Why Should NRI Buy A Term Insurance Policy In India?

Indians residing in and outside the home country see the need to invest in life insurance. Fortunately, the Foreign Exchange Management Act has made it possible for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) to take life insurance in India. If you are an NRI and looking for affordable savings plans or regular income plans, you may have several questions sitting in another country and thinking about enrolling in these plans.  

Can NRIs Purchase Life Insurance Plans In India?

Yes, NRIs and PIOs (as defined by FEMA) who reside abroad are allowed to purchase life insurance in India. All persons of Indian origin, regardless of their citizenship status in India, can take such a policy in their home country to protect themselves and their families.

While Purchasing The Policy, Does The NRI Need To Be Present In India?

It is not compulsory to be present in India while buying a life insurance policy for NRI. It is best to buy the plan after comparing all the available options. Although not required, being present in India while buying the plan can be highly beneficial. You would have to do all the medical examinations and send the reports to the company in India if you purchase the policy from abroad. However, the cost of a medical checkup will be borne by you.

On the contrary, buying the plan while staying in India saves you from incurring additional costs out of your pocket. Here, the insurer conducts and bears the costs of your medical check-ups. 

How Can Premiums Of Insurance Policy Be Paid?

The premium for life insurance for NRI in India can be paid through any of these modes:

• Settlement payment in foreign currency.
• Non-resident ordinary bank account.
• FCNR/NRE bank account.

It is crucial to check the currency in which the policy is issued as the insurance companies can issue them in the currency of the resident country of the NRI or in Indian rupees. If the policy issued to the NRIs is in a foreign currency, they will have to pay premiums in that currency from an FCNR/NRE account held in India. But if the policy is issued in Indian currency, premiums can be paid through NRO accounts. However, there are not many insurance companies that offer policies that can be paid using foreign currency.

Will The Country Of Residence Affect The NRI’s Premium Amount?

Normally, premiums are the same for both residents and non-residents for the same insurance policy. But if the NRI is living in a country where life risks are higher, premiums may be higher. A country prone to civil or military issues has an unstable government and faces constant violent attacks can be labeled a high-risk Country. In the same manner, low-risk countries are characterized by peace, stability in governance, good law and order conditions. An NRI living in a high-risk country will be charged a higher premium.

Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Bharti AXA Life Flexi Term Plan    

What Exactly Are The Rules Regarding Maturity And Death Proceeds?

The life insurance policy for NRI from insurance companies in India will cover death irrespective of the location anywhere in the world. The return of premium by the company for the particular insurance plan will either be in rupees or foreign currency, as mentioned in the documents. To make the death claim, the nominee will have to submit all the necessary documents listed in the policy.

The death claim amount or the maturity benefits can only be transferred to the resident country only if the amount is equal to the premium that was paid through foreign currency. Therefore, the premium amount that was paid in Indian rupees cannot be transferred.

The proceeds will not be transferable if the policyholder pays the entire premium amount in Indian currency using an NRO account. However, if the policy is taken before becoming NRI, the proceeds that remain transferable are equal to the premium paid in foreign currency out of the total premium paid by the individual.

Also Read - Everything You Need To Know About Term insurance Plan

Is It Beneficial For An NRI To Buy Insurance In India?

Having discussed the rules and regulations of buying life insurance in India, NRIs must evaluate if they should buy one. Certain things must be considered here: 

• Need To Secure The Family

Investing in life insurance ensures a good source of income and acts as a safety cover for the family members. It should be understood that there are multiple expenditure milestones in every member’s life. In the event of the sudden demise of the primary income earner, a regular income plan can cover such loss or any other uncertainties through the return of premium. So, it is best to be prepared for such risks by going for suitable life insurance.

• Cost And Tax Regulations

An NRI needs to consider if the policy will be cheaper in the country of residence. A decision must be taken after taking into account all the concerned factors and assessing the cost.

Conclusion

In India, the benefits and earnings from a life insurance policy are tax-free* for both death and maturity. The case might not be the same in the resident country. The NRI must carefully look at tax provisions in the country of residence and determine whether he/she will need to pay tax* on earning the amount.

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Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.