NRI Guide: Buying Indian Health Insurance in 2025

The world is more interconnected than ever. Millions of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) live and work abroad—but maintain strong ties to their homeland. Whether it’s visiting family, investing in property, undergoing planned medical treatment, or returning for retirement, healthcare in India remains a critical concern for NRIs.

India’s healthcare costs are rising, and so is the demand for comprehensive health insurance tailored to NRIs. Yet, many NRIs still ask:

• Can I buy health insurance in India while living abroad?
• What are the best policies available in 2025?
• What do I need to consider before buying?
• Are there tax implications?

This ultimate 2025 guide answers every question NRIs have about buying Indian health insurance—so you can secure your health and finances, no matter where you reside.

Why NRIs Should Consider Buying Indian Health Insurance

1. Rising Healthcare Costs in India

India’s private hospitals are becoming more advanced—and more expensive. A 5-day stay in a top-tier hospital in Mumbai or Delhi can cost ₹1–3 lakh. Diagnostic tests, surgeries, and ICU care have nearly doubled in cost since 2015.

2. Frequent Visits to India

NRIs who visit India every year for weeks or months are at risk for accidents, infections, and chronic illness flare-ups. Health insurance ensures they don’t pay out-of-pocket.

3. Insufficient Global Coverage

Most overseas insurance plans (like Medicare in the U.S. or NHS in the U.K.) do not cover treatment in India. Even if global coverage is offered, it usually requires reimbursement—not cashless hospitalization.

4. Coverage for Parents and Dependents

Buying a policy in India allows NRIs to cover their Indian-resident family members, or even create family floater policies with dependent parents.

Eligibility: Can NRIs Buy Health Insurance in India?

YES. NRIs, PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin), and OCIs (Overseas Citizens of India) are legally allowed to buy Indian health insurance under FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) guidelines.

You are eligible if:

• You are an Indian citizen residing abroad for employment, business, or studies
• You hold an OCI card or Indian passport
• You pay premiums through an Indian bank account (NRO/NRE)

No mandatory Aadhaar or PAN is required for buying the policy—but PAN is helpful for tax-related services or claims above ₹1 lakh.

Documents Required to Buy Indian Health Insurance as an NRI

Here’s a checklist of documents most insurers request:

Some insurers may request a telemedical consultation or health screening, especially for NRIs above 50 or those with pre-existing diseases.

Top Indian Health Insurance Plans for NRIs (2025)

Here’s a carefully curated list of top-performing policies ideal for NRIs:

1. Care Health Insurance – Explore Plan

• Sum insured: ₹5–25 lakh
• Cashless network: 8,500+ hospitals
• Covers hospitalization, diagnostics, and repatriation
• Option to extend coverage to family in India
• COVID-19 covered

Best for: Frequent visitors staying 2–6 months at a time.

2. TATA AIG – Travel Guard (with Health Cover)

• Ideal for trips up to 180 days
• Emergency hospitalization + travel insurance
• No medical tests up to age 70
• Repatriation of remains and emergency evacuation included

Best for: NRIs visiting India for short durations (15–90 days).

3. Star Health – Red Carpet Senior Citizen Plan

• Entry age: 60 to 75 years
• No pre-policy medical test
• Pre-existing disease cover after 12 months
• Co-pay applicable (10–30%)

Best for: NRIs above 60 or sponsoring health coverage for aging parents.

4. ICICI Lombard – Complete Health Insurance

• Coverage from ₹3 lakh to ₹50 lakh
• Optional maternity, outpatient, and dental coverage
• Smart claims app for easy reimbursement
• 24×7 call center with overseas support

Best for: Dual-resident NRIs who travel multiple times annually.

5. Niva Bupa – Health Recharge

• Global emergency cover add-on
• Covers hospitalization, surgery, ICU, and ambulance
• Offers wellness and second-opinion benefits
• Claim settlement ratio above 96%

Best for: Young NRIs under 40 who want a digitally-managed, high-value policy.

Things NRIs Must Consider Before Buying

When shopping for Indian health insurance in 2025, look beyond just premiums.

How to Buy Indian Health Insurance from Abroad

Follow this simple step-by-step process:

Step 1: Choose Your Plan

Use portals like Policybazaar, Coverfox, or go directly to insurer websites.

Step 2: Complete Online Application

Fill in your personal and medical details. Choose tenure (1 year, 2 years, etc.), sum insured, and add-ons.

Step 3: Upload Documents

Scan or take photos of passport, visa, address proof, and health declaration. Upload directly or via email.

Step 4: Make Payment

Pay via:

• Indian debit/credit card
• Net banking from NRO/NRE account
• UPI (if accessible internationally)

Step 5: Get ePolicy

Once verified, your policy is emailed within 24–72 hours. You’re covered from the start date.

Premium Costs for NRIs in 2025 (Estimated)

Prices vary based on location, pre-existing health conditions, and optional riders.

Claiming Indian Health Insurance as an NRI

You can claim using two methods:

1. Cashless Claims

• Use your insurer’s app or contact their helpline
• Visit a network hospital
• Submit ID, policy, and pre-authorization form
• Hospital bills directly settled by insurer

2. Reimbursement Claims

• Applicable for non-network hospitals
• Submit all bills, prescriptions, reports within 30 days of treatment
• Claims processed within 15–30 business days

Important: Always read the policy exclusions, such as cosmetic surgeries, fertility treatments, or overseas treatment (unless add-on is opted).

Tax Benefits for NRIs on Health Insurance in India

Yes, NRIs are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act—if they have taxable income in India.

Deductions:

• ₹25,000 for self/spouse/children
• Additional ₹25,000 for parents (₹50,000 if parents are senior citizens)

The payment must be made in INR from your NRO or resident account.

Mistakes NRIs Should Avoid When Buying Indian Health Insurance

1. Buying After Arrival: Some plans require you to purchase before entering India.
2. Not Declaring Medical History: Hiding pre-existing conditions may lead to claim rejection.
3. Choosing Based on Low Premiums Alone: Always consider sum insured and claim ratio.
4. Not Checking Hospital Network in India: Especially in your city of stay.
5. Assuming Global Coverage: Most Indian policies are India-specific unless global riders are added.

FAQs

Q1. Can I cover my parents under my NRI-purchased Indian policy?
Yes. You can buy family floater plans that include your Indian-resident parents.

Q2. Do I need Aadhaar to buy Indian health insurance?
No. NRIs can buy health policies with a passport and visa/OCI proof.

Q3. Can NRIs get health checkups in India under the policy?
Yes. Most plans offer free annual health checkups, especially after the first policy year.

Q4. Can I pay premiums from abroad?
Yes. You can use Indian bank accounts (NRO/NRE) or Indian credit cards for online payment.

Q5. Will my insurer settle claims to my foreign bank account?
No. All claims are reimbursed to Indian accounts—usually NRO or resident accounts.

Useful Resources

• IRDAI Official Website
• Policybazaar NRI Insurance
• NRI Health Plans – Star Health
• Care Health for NRIs
• Income Tax India Portal

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Indian Health Insurance as an NRI?

Absolutely. If you:

• Travel to India frequently
• Have family dependent on Indian healthcare
• Want to retire or settle in India eventually
• Are planning surgeries or treatments in India

Then Indian health insurance is not just smart—it’s essential.

With rising hospitalization costs, a small premium today could save you lakhs tomorrow.

Take Action Today

Choose a reputed Indian insurer
Buy before arriving in India
Digitally store your policy and ID
Share documents with a trusted relative in India
Enjoy your India trip, worry-free

Your health is your real wealth—secure it before you fly.

Planning Long-Term Stays? Here’s What NRIs Must Know

1. Long-Term Health Insurance Options for NRIs Returning to India

If you’re planning to return to India for retirement or relocation, opt for a comprehensive individual or family floater plan instead of short-term travel policies.

Features to prioritize:

• Lifetime Renewability: Crucial for long-term stays
• Coverage for Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, heart issues
• Day-Care Procedures: Cataract, dialysis, minor surgeries
• Restoration Benefits: Automatic reinstatement of sum insured
• OPD Benefits: Especially for senior citizens

Recommended Insurers for Long-Term NRI Stays:

• HDFC ERGO Optima Restore
• ManipalCigna ProHealth Plus
• Aditya Birla Active Health Enhanced
• Bajaj Allianz Health Guard

These plans are designed to seamlessly transition NRIs into Indian healthcare systems, without major out-of-pocket costs.

Portability: Can NRIs Shift Plans Easily?

Yes. The IRDAI’s Health Insurance Portability Regulation allows NRIs to switch between insurers without losing benefits such as:

• No Claim Bonus (NCB)
• Waiting period credits
• Coverage continuity

Conditions:

• The existing plan must be active
• Application to port must be submitted 45–60 days before renewal
• You must not have made major fraud-related claims in the current policy

This is useful if your current insurer isn’t serving your needs or lacks good network hospitals in your visiting city.

Health Screening Requirements for NRIs

Not all NRIs need to undergo health screening to buy health insurance in India. Here’s how it works:

Some insurers offer tele-consultation-based screening for NRIs or allow reports from recognized overseas diagnostic labs.

NRI Health Insurance for Parents: A Growing Need

Many NRIs want to ensure their parents or elderly dependents in India are covered.

Why it matters:

• Senior citizens are most vulnerable to hospitalization
• High premium costs can be offset with dedicated senior plans
• Some insurers cover home healthcare, nursing, and AYUSH

Tips:

• Look for no-medical-checkup options if your parents are 60+
• Check pre-existing illness waiting periods (as low as 1 year in some plans)
• Opt for cashless networks near your parents’ residence

Top picks:

• HDFC ERGO My:Health Suraksha Senior
• Niva Bupa Senior First
• Care Freedom

Forex Compliance & FEMA Rules for NRIs

Health insurance purchase and claim reimbursement must comply with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Key Rules:

• Premiums can be paid from NRO/NRE accounts
• Claims must be settled into Indian bank accounts
• No outward remittance for claims is allowed unless under specific RBI approval

Thus, keep an active Indian bank account ready and updated with your insurer.

When Can NRIs Cancel Their Indian Health Policy?

You may choose to cancel your health policy if:

• You no longer visit India
• You obtain global insurance with better benefits
• You permanently move to a country offering full coverage

How to cancel:

• Submit a written cancellation request to the insurer
• Unused premium (pro-rata) is refunded if no claim is made
• Policy will be canceled within 15–30 business days

Make sure your Indian contact details and nominee information are updated before initiating cancellation.

Best Digital Platforms for NRIs to Buy Health Insurance in India

Here’s a list of the most trusted online aggregators and insurance portals for NRI customers:

Most of these platforms allow e-signatures, document uploads, and KYC verification from overseas—making the entire process seamless.

NRI Tips for Smart Health Insurance Planning

1. Always Buy Early – Buy before turning 50 to avoid high premiums.
2. Avoid Frequent Plan Switching – Stick to one plan to accumulate benefits.
3. Nominate a Local Contact – For hospitalization or emergency communication.
4. Use Insurer Mobile Apps – Track claims, download eCards, book checkups.
5. Combine with Travel Insurance if Needed – For overseas-inbound medical risks.
6. Understand Co-pay and Sub-limits – Some plans charge 10–20% co-pay for NRIs.
7. Verify If Coverage Starts Immediately – Some plans offer instant activation while others impose a 30-day waiting period.

Real-Life NRI Case Studies

Case 1: Shweta (NRI from the US)

Issue: Her father in Delhi had a cardiac emergency while she was abroad.
Solution: She had purchased a family floater plan from Care Health. The hospital was on the insurer’s cashless network, and the ₹3.8 lakh bill was settled within 2 days.

Case 2: Manish (Based in UAE)

Issue: Bought insurance in India without declaring his diabetes. A claim for foot infection was denied.
Lesson: Always disclose pre-existing conditions, even if it means paying a slightly higher premium.

Case 3: Ravi & Sneha (Returning from Canada)

Plan: Bought ManipalCigna ProHealth Plus while still in Canada.
Result: Covered maternity and outpatient care from the 3rd month of return. Avoided ₹2 lakh in OPD and delivery expenses.

What’s New in 2025? IRDAI’s New NRI-Friendly Reforms

In 2025, IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) rolled out NRI-supportive regulations:

Allowing full digital KYC for NRIs
Quicker onboarding with zero in-person visits
Integration with DigiLocker and ePAN
Inclusion of wellness discounts even for overseas-based policyholders
Mandatory helplines for international support

These changes make Indian health insurance more inclusive and digitally accessible for global Indians.

Conclusion: NRI Health Insurance in India Is a Smart Move

To sum up:

Indian health insurance is fully NRI-compatible
Choose your plan based on duration, age, medical history, and city
Prioritize cashless treatment, wellness benefits, and sum insured
Make use of digital platforms and IRDAI reforms
Stay compliant with FEMA and Indian tax laws
Review your policy every 1–2 years