Health Insurance for NRI Parents in India

Health Insurance for NRI Parents in India

Health Insurance for NRI Parents in India pays for the medical costs associated with the therapies that the parents of the NRIs in India receive. Depending on the demands of their parents’ healthcare, NRIs may want to get a critical illness insurance policy, a family floater policy, or a senior citizen health policy. In the event that the parents are paying a few months’ visit, they may also decide to purchase a health policy that offers coverage in the nation where the NRI resides.

If you are an NRI,

… this comprehensive guide you through planning for the right health insurance for your parents in India.

Key Takeaways

  • Health insurance for NRI parents in India is a vital investment to safeguard their well-being amidst rising healthcare costs.

  • Look for insurers with tie-ups with reputed hospitals in India to ensure access to cashless treatment facilities.

  • Opt for policies offering comprehensive coverage, including hospitalization, outpatient care, pre-existing conditions, and critical illnesses.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Health Insurance for NRI Parents

As a kind of financial safety net, health insurance pays for medical costs brought on by diseases, mishaps, or injuries. It functions on the basis of risk-sharing, in which policyholders pay premiums to an insurance company in return for financial security against unanticipated medical expenses. Essentially, health insurance guarantees that people can obtain prompt, high-quality medical care without having to shoulder the entire cost on their own. This coverage includes a broad range of healthcare services, such as doctor consultations, diagnostic testing, surgeries, prescription drugs, and rehabilitation, and goes beyond the hospitalization costs. Health insurance helps lessen the financial effect of medical emergencies by distributing risks over a wide population and pooling resources, which promotes financial stability and well-being.

Health insurance is much more important for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) whose parents live in India. Having enough insurance coverage is essential because managing healthcare requirements from a distance might be more difficult. NRIs can rest easy knowing that their parents will receive timely and sufficient medical care while they are away, knowing that their funds won’t be depleted by outrageous costs thanks to health insurance. Moreover, having insurance coverage becomes an essential part of providing responsible care as healthcare prices continue to rise globally, making it more than just a wise financial decision. NRIs show their dedication to protecting their loved ones’ health even while they are far away by purchasing health insurance for their parents in India.

Challenges Usually Faced by NRI Parents

Because of their children’s and their own country’s distance, NRI parents encounter a distinct set of difficulties when it comes to health insurance. These difficulties may have an effect on their emotional and mental health, finances and healthcare, among other areas of their existence.

Some of the key challenges faced by NRI parents, related to healthcare, include:

  1. Limited Awareness: NRI parents may lack awareness and understanding about the available health insurance options and their suitability. In case of emergency, the parents are unable to utilise the health insurance benefits due to some wrong decisions and limited support.
  2. Complex Policies: Understanding the terms, conditions, and exclusions of health insurance policies can be overwhelming, especially from a distance. With age, they are unable to keep track of all the T&C are the moment of need.
  3. Documentation Hassles: Dealing with paperwork and documentation requirements remotely can pose logistical challenges. It would be difficult for parents to do this without assistance.
  4. Premium Payment: Ensuring timely premium payments from overseas can be cumbersome, leading to lapses in coverage. It can also lead to undesirable consequences.

Also Read: Retirement Planning

Types of Health Insurance Policies for Parents of NRIs

There are many different types of health insurance policies, each designed to fulfill the unique requirements of a family or an individual. Having a thorough understanding of the many kinds can assist people in making wise choices for their unique needs and situations.

Family Floater Health Insurance Plans

The principal policyholder, spouse, and dependent children are usually covered under a single family policy under family floater plans. Any family member covered by the policy may use the collective sum insured provided by these policies. Family floater plans simplify administration and premium payments by providing full coverage for all members of the family under one roof. Because they provide more affordable coverage than individual policies for each family member, they are especially advantageous for large families.

Senior Citizen Health Insurance Plans

Plans for senior citizens’ health insurance are especially made to meet the medical requirements of the elderly, who are typically 60 years of age and older. These plans provide characteristics including a higher sum insured, coverage for pre-existing diseases, and specialty benefits like senior wellness programs and domiciliary treatment coverage in recognition of the particular health issues faced by seniors. Senior citizen plans offer all-inclusive coverage specifically designed to address health issues associated with aging, guaranteeing that seniors get the assistance and care they require during their golden years.

Health Insurance Plan with Cover in Foreign Countries

Health insurance policies that offer coverage overseas are crucial for NRIs and people who go overseas regularly. These plans provide worldwide coverage, enabling policyholders to seek assistance and medical care both domestically and abroad. Features including repatriation of mortal remains, emergency medical evacuation, and reimbursement for overseas medical costs are usually included. Travelers may rest easy knowing that they have access to high-quality healthcare services wherever they go, and that their plans will shield them from the financial burden of unexpected medical expenses while overseas.

Also Read: Are You Ready for Retirement?

Key Considerations for Health Insurance of NRI Parents

To guarantee complete coverage and peace of mind, there are a number of important considerations that should be carefully taken into account while thinking about health insurance for NRI parents. These crucial factors include of:

  1. Coverage Extent: Opt for health insurance policies that offer comprehensive coverage, including hospitalization expenses, pre and post-hospitalization care, outpatient treatments, diagnostic tests, medication, and critical illnesses. Ensure that the policy covers a wide range of medical services to address varying healthcare needs.
  2. Renewal Age Limit: Look for policies with higher renewal age limits to provide long-term coverage as parents age. Choosing a policy with a higher renewal age ensures continuity of coverage without the need to switch policies or face coverage gaps later in life.
  3. Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage: Understand how pre-existing conditions are covered under the policy. Usually, health insurance policies have waiting periods and sometime exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Other health insurance policies may offer coverage with certain terms and conditions or higher premiums. Clarify the terms and conditions regarding pre-existing conditions to avoid any surprises during claim processing.
  4. Network Hospitals: Check the list of network hospitals associated with the insurance provider. Opt for policies that have tie-ups with reputed hospitals in India to ensure access to quality healthcare services and cashless treatment facilities. Having a wide network of hospitals reduces out-of-pocket expenses and streamlines the claim settlement process.
  5. Claim Settlement Ratio: Evaluate insurers based on their claim settlement track record and reputation. Look for insurers with high claim settlement ratios, indicating a higher probability of timely and hassle-free claim processing. A good claim settlement ratio reflects the insurer’s reliability and commitment to customer service.
  6. Premium Affordability: Consider the affordability of premiums in relation to the coverage provided. While it’s essential to opt for comprehensive coverage, ensure that the premium costs are within your budgetary constraints. Compare premium quotes from multiple insurers to find the best balance between coverage and affordability.
  7. Global Coverage: For NRIs with parents who travel frequently or reside abroad part-time, consider policies that offer global coverage. These policies provide medical coverage not only in India but also in foreign countries, offering peace of mind during international travel and ensuring access to quality healthcare services worldwide.
  8. Policy Flexibility and Customization: Look for policies that offer flexibility and customization options to tailor coverage according to specific needs and preferences. Consider add-on covers or riders for additional benefits such as critical illness coverage, maternity benefits, ambulance services, and alternative treatments.

By carefully evaluating these key considerations, NRIs can select health insurance policies that provide comprehensive coverage, financial protection, and peace of mind for their parents’ healthcare needs in India. Taking the time to research, compare policies, and consult with insurance advisors can help make informed decisions that meet the unique requirements of NRI families.

Also Read: Fixed Annuities Comprehensive Guide: Securing Retirement Income

Also Read: Star Health Insurance Claim Tracking – How To

Recommended Health Insurance Plans for NRI Parents

Health insurance policies that offer coverage overseas are crucial for NRIs and people who go overseas regularly. These plans provide worldwide coverage, enabling policyholders to seek assistance and medical care both domestically and abroad. Features including repatriation of mortal remains, emergency medical evacuation, and reimbursement for overseas medical costs are usually included. Travelers may rest easy knowing that they have access to high-quality healthcare services wherever they go, and that their plans will shield them from the financial burden of unexpected medical expenses while overseas.

Niva Bupa Senior First (Our Choice)

health insurance for nri parents in india niva bupa senior first thumbnail

Niva Bupa Senior First is a special plan designed for senior folks (those over 60 and under 75). The benefit is that you might be eligible for this plan even if you might not qualify for some other health insurance plan. The drawback is that, similar to the majority of senior citizen plans, they have limitations on the number of rooms that may be rented and sublimits on certain surgeries.

What’s Good with Niva Bupa Senior First?

Niva Bupa hasn’t made it clear in the Senior First Health Insurance policy which illnesses it won’t cover. That means that regardless of the illness you have, you can get the full benefit up to the covered amount. In other words, disease-wise sub-limits are not imposed in this policy.

After just two years, Niva Bupa will pay for any expenses resulting from your parents’ pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or other illnesses of a similar nature.

Your parents will be able to claim the full coverage as many times as they need to in the same year if they are hospitalized again, even after they have already claimed a portion of the coverage during one hospital stay.

You can claim the full amount up to the sum insured, regardless of the ailment you’re dealing with, as Niva Bupa hasn’t specifically indicated they won’t cover a certain illness. Consequently, there are no disease-specific sub-limits imposed by this policy.

No worries if the doctor had to run a host of diagnostic tests before or after hospitalizing you. The insurer has your back. They will cover this amount in full for a pretty reasonable duration – 60 days before you are hospitalized and 180 days after discharge. This includes the cost of medication by the way.

Your parents will be able to claim the full coverage as many times as they need to in the same year if they are hospitalized again, even after they have already claimed a portion of the coverage during one hospital stay.

If you’re hospitalized for less than 24 hours in lieu of a minor procedure, then the insurer will cover these costs too. Think dialysis, chemotherapy or minor surgeries.

Niva Bupa offers free health examinations if your parents want to make sure they are in good physical condition by having a comprehensive body checkup every year. Available from day-1, for defined list of tests from network facilities only.

The insurer will bear the costs even if you are hospitalized at home due to a condition or the hospital running out of beds. In insurance lingo, they call this a policy with domiciliary cover.

Think of getting Ayurvedic, Homeopathic or other alternative treatments to cure an illness? Your insurer will cover you fully, up to the sum insured.

If your parents need to be hospitalized at home owing to a medical issue or the hospital is at capacity, Niva Bupa will cover the expenses.
What’s Not Good with Niva Bupa Senior First?

The Niva Bupa Senior First policy will only cover 50% of the final bill, but you can choose the option to reduce co-payment to 0%.

Aditya Birla Activ Care

health insurance for nri parents in india Aditya Birla Health Insurance Activ Care

With its many advantages, the Aditya Birla Activ Care Health Insurance Policy is a wise option, particularly for senior citizens. A variety of optional care benefits are offered by Aditya Birla Activ Care Health Insurance in addition to standard in-patient, daycare, domiciliary hospitalization, and home nursing services.

Minimum age at entry : 55 years

Maximum age at entry : 80 years

What’s Good with Aditya Birla Activ Care?

After just two years, the insurer will pay for any expenses resulting from your parents’ pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or other illnesses of a similar nature.

If you’re hospitalized for less than 24 hours in lieu of a minor procedure, then the insurer will cover these costs too. Think dialysis, chemotherapy or minor surgeries.

Think of getting Ayurvedic, Homeopathic or other alternative treatments to cure an illness? Your insurer will cover you fully, up to the sum insured.

The insurer offers free health examinations if your parents want to make sure they are in good physical condition by having a comprehensive body checkup every year. Available from day-1, for defined list of tests from network facilities only.

The insurer will bear the costs even if you are hospitalized at home due to a condition or the hospital running out of beds. In insurance lingo, they call this a policy with domiciliary cover.

What’s Not Good with Aditya Birla Activ Care?

The policy will only cover 90% / 80% of the final bill. The rest on 10% / 20% is on you.

No worries if the doctor had to run a host of diagnostic tests before or after hospitalizing you. The insurer has your back. They will cover this amount in full for a pretty reasonable duration – 30 days before you are hospitalized and 60 days after discharge. This includes the cost of medication by the way.

This policy only lets you stay in a shared room. Single private AC room option is only available for top variant.

The insurer will not cover the costs if your parents are forced to hospitalize at home due to a medical condition.

ManipalCigna Prime Senior

ManipalCigna logo
health insurance for nri parents in india manipalcigna-prime-senior

With its many advantages, the ManipalCigna Prime Senior Health Insurance Policy is a wise option, particularly for senior citizens. A variety of optional care benefits are offered by ManipalCigna Prime Senior Health Insurance in addition to standard in-patient, daycare, domiciliary hospitalization, and home nursing services.

Minimum age at entry : 56 years

Maximum age at entry : 75 years

What’s Good with ManipalCigna Prime Senior?

Niva Bupa hasn’t made it clear in the Senior First Health Insurance policy which illnesses it won’t cover. That means that regardless of the illness you have, you can get the full benefit up to the covered amount. In other words, disease-wise sub-limits are not imposed in this policy.

After just two years, Niva Bupa will pay for any expenses resulting from your parents’ pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or other illnesses of a similar nature.

If you’re hospitalized for less than 24 hours in lieu of a minor procedure, then the insurer will cover these costs too. Think dialysis, chemotherapy or minor surgeries.

Your parents will be able to claim the full coverage as many times as they need to in the same year if they are hospitalized again, even after they have already claimed a portion of the coverage during one hospital stay.

You can claim the full amount up to the sum insured, regardless of the ailment you’re dealing with, as the insurer hasn’t specifically indicated they won’t cover a certain illness. Consequently, there are no disease-specific sub-limits imposed by this policy.

Niva Bupa offers free health examinations if your parents want to make sure they are in good physical condition by having a comprehensive body checkup every year. Available from day-1, for defined list of tests from network facilities only.

The insurer will bear the costs even if you are hospitalized at home due to a condition or the hospital running out of beds. In insurance lingo, they call this a policy with domiciliary cover.

Think of getting Ayurvedic, Homeopathic or other alternative treatments to cure an illness? Your insurer will cover you fully, up to the sum insured.

If your parents need to be hospitalized at home owing to a medical issue or the hospital is at capacity, Niva Bupa will cover the expenses.
What’s Not Good with ManipalCigna Prime Senior?

The policy will only cover 80% of the final bill. The rest of 20% is on you. Options available to modify the same to 0%, 10% or 30%, which will result in more or less premium.

No worries if the doctor had to run a host of diagnostic tests before or after hospitalizing you. The insurer has your back. They will cover this amount in full for a pretty reasonable duration – 30 days before you are hospitalized and 90 days after discharge. This includes the cost of medication by the way.

This policy only lets you stay in a shared room. Single private AC room option is only available for top variant.

This policy only lets you stay in a shared room. Single private AC room option is only available for top variant.

Quick Reference to Major Senior Citizen Health Insurance Plans in India

Senior Citizen Plans Sum Insured (Rs.) Entry Age Pre- Medical Check-up OPD and Daycare Coverage Co-payment Clause


Niva Bupa Senior First		 5 to 25 L 61 – 75 Years No mandatory check-up Covered up to the sum insured 50% per Claim (modification available)


Aditya Birla Activ Care		 3 to 25 L 55 – 80 Years Yes 586 daycare procedures covered 586 Daycare Treatments 10% under Premier Plan
20% under Classic and Standard Plan

ManipalCigna Prime Senior		 3 to 50 L 56 – 75 Years No mandatory check-up Covered up to the sum insured 20% per Claim


Star Senior Citizen Red Carpet		 1 to 25 L 60 – 75 Years No All Day Care Treatments 30% per Claim


Care Senior Plan		 3 to 10 L 61 Years – Lifelong No 540 Day Care Treatments 20% per Claim


Bajaj Allianz Silver Health Plan		 1 to 10 L 46 – 80 Years Yes (Mandatory) Covered 10% Co-payment Applicable (on all claims for Plan B)
20% Co-payment Applicable (all claims for treatments availed in non-network hospitals for Plan A)

Cholamandalam Flexi Supreme		 5 L to 5 Cr 18 – 75 years Yes Covered Not Applicable

Future Generali Varishta Bima		 2 to 10 L 60 Years – Lifelong Yes for SI 7.5 and 10 L Covered 50% Co-pay Applicable (related to pre-existing disease)
25% Co-pay Applicable on all other claims


HDFC Ergo My:Health Suraksha Silver Smart		 3 to 50 L 18 Years – Lifelong Not Mandatory Covered 20% Co-payment Applicable (if treatment availed in tier-1 city after paying tier-2 premiums)


Magma One Health Insurance Policy		 2 L to 3 Cr 18 Years – No upper age limit Not Mandatory Covered Voluntary Co-pay 10/20%


National Senior Citizen Mediclaim Policy		 1 to 10 L 65 Years – No upper age limit Required Covered 10 – 25% Co-pay for Pre-existing Disease

Oriental (Health Of Privileged Elders) Plan		 1 to 5 L 60 Years – No upper age limit N/A Not Covered 20% Mandatory Co-pay

TATA AIG Eldercare		 5 to 25 L 61 – 85 Years Required Covered 20% Mandatory Co-pay

United India Senior Citizen Health Plan		 1 to 3 L 61 – 80 Years N/A Covered No Co-pay


Universal Sompo Senior Citizen Health Plan		 1 to 5 L 60 – 70 Years Maybe Required N/A Covered 10/15/20% Co-pay Applicable


New India Assurance Sixty Plus Mediclaim Policy		 2 to 5 L 60 – 80 Years Required Covered 10% Co-pay Applicable

Final Thoughts -

Choosing the right health insurance for your parents as an NRI can be a important and thoughtful choice, supplying peace of mind for each you and your own family. Given the rising healthcare prices in India, ensuring your parents have complete insurance isn’t just a monetary funding but additionally a vast emotional one. By know-how their specific desires, cautiously comparing guidelines, and ensuring that the insurance consists of vital benefits including pre-current condition insurance, sanatorium community reach, and hassle-unfastened claim methods, you may make a properly-informed decision.

Moreover, choosing insurance that gives easy accessibility and assist for NRIs, consisting of online top rate payments or declare processing, can in addition simplify coping with their medical health insurance from overseas. Ultimately, proactive planning and everyday reviews of their coverage can shield their properly-being, permitting you to focus on your commitments overseas with out compromising on their healthcare needs.

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About the Author: Donald Gonsalves

Founder of SimplePath™ and a regular contributor to the website's blog, Donald brings with him more than a decade of experience working as a consultant for financial planning and insurance. Send your questions to donald@simplepath.in

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