NRIs Health Insurance in India

For one reason or another, we often travel from one country to another. Some might travel abroad to meet their families, while others may visit for studies or a job. Whatever the reason for your travel, it is crucial to get insured under a reliable health insurance policy. It is a kind of financial security that will safeguard you against any medical emergency that may happen during your journey. Read on to learn about NRIs' health insurance in India. 

Understanding NRIs Health Insurance 

If you’re travelling to India, you can either buy a short-term or long-term health insurance plan. NRI health insurance is determined by the legal residency status of the person seeking insurance in India. This may have legal and tax repercussions, so whether purchasing or renewing this policy or filing a claim against it, one must properly comply with the prescribed documentation process. 

You can buy this plan even if you’re protected under any insurance plan in your country of residence. Moreover, you can buy NRI health insurance if you are covered under a group health insurance policy. The policyholders insured under this plan can also enjoy tax benefits according to the prevailing terms and conditions. 

Furthermore, an individual must adhere to certain Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) conditions. Some of them include: 

• Possibility to get a health insurance policy from the insurance company operating in the country of residence. 
• Rules for returning claim money that is paid out in foreign currency. 

Benefits of Purchasing NRIs Health Insurance 

Listed below are the benefits of purchasing NRI health insurance in India. 

• Adequate Coverage: 

While travelling to India, you might be vulnerable to certain health issues due to the change in habitat and lifestyle. If you buy a health insurance plan in India, you can get coverage up to your maximum sum assured. Therefore, choose an insurance plan that provides adequate coverage. 

• Easy Claim Settlement Process:

Most of the best health insurance companies provide a hassle-free claim settlement process. As a policyholder, you can simply claim your NRI health plan online through their website or call the company's customer support. 

• Tax Benefits: 

Besides providing a financial support, a health insurance also offer tax benefits to the policyholders. Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, you can avail yourself of tax benefits for your health policy. 

• Regular Coverage: 

Choosing a health insurance plan in India will provide you with consistent coverage throughout the policy period. For instance, you don’t have to worry about purchasing an insurance policy for each trip to India if you’ve bought a health insurance policy with coverage period. 

• No Geographical Restrictions: 

Health insurance plans frequently include geographical limits. It may be possible that your insurance company of residence provides little or no coverage in other countries. Therefore, if you purchase a NRI insurance policy in India, you won’t be constrained by such restrictions and can access insurance coverage all across the nation. 

Process to Apply For NRIs Health Insurance in India

The process of buying NRI health insurance in India may vary from one insurer to another. However, listed below is a general process that you can follow. 

• Get in touch with an insurance company via call or email. 
• Submit the required documents, such as the passport number, permanent account numberm (PAN), and others. 
• Choose a type of health insurance policy. 
• Undergo medical examination process if asked by a health insurance company. 
• Pay the premium and get your insurance plan. 
• Verify all the details and check for errors (if any). 

Factors To Consider While Purchasing a Health Insurance For Non-Resident Indian Parents 

If you are travelling to India with your parents, then you must take numerous points into consideration while purchasing a NRI health insurance policy. 

• Coverage: 

You can live a stress-free life in India knowing that your NRI health insurance policy will guard you financially against any medical emergency. However, to ensure this, you must choose an insurance plan that provides maximum coverage in terms of the sum insured and the policy benefits. For instance, choose a policy that does not only cover hospitalization but also focuses on pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization expenses. 

• Pre-existing Diseases:

If your parents have any pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, then inform your insurance provider about them. In case, you hide it from your health insurance company, then your claim may get rejected. Furthermore, insurance companies cover pre-medical diseases after a certain time period. 

• Age: 

With an increase in an individual’s age, a premium also increases. Therefore, you must keep this important factor in mind while insuring your parents under an NRI health insurance policy. 

• Network Hospital: 

You must locate a network hospital associated with a health insurance company so that you can avail of cashless treatment facilities. The hospital will directly settle all their medical bills with an insurer. 

• Premium: 

The premium payable by a policyholder in exchange for the sum assured is determined through numerous factors like age, health condition, policy type, and many others. You may have to pay a higher premium for short-term insurance plans as compared to long-term plans. 

When Should You Not Buy NRI Health Insurance in India? 

When you are travelling in India from any other country, it is beneficial to get covered under any health insurance policy. However, you can avoid purchasing a health insurance policy in certain circumstances. Some of them are listed below. 

• If health plan bought in the residence country provide extensive coverage including in India. 
• If you are travelling to India for a less number of days and your travel insurance provide coverage for medical emergencies. 
• In case you don’t have any plans to return to India for a longer time. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, for whatever reason you are travelling to India, it is advantageous to buy a health insurance policy. Your insurance company will cover all your hospitalization costs and medical bills if any medical emergency happens.

Also read: List of Health Plans Offered By Royal Sundaram Health Insurance