For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), having a reliable health insurance plan in India is crucial. While NRIs may already have health insurance in their country of residence, such plans may need more coverage for medical expenses incurred in India. An India-based health insurance plan ensures access to local network hospitals, cashless claim settlements, and coverage for chronic illnesses. Moreover, if an NRI plans to return to India, having a policy in place eliminates waiting periods for pre-existing diseases.
This article explores NRIs’ top health insurance plans, including their features, benefits, claim processes, and comparison details.
Benefits of Health Insurance for NRIs
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers hospitalization, pre-existing illnesses (after a waiting period), critical illnesses, and daycare treatments.
- Cashless Hospitalization: NRIs can access treatment at network hospitals without paying upfront.
- Local Hospital Network: Access to an extensive network of hospitals across India.
- Tax Benefits: Premiums paid for health insurance may be eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
- Avoid Currency Fluctuation Issues: Payments in INR prevent losses from currency fluctuations.
- No Waiting Period for Returnees: Existing policies may waive the waiting period for pre-existing illnesses for returning NRIs.
Top 10 Health Insurance Plans for NRIs
Niva Bupa Health Insurance
- Features: No third-party administrators (TPAs), cashless claim settlement within 30 minutes, direct in-house claim settlement.
- Benefits: Cover hospitalization, pre-existing diseases after a waiting period, and daycare treatments.
- Claim Process: Notify the insurer 72 hours before planned hospitalization or 24 hours in case of an emergency. Present the insurance e-card at the network hospital, and the insurer will handle the claim directly.
- Why Choose Niva Bupa? Fast claim settlement and in-house claim processing.
HDFC ERGO Health Insurance
- Features: Cashless hospitalization, coverage for medical treatments, daycare procedures, and pre-existing diseases after a waiting period.
- Benefits: Covers hospitalization, OPD (Outpatient Department) expenses, and wellness programs.
- Claim Process: Inform the insurer before hospitalization, submit the claim form, and provide the necessary documents. Cashless treatments are available at network hospitals.
- Why Choose HDFC ERGO? Offers GST refunds on premium payments from NRE accounts.
Star Health Insurance
- Features: Available for individuals, family floaters, and senior citizens. Pre-existing diseases are covered after a waiting period.
- Benefits: Covers in-patient hospitalization, daycare procedures, and emergency ambulance charges.
- Claim Process: Cashless claims are processed at network hospitals, and reimbursement claims are settled a few days after document submission.
- Why Choose Star Health? Vast hospital network and strong claims settlement process.
ManipalCigna Health Insurance
- Features: Wide range of health insurance plans for individuals, families, and corporate groups.
- Benefits: It covers hospitalization, critical illnesses, and OPD treatments.
- Claim Process: Submit the pre-authorization form for cashless claims at a network hospital. For reimbursement, submit bills and supporting documents.
- Why Choose ManipalCigna? Customizable health insurance plans for NRIs with access to top hospitals in India.
ICICI Lombard Health Insurance
- Features: Offers individual and family floater health insurance plans with critical illness cover.
- Benefits: Covers pre and post-hospitalization expenses, daycare procedures, and ambulance charges.
- Claim Process: Cashless claims at network hospitals; reimbursement claims are processed in 7-15 days.
- Why Choose ICICI Lombard? Robust claim process, wider coverage, and ease of access for NRIs.
New India Assurance Health Insurance
- Features: Affordable plans offering medical and surgical expenses in India.
- Benefits: It covers hospitalization, pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, and daycare treatments.
- Claim Process: File claims for cashless treatment at a network hospital or reimbursement for non-network hospitals.
- Why Choose New India Assurance? Government-backed plan with affordable premium rates.
Religare (Care) Health Insurance
- Features: Offers a wide range of health insurance policies with OPD coverage.
- Benefits: Comprehensive protection for hospitalization, daycare, critical illnesses, and OPD expenses.
- Claim Process: Intimate the insurer within 24 hours of hospitalization and submit the necessary documents.
- Why Choose Religare (Care)? It provides OPD coverage, which many other plans need more.
SBI Health Insurance
- Features: Wide network of hospitals and fast claim settlements.
- Benefits: Covers pre-existing diseases (after a waiting period), hospitalization expenses, and ambulance charges.
- Claim Process: Pre-authorization is required for cashless treatment. Reimbursement claims are processed on submission of bills.
- Why Choose SBI? Low-cost premiums and strong backing from a trusted government entity.
Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance
- Features: Offers a wide range of plans for individuals and families.
- Benefits: It covers critical illnesses, OPD expenses, and cashless hospitalization.
- Claim Process: For cashless treatment, inform the insurer before hospitalization and submit the required documents.
- Why Choose Bajaj Allianz? Offers cashless treatment and extensive network hospitals.
Oriental Insurance Health Insurance
- Features: Customizable health plans for individual, family, and senior citizens.
- Benefits: Covers hospitalization, pre and post-hospitalization expenses, and emergency ambulance charges.
- Claim Process: Submit the claim form and hospital bills for reimbursement. Cashless treatment is available at network hospitals.
- Why Choose Oriental Insurance? Affordable plans with strong coverage options.
How to Apply for Health Insurance as an NRI
- Choose a Plan: Select a plan that meets your healthcare needs and budget.
- Online Purchase: Visit the insurer’s official website or use platforms like Policybazaar to apply.
- Provide Details: Enter your name, age, gender, address, and nominee details.
- Premium Payment: Pay the premium online via debit card, credit card, or NRE/NRO account.
- Policy Issuance: The insurance company will issue the policy once the payment is processed.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Plan
- Hospital Network: Check if the insurer has a strong network of hospitals for cashless treatment.
- Claim Process: Opt for insurers with fast claim settlement and no TPAs (like Niva Bupa).
- Coverage: Consider plans with coverage for chronic illnesses, OPD, daycare treatments, and wellness benefits.
- Tax Benefits: NRIs can claim deductions under Section 80D for premiums paid from NRE accounts.
Comparison Table: Top Health Insurance Plans for NRIs (2025)
| Insurance Provider | Plan Name | Sum Insured (₹) | Pre-existing Disease (PED) Waiting Period | Cashless Claims | Network Hospitals | Key Benefits | Premium (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niva Bupa | ReAssure 2.0 | Up to ₹1 Crore | 2-4 Years | Yes (30 mins approval) | 5000+ | No room rent capping, unlimited reinstatement of SI | High |
| HDFC ERGO | Optima Restore | ₹3-50 Lakhs | 2-4 Years | Yes (24×7 claims support) | 5000+ | Sum restoration, worldwide emergency cover | Medium |
| Star Health | Comprehensive Plan | ₹5-25 Lakhs | 2-4 Years | Yes | 9000+ | No medical screening, newborn coverage | Medium |
| ManipalCigna | ProHealth Protect | ₹2.5-50 Lakhs | 2-4 Years | Yes | 6500+ | No sub-limits on room rent, wellness rewards | Medium |
| ICICI Lombard | Complete Health Ins. | ₹3-50 Lakhs | 2-4 Years | Yes | 4500+ | Worldwide coverage, wellness programs | Medium |
| Religare (Care) | Care Health Plan | ₹3-75 Lakhs | 2-4 Years | Yes | 8000+ | Covers OPD, automatic recharge of SI | Medium |
| Bajaj Allianz | Health Guard Plan | ₹1.5-50 Lakhs | 3-4 Years | Yes | 6500+ | AYUSH treatments, convalescence benefit | Medium |
| Oriental Insurance | Happy Family Floater | ₹2-30 Lakhs | 2-4 Years | Yes | 4300+ | Pre- and post-hospitalization, family coverage | Low |
| New India Assurance | Mediclaim Policy | ₹1-15 Lakhs | 4 Years | Yes | 3000+ | Covers pre-existing diseases, affordable premiums | Low |
| SBI Health Insurance | Arogya Plus | ₹1-10 Lakhs | 3 Years | Yes | 6000+ | Fixed premium, no sub-limits on hospitalization | Low |
Conclusion
For NRIs, having a health insurance plan in India is essential for financial security during medical emergencies. Plans like Niva Bupa, HDFC ERGO, and Star Health provide extensive coverage, cashless claims, and tax benefits. Before selecting a plan, review the insurer’s claim settlement process, hospital network, and available benefits. An informed decision will ensure peace of mind and uninterrupted healthcare for you and your family.
