Insurance Health India: What Every UAE-Based NRI Should Know

As a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) based in the UAE, you're probably close to India. You may visit frequently, have relatives there, or hope to move back one day. Yet do you consider health insurance for India? Medical crises can strike brutally, and without proper coverage, they can wipe out your savings. This guest post is a step-by-step guide to everything you must know about insurance health India and why it's a wise decision for NRIs in the UAE. Let's keep it simple and get started.

Why NRIs Require Health Insurance in India?

You're living in the UAE, so you likely have employer-sponsored or private health insurance. But here's the catch: most policies issued from the UAE do not pay for treatment in India. If you get sick while traveling or if you need to assist relatives back home, you might be presented with enormous medical expenses. India health insurance addresses this issue.

India's healthcare has come a long way. Private hospitals provide world-class treatment, but it doesn't come cheap. A heart surgery will set you back ₹4-5 lakh or more. For NRIs, insurance health in India covers you without draining your wallet. And if you intend to shift back to India within 3-4 years, purchasing a policy now ensures you've wiped waiting periods for pre-existing illnesses by the time you move back.

Benefits of Indian Health Insurance for UAE-Based NRIs

Why choose health insurance for India over relying on your UAE plan? Here are some key perks:

• Affordable Premiums: Healthcare in India is much cheaper than in the UAE. This means lower premiums for Indian health insurance. A ₹10 lakh policy in India might cost ₹18,000-₹35,000 per year, compared to much higher costs in the UAE.
• Cashless Treatment: Indian insurers like Niva Bupa have networks of 10,400+ hospitals. You can get cashless treatment, meaning no upfront payments during emergencies.
• Tax Benefits: Under Section 80D of India’s Income Tax Act, NRIs can claim deductions up to ₹50,000 on premiums paid for themselves or family in India. You can also get an 18% GST refund if you pay from an NRE account.
• Family Coverage: You can cover your parents, spouse, or kids in India under a family floater plan. This is perfect if you’re worried about ageing parents.
• No Geographical Limits in India: Unlike some UAE policies, Indian health insurance covers you anywhere in the country.

Top Features to Look for in Health Insurance for India

Not all health insurance plans are the same. When choosing insurance health in India, focus on these features:

• High Sum Insured: Go for at least ₹5-10 lakh coverage. Medical costs are rising, and a higher sum insured protects you better.
• Short Waiting Periods: Pre-existing conditions like diabetes or hypertension often have 2-4 year waiting periods. Pick a plan with shorter waits if possible.
• Cashless Hospital Network: Check if the insurer has tie-ups with top hospitals near your family in India. This makes claims hassle-free.
• Global Coverage Add-Ons: Some plans, like those from Niva Bupa, offer international coverage for emergencies in the UAE or elsewhere. This is great for frequent travellers.
• OPD and Preventive Care: Look for plans covering outpatient consultations, diagnostics, or annual health check-ups. These add value for regular medical needs.

Best Health Insurers in India for NRIs

India has over 30 health insurance companies, but not all cater well to NRIs. Here are some of the best health insurers in India known for NRI-friendly plans:

• Niva Bupa: Known for its ReAssure 2.0 plan, Niva Bupa offers unlimited sum insured and a vast hospital network. It’s ideal for NRIs with family in India. Their claims process is digital and fast.
• HDFC Ergo: Their Optima Secure plan doubles your coverage instantly and has no room rent limits. It’s a top pick for comprehensive protection.
• Care Health Insurance: Offers plans like Care Supreme with global coverage and no cap on hospitalisation costs. Great for NRIs seeking flexibility.
• Star Health: Provides affordable plans with NRI discounts up to 10%. Their Super Star plan is popular among UAE-based NRIs.
• New India Assurance: A government-backed insurer with budget-friendly plans like Yuva Bharat. It’s trusted but may lack the speed of private insurers.

Compare these insurers on Policybazaar.com to find the best fit. Check claim settlement ratios (above 95% is good) and hospital networks before deciding.

How UAE-Based NRIs Can Buy Health Insurance in India?

Buying health insurance for India is easier than you think. You don’t need to be in India to purchase a policy. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

• Visit an Insurer’s Website: Go to sites like Niva Bupa, Policybazaar, or HDFC Ergo. They have NRI-friendly online portals.
• Enter Details: Provide your age, medical history, and contact info. For UAE, select ‘+971’ as the country code.
• Choose a Plan: Pick a plan based on coverage, premium, and features. Family floater plans are cost-effective for covering multiple members.
• Submit Documents: You’ll need proof of Indian citizenship (passport, address proof, or ITR). For GST refunds, include an NRE account statement and Tax Residency Certificate.
• Undergo Medical Tests (if needed): Some insurers require tests for older NRIs or those with pre-existing conditions. You can do these in the UAE.
• Pay Premium: Use an NRE/NRO account or Indian bank account. Premiums must be in Indian rupees unless the policy allows foreign currency.
• Verify Policy: Check the policy document for accuracy. Contact the insurer if there’s an error.

The process is fully online and takes just minutes. Insurers like Policybazaar even offer NRI Care Programs with 24/7 support for emergencies.

Things to Watch Out For

Before you buy insurance health in India, keep these points in mind:

• Geographical Limits: Most plans only cover treatment in India unless global coverage is added. Read the fine print.
• Lower Sum Insured for NRIs: Some insurers offer lower coverage for NRIs due to perceived risk. Compare plans to avoid this.
• Claim Process: Save all medical bills and records. Submit claims promptly for faster payouts.
• FEMA Regulations: Claims are paid in Indian rupees or foreign currency based on how you paid premiums. Check with your insurer.
• Renewal Grace Period: Policies have a 30-day grace period for renewal. Don’t miss it to keep benefits like no-claim bonuses.

Why Act Now?

If you're an NRI based in the UAE, India health insurance is essential. It insures you on visits, insures your loved ones, and gets you ready for a possible return to India. With India's top health insurers in India providing NRI discounts (as much as 40% from HDFC Health), there's no excuse to wait. The COVID-19 pandemic came to educate several NRIs about the importance of covering healthcare for family in India. Don't wait until an emergency occurs.

Start by comparing plans online or visiting insurers like Niva Bupa. Pick a policy that fits your budget and needs. With insurance health in India, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re ready for whatever comes next.

(Disclaimer: Devdiscourse's journalists were not involved in the production of this article. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Devdiscourse and Devdiscourse does not claim any responsibility for the same.)