As global travel, remote work, and international relocation become more common, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are increasingly seeking robust and reliable insurance options from Indian providers. Whether you’re an NRI visiting India, supporting family back home, or planning to return, the right insurance coverage from a trusted company can save you from medical, legal, or financial complications.
In this extensive guide, we explore the top insurance companies offering NRI-friendly policies in 2025—across health, life, and general insurance segments. We’ll also examine plan highlights, eligibility, digital access, and claim settlement support for NRIs.
Why Indian Insurance Is Relevant for NRIs
Here’s why NRIs are looking toward Indian insurance companies:
- Affordable Premiums: Indian insurance plans are typically cheaper compared to US, UK, or UAE providers.
- Coverage in India: Ideal for NRIs who frequently visit or have dependents in India.
- Tax Benefits in India: Premiums paid from NRO accounts may qualify under Section 80D (Health) or 80C (Life).
- Support for Elderly Parents: NRIs can buy policies for parents living in India.
- Better Claim Network: More localized and accessible for India-based treatment or coverage.
NRI Coverage: What Should You Look For?
Before diving into companies, understand these key features of an ideal NRI-friendly insurance plan:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility for NRIs | Check if the insurer allows overseas applicants. |
| Cashless Claim Network | Wide hospital or service provider network in India. |
| Digital Onboarding | Online KYC, video verification, or overseas documentation. |
| Tax Compliant | Premiums accepted via NRO/NRE accounts or international cards. |
| Global Helpline | 24/7 claim support via call/email/chat from outside India. |
Top Indian Insurance Companies Offering NRI Coverage (2025)
1. HDFC ERGO Health Insurance
Type: Health Insurance
Global Reputation: Joint venture between HDFC Ltd. and ERGO International (Germany)
Popular Plans for NRIs:
- my:Health Suraksha
- Optima Restore
- Health Companion
Highlights:
- NRI onboarding via online proposal forms
- No-claim bonuses up to 200%
- Cashless treatment in 12,000+ hospitals
- Global claim assistance from ERGO network
Best For: NRIs returning to India, and parents living in Tier 1 cities
2. ICICI Lombard General Insurance
Type: Health, Travel, and General Insurance
Global Rating: ICRA AAA rating for claim capability
Popular NRI Plans:
- Complete Health Insurance
- NRI Travel Insurance
- Overseas Student Travel Plan
Highlights:
- Easy claim submission from abroad
- 24×7 international call centers
- Free health check-ups for family
- Multi-currency premium payment
Best For: Students, frequent travelers, and family health cover
3. Tata AIG Insurance
Type: Health, Travel, Life
Backed by: Tata Group and AIG (American International Group)
Key NRI Plans:
- Travel Guard – NRI Edition
- Tata AIG MediCare
- Tata AIA Life Sampoorna Raksha Supreme
Highlights:
- Global travel insurance with COVID-19 & loss of passport cover
- Digital claim tracking app
- Extensive support for US and Gulf-based NRIs
- Medical emergency evacuation add-ons
Best For: Gulf NRIs, NRI students, and travelers over age 50
4. Niva Bupa Health Insurance (Formerly Max Bupa)
Type: Health Insurance
International Partner: Bupa (UK-based global health brand)
Top NRI-Friendly Plans:
- Health Companion
- Senior First Plan
- ReAssure 2.0
Highlights:
- 24×7 multilingual helpline
- Digital policy issuance from outside India
- High sum-insured up to ₹1 Cr
- Cashless hospitalization in 10,000+ hospitals
Best For: Senior parents, high net-worth NRIs, and global claim settlement
5. LIC of India (Life Insurance Corporation)
Type: Life Insurance
Legacy: Oldest and most trusted life insurer in India
Notable NRI Plans:
- Jeevan Akshay VII (Annuity Plan)
- Jeevan Umang (Whole Life Plan)
- LIC Tech Term
Highlights:
- NRIs aged 18–60 can apply online
- Premium payment via foreign banks or NRE/NRO accounts
- Income benefit returns and maturity bonuses
- Existence certificate-based renewals for NRIs abroad
Best For: Long-term wealth accumulation and retirement planning
6. Aditya Birla Health Insurance
Type: Health Insurance
Digital Experience: Seamless onboarding via app & video call
Popular for NRIs:
- Activ Health Platinum
- Active Assure Diamond
- Chronic Management Rider
Highlights:
- Wellness rewards even if you’re abroad
- Covers chronic conditions like diabetes & heart disease
- Pre- and post-hospitalization for up to 180 days
- Cashless claims across 10,000+ hospitals
Best For: NRIs with pre-existing conditions or lifestyle risks
7. Bajaj Allianz Life and Health Insurance
Type: Health + Life + Travel
Strong Global Presence: Allianz Group
Top Picks for NRIs:
- Health Guard
- Global Personal Guard
- Life Long Assure
Key Benefits:
- Online issuance and renewals from abroad
- Foreign document acceptance for KYC
- Global emergency care reimbursement
- Family floater plans for NRIs with dependents
Best For: Young NRIs with family, and those relocating back to India
8. ManipalCigna Health Insurance
Type: Specialized Health Insurance
Focus: Global NRI and inbound care
Noteworthy Plans:
- ProHealth Insurance
- Global Health Group Policy
- ProHealth Select
Why It’s NRI-Friendly:
- Custom NRI forms
- Coverage for international check-ups
- Repatriation of remains in travel cover
- Disease-specific management for overseas Indians
Best For: Expats returning home, business travelers, and NRIs visiting for 3+ months
9. Star Health and Allied Insurance
Type: Health
Notable for: Simplified health coverage, especially for seniors
Best Plans:
- Senior Citizens Red Carpet
- Star Comprehensive
- Family Health Optima
NRI Edge:
- Telemedical screening accepted
- Support for claim filing from abroad
- Policies for visiting parents with no medical checkups
- AYUSH treatment coverage
Best For: Elderly dependents and high-risk categories
Comparison Table: Top 9 Insurance Companies for NRIs
| Company | Best Product for NRIs | Global Claim Help | NRI Sign-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC ERGO | Optima Restore | Yes | ✅ |
| ICICI Lombard | Complete Health | Yes | ✅ |
| Tata AIG | Travel Guard | Yes | ✅ |
| Niva Bupa | ReAssure 2.0 | Yes | ✅ |
| LIC | Jeevan Umang | Limited | ✅ |
| Aditya Birla | Activ Health | Yes | ✅ |
| Bajaj Allianz | Health Guard | Yes | ✅ |
| ManipalCigna | ProHealth | Yes | ✅ |
| Star Health | Red Carpet | Yes | ✅ |
NRI Insurance Eligibility Documents Checklist
To apply for insurance in India as an NRI, you generally need:
- Valid Indian passport (with visa pages)
- Overseas residence proof (utility bill, visa copy)
- PAN or Aadhaar (optional but helpful)
- Indian bank account (NRE/NRO)
- Nominee details (usually an Indian resident)
- Digital signature or in-person verification
How NRIs Can Buy Insurance from Abroad
Step-by-Step Buying Process:
- Visit the insurer’s official website or aggregator like PolicyBazaar or NRIOL
- Fill in personal details and select “NRI” under nationality
- Upload identity and address documents
- Choose payment mode (NRE/NRO/Forex card)
- Complete video KYC or online verification
- Receive policy via email + courier
Tips for Choosing the Right NRI Insurance Company
- Prefer companies with international tie-ups (Tata AIG, ICICI Lombard, Aditya Birla)
- Evaluate digital infrastructure for easy claims and tracking
- Look for plans covering travel, OPD, maternity, and pre-existing illnesses
- Check claim settlement ratio (CSR)—higher CSR means more reliable support
- Read NRI-specific policy clauses carefully (co-pay, region restrictions)
Real-Life NRI Case Studies
Case 1: Ajay from Canada
Bought Tata AIG’s MediCare for parents in India. Claimed ₹3 lakh for hospitalization during his visit. Seamless cashless settlement.
Case 2: Meera from UAE
Opted for Aditya Birla’s Activ Health Platinum while planning return. Covered diabetes and hypertension without delays.
Case 3: Ramesh from the US
Used ICICI Lombard’s Student Travel Plan for his daughter studying in the UK. Helped reimburse medical expenses abroad in GBP.
Conclusion: Choose Smart, Stay Insured
Choosing the right insurance company as an NRI isn’t just about premiums—it’s about reliability, global support, digital accessibility, and reputation.
India’s top insurers are now NRI-ready, offering:
Online sign-up from overseas
Foreign payment modes
24×7 claim support
Cross-border KYC
Flexible coverage for visits, students, and parents
What Happens If an NRI Doesn’t Have Insurance While in India?
Many NRIs assume that their overseas insurance will cover them in India—but most international health insurance plans either exclude India or offer minimal coverage. Not having an Indian insurance plan while visiting could result in:
- Hefty out-of-pocket expenses for medical emergencies
- Ineligibility for private hospital admissions without cashless cards
- No tax benefits in India under Section 80D or 80C
- Difficulty in transferring or reimbursing international claims
Bottom Line: Getting covered by a reputed Indian insurer is not optional—it’s essential.
How Insurance Helps NRIs While Traveling to India
Here’s how a good insurance plan benefits NRIs during short or long visits:
| Scenario | How Insurance Helps |
|---|---|
| Medical Emergency | Covers hospitalization, surgeries, and doctor consultations |
| Flight Delays or Cancellations | Compensates for rebooking and accommodation (via travel plans) |
| Loss of Baggage or Passport | Reimburses essentials and document fees |
| COVID-19 Infection | Covers isolation, treatment, and RT-PCR costs |
| Parental Health Crisis | Family floater or standalone policies ensure coverage without delay |
| Accidental Injuries | Offers personal accident coverage and ambulance support |
Common Mistakes NRIs Make When Buying Insurance from India
- Choosing Price Over Coverage
Don’t just go for the cheapest plan. Check hospital networks, pre-existing disease waiting periods, and co-pay terms. - Not Checking Region Exclusions
Some insurers don’t cover treatments outside Tier-1 or metro cities. Always confirm geography. - Using International Cards Without Informing Bank
Sometimes NRE/NRO card payments can get flagged. Inform your bank or insurer in advance. - Ignoring Fine Print on Repatriation or Evacuation
Most basic plans exclude airlifting, repatriation of remains, or medical evacuation. Opt for add-ons if needed. - Missing Renewal Deadlines While Abroad
If the policy lapses while you’re overseas, it may be tough to get reinstated—set auto-reminders or use apps.
Best Mobile Apps for NRI Insurance Management
These apps make it easier for NRIs to track claims, renew policies, and contact support from abroad:
| Company | App Name | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| HDFC ERGO | HDFC ERGO App | Policy download, claim status, teleconsultation |
| ICICI Lombard | IL TakeCare | Virtual health cards, renewal, wellness tracking |
| Tata AIG | Tata AIG App | Cashless hospital locator, travel claim submission |
| Niva Bupa | Niva Bupa App | 24/7 video doctor, renewal in INR or Forex |
| Aditya Birla | Activ Health App | Wellness points, chronic care, paperless claims |
These apps are available on both Android and iOS platforms.
How to Claim Insurance While Living Abroad
Here’s how NRIs can raise claims even when they’re not physically present in India:
Cashless Hospitalization (For Visits to India)
- Visit a network hospital in India
- Present E-health card or policy number
- Hospital sends a pre-auth form to the insurer
- Insurer approves, pays directly to hospital
Reimbursement Claims (From Abroad)
- Get treated in India or abroad (if plan permits)
- Save all bills, prescriptions, reports
- Scan and email documents to the insurer’s claim ID
- Follow up via helpline or app
- Receive funds in NRO account (or approved international bank)
Tax Implications for NRIs Buying Indian Insurance
Here’s how NRIs can gain tax advantages in India:
| Policy Type | Section | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | 80D | Up to ₹50,000 (for senior citizen parents) |
| Life Insurance | 80C | Up to ₹1.5 Lakh deduction |
| Term Insurance | 10(10D) | Maturity amount is tax-free under conditions |
Note: NRIs must pay via NRO accounts to claim Indian tax benefits.
Insurance Add-Ons That NRIs Should Consider
To make your insurance policy even more powerful, here are the top add-ons NRIs should explore:
- Global Emergency Assistance
- Personal Accident Cover
- Maternity and Newborn Rider
- OPD and Pharmacy Benefit
- Annual Health Check-ups
- Room Rent Waiver
- No-Claim Bonus Booster
- Air Ambulance/Repatriation Add-on
How to Compare NRI Insurance Plans Effectively
Use trusted platforms like:
- Policybazaar.com
- Coverfox.com
- NRIOL.com
- BankBazaar Insurance
- Turtlemint
Checklist while comparing:
✅ Are you eligible as an NRI?
✅ Is digital onboarding available from abroad?
✅ Does the plan cover hospitalization, OPD, or chronic illness?
✅ Can claims be filed from outside India?
✅ What’s the claim settlement ratio and TAT?
Can NRIs Transfer Overseas Insurance to India?
No, you cannot directly transfer a US/UK/UAE insurance plan to India. However, you can:
- Buy a fresh Indian policy (domestic NRI-compatible plan)
- Use international travel insurance for short-term India trips
- Coordinate between overseas and Indian providers for partial reimbursement (rare cases)
Final Takeaway: Secure Your Indian Roots with the Right Insurance
Being an NRI doesn’t cut your ties with India. Whether you visit annually, support your parents, or plan a return, insurance is your safety net.
With powerful features like global claims, digital service, chronic disease care, and tax benefits, top Indian insurance companies like HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Tata AIG, and Niva Bupa are helping NRIs stay protected, wherever they are.
Pick a provider with a strong claim record
Use NRO/NRE accounts wisely
Add riders for extra peace of mind
Don’t skip the fine print—get expert help if needed