
6. ManipalCigna ProHealth Protect Plan
Key Features:
- Global health assistance support
- Covers in-patient, pre/post-hospitalization
- Free health checkups annually
- Lifetime renewability
Why it’s best for NRIs:
Perfect for those visiting frequently or planning long stays. Add-ons for maternity, vision, and dental.
7. HDFC ERGO Travel Insurance (for NRIs)
Key Features:
- Covers sickness, injuries, and personal liability
- No medical test required up to age 70
- 24×7 global assistance team
- Flight delay/missed connection coverage
Why it’s best for NRIs:
Best value for money. Flexible plans that are quick to issue and hassle-free.
NRI Insurance Buying Tips
- Buy Before Landing in India: Many insurers require the policy to be purchased before arrival.
- Compare Plans Online: Use platforms like Policybazaar or Coverfox for comparison.
- Declare Pre-existing Conditions: Avoid claim rejections by being transparent.
- Review Exclusions: Check for diseases not covered (e.g., STDs, self-harm, cosmetic surgeries).
- Check Co-Pay Clause: Some plans have co-payments for NRIs aged above 60–65.
- Claim Process Simplification: Opt for insurers with a mobile app or online claim form.
- Emergency Contact Numbers: Keep local and international helpline numbers handy.
Documents Required for NRI Health Insurance
You will usually need:
- Valid Passport copy
- Indian Visa copy or OCI card
- Health declaration form
- ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN if applicable)
- Indian contact address
- Flight itinerary (for travel-specific plans)
Common Exclusions in NRI Health Insurance
Even the best plans have exclusions. Be aware of these:
| Not Covered | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Pre-existing diseases (during waiting period) | Usually 2–4 years |
| Cosmetic surgery | Unless medically necessary |
| Dental & Vision | Unless opted as an add-on |
| Mental illness treatments | Not covered in all plans |
| Participation in risky sports | Adventure sports not covered |
| Drug/alcohol abuse | Claims rejected if linked to intoxication |
Duration of Policy for Visiting NRIs
Most NRIs visit India for 30–180 days. Here’s how you should choose the policy duration:
- Short Stay (15–30 days): Travel insurance with health coverage.
- Medium Stay (1–3 months): Short-term health insurance or travel+health hybrid.
- Long Stay (4–6 months): Full health insurance plan with India-specific benefits.
You can also extend your policy online in most cases if your stay extends.
NRI Senior Citizens Health Plans
Many Indian-origin elders living abroad visit for long durations. Health coverage becomes even more crucial due to age-related risks.
Top plans for senior NRIs:
- Religare Senior Citizen Health Insurance
- Star Health Red Carpet Plan
- Bajaj Allianz Silver Health
Ensure that these include:
- Pre-existing condition coverage
- Cashless hospitalization
- Emergency ambulance charges
- Easy renewability even after 70+
Best Platforms to Compare & Buy NRI Health Insurance
| Platform | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Policybazaar.com | NRI-friendly filters, comparison, and chat support |
| Coverfox.com | Smart filters, digital claims help |
| Turtlemint.com | Personalized advisor support |
| Direct Insurer Websites | Best if you’re sure of the plan |
| NRI Banking Portals (SBI, ICICI) | Trusted, with policy bundling options |
Health Insurance vs Travel Insurance: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Health Insurance | Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Medical treatment | Travel issues (loss, delay, etc.) |
| Coverage | In-depth medical | Limited to emergencies |
| Customization | Extensive | Limited |
| Tenure | Long-term or short-term | Short-term only |
| Ideal for | Long stays, frequent visitors | First-time or short visits |
Pro Tip: For visits under 30 days, travel insurance may suffice. For longer or multiple visits, opt for health-specific insurance.
Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely, Stay Protected
Visiting India as an NRI can be a joyful experience—don’t let unexpected medical issues spoil it. With the right health insurance plan, you can stay focused on your family, travel, or business without worrying about hospital bills.
Quick Checklist for NRIs:
Buy before arrival
Choose adequate sum insured (₹5–10 lakh minimum)
Declare all medical history
Check for cashless hospitals in your city
Keep digital/printed policy copy while traveling
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can NRIs buy health insurance while staying in India?
Yes, but it is highly recommended to purchase it before arriving in India.
Q2. Will Indian health insurance cover me back in the US/UK?
Usually not. These are India-specific policies. For global coverage, check if the plan offers international add-ons.
Q3. Can I claim tax benefits under Section 80D?
If you have taxable income in India, you may claim deductions under 80D.
Q4. What if I need medical evacuation back to my resident country?
Some premium plans offer medical evacuation or repatriation, but this must be specified in advance.
Q5. Which is the cheapest health plan for NRIs in India?
TATA AIG and Star Health offer some of the most affordable short-term policies.
The Rising Cost of Healthcare in India
India has always been a medical hub for affordability, but recent years have shown a significant rise in private healthcare costs:
- A basic MRI that once cost ₹2,500 now averages ₹6,000–₹9,000
- A 3-day private hospital stay in a metro city can cost ₹40,000–₹1.5 lakh
- ICU charges are typically ₹10,000–₹25,000/day in Tier-1 cities
For an NRI used to government-covered healthcare (like NHS in the UK or Medicare in the US), these out-of-pocket expenses in India can be shocking.
Case Study:
Ramesh, a 63-year-old NRI from Toronto, visited Mumbai for a wedding. A sudden gallbladder infection led to 5 days of hospitalization costing ₹1.8 lakh. With no Indian health coverage, he had to swipe his Canadian credit card. Had he bought a ₹5,000 insurance plan, 100% of this could have been cashless.
Types of Health Insurance Plans Suitable for NRIs
To further help you decide, here’s a breakdown of plan types:
| Type | Best For | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Health Insurance | Short-term visits (under 30–60 days) | TATA AIG, HDFC ERGO |
| Short-Term Medical Insurance | 1–6 months stay | Religare Explore, Star Health |
| Senior Citizen NRI Plans | Visitors aged 60+ | Star Red Carpet, Bajaj Silver |
| Comprehensive Domestic Plans | Frequent visitors or dual residents | ManipalCigna ProHealth, ICICI Lombard Complete Health |
| Critical Illness Add-on Plans | NRIs with family history of disease | HDFC ERGO Critical Illness, Care Enhance |
🇮🇳 Government Policies and IRDAI Guidelines for NRIs
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) regulates health insurance, and allows NRIs and OCIs to buy health insurance under certain conditions:
- NRI status is eligible under FEMA rules
- Insurance premiums must be paid in INR
- Policy must be taken from a licensed Indian insurer
- PAN/Aadhaar not always mandatory if you’re a non-resident
The IRDAI has also advised insurers to simplify online KYC for NRIs, and allow:
- Aadhaar/OCI/Passport as ID
- Online verification from abroad
- International credit cards or NRE/NRO payments
This regulatory support makes it easier for NRIs to secure medical insurance before arrival.
How Health Insurance Helps During Medical Tourism or Surgeries
Many NRIs plan medical procedures during their India visits (like dental implants, cataract surgery, cosmetic surgery, Ayurveda treatments). Insurance helps manage complications that may arise post-procedure.
Example:
- Sita from London planned a ₹2 lakh IVF procedure in Delhi. She also purchased a ₹10 lakh Care Health plan.
- Unfortunately, she developed an infection needing 6-day ICU care.
- Her hospital charges were ₹1.2 lakh—100% covered due to insurance.
So even if your planned treatment isn’t covered, any emergency arising from it often can be covered.
Latest Trends in NRI Health Insurance (2024–2025)
The industry is evolving to cater to global Indians:
1. App-Based Claims Processing
Insurers like ICICI, TATA AIG, and Care now offer complete app-based support. NRIs can:
- Buy a policy online
- Upload claims from mobile
- Get approvals via WhatsApp
2. Teleconsultation Add-Ons
Virtual consultations with Indian doctors are included in many policies—helpful if you get sick during travel.
3. Covid-Endemic Add-ons
While COVID-19 isn’t a global emergency anymore, many plans still include epidemic treatment, which is important given emerging variants.
4. Custom NRI Portals
Religare (Care) and Star Health have launched dedicated NRI sections on their websites.
Premium Estimates for NRIs (2025)
Here’s a rough premium table to help budget based on age and tenure:
| Age Group | Coverage | Duration | Estimated Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–35 | ₹5 lakh | 1 month | ₹900–₹1,500 |
| 36–45 | ₹10 lakh | 2 months | ₹3,000–₹4,200 |
| 46–55 | ₹10 lakh | 3 months | ₹6,500–₹8,000 |
| 56–65 | ₹5 lakh | 3 months | ₹9,000–₹11,500 |
| 66–75 | ₹3 lakh | 1 month | ₹6,000–₹7,000 |
Factors affecting cost:
- Pre-existing disease
- Coverage sum
- Policy duration
- Add-ons selected (maternity, ambulance, repatriation, etc.)
What to Do in Case of Medical Emergency in India (For NRIs)
- Visit Network Hospital: Find the nearest network hospital listed in your insurer’s panel.
- Show e-Card or Policy PDF: Carry a digital or printed copy of your policy.
- Contact the TPA (Third Party Administrator): Each insurer has a 24×7 helpline. TPA will guide the cashless process.
- Submit Documents for Reimbursement: If cashless isn’t possible, collect bills and file a claim within 30 days.
- Stay in Touch: Use WhatsApp/email to follow up even after returning abroad.
Bonus: Insurance Plans That Cover Wellness
Some NRI-centric plans include:
- Annual health check-ups
- Mental health counseling
- Second medical opinion (for critical diseases)
- Chronic care management (like diabetes, hypertension)
Insurers offering wellness benefits: Max Bupa, Aditya Birla Health, and ManipalCigna.
These help you maintain your health—not just protect against risks.
Can NRIs Extend Coverage to Indian Family?
Yes! Many NRI-friendly insurers allow you to:
- Buy a family floater plan for visiting together
- Add Indian-resident parents to a group plan
- Buy top-up policies for existing family insurance
This helps if your parents fall sick while you’re in India, or if you’re sponsoring their treatment.
Sample Plan Comparison (For a 45-Year-Old NRI Visiting for 60 Days)
| Feature | TATA AIG | Care Explore | Star Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sum Insured | ₹10 lakh | ₹7.5 lakh | ₹5 lakh |
| Premium | ₹2,800 | ₹3,400 | ₹2,900 |
| COVID-19 Cover | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-existing Cover | After 2 years | After 3 years | After 12 months |
| Network Hospitals | 6,000+ | 8,500+ | 11,000+ |
| Repatriation | Yes | No | Yes |
| Best For | Medical emergencies + travel | OPD & diagnostics | Accident & hospitalization |
Conclusion: Your Health, Your Safety Net
India is welcoming, but medical emergencies don’t come with an invite. Whether you’re here for a wedding, a wellness retreat, or reconnecting with family—NRI health insurance is a smart, affordable safety net.
To recap:
- Choose a policy before flying in
- Opt for ₹5–10 lakh minimum coverage
- Check for cashless hospitals in your travel area
- Keep digital copies and helpline numbers handy
Peace of mind during your India trip starts with the right health insurance plan.
Useful Links
- IRDAI Official Website
- Policybazaar NRI Health Insurance
- Care Health NRI Portal
- Star Health for NRIs
- TATA AIG Travel Insurance