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Buy Health Insurance for NRIs Online in 2025

Health insurance for NRIs is more valuable now than ever. Hospitalisations and health services in countries such as the US, UK, Canada, or UAE could ruin your savings if you do not have appropriate provisions. A proper health plan will help you manage these rising costs without additional stress.

Moreover, it safeguards you from unexpected medical costs, regardless of whether you are living abroad or visiting India. Having reliable medical coverage protects your finances and offers you peace of mind. This guide explains why every NRI should consider purchasing the right health insurance.

Team Digit

What is Health Insurance For NRIs?

Health insurance for NRIs is a health policy designed for Indian citizens residing outside India. It offers financial coverage for hospitalisation, surgeries, medical emergencies, and critical illness cover while visiting India. Most plans also include pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, daycare procedures, and ambulance charges.

There are both individual and family floater options available to NRIs. Having health insurance in India is important for NRIs to avoid high medical costs when visiting, and it provides easy access to reasonable treatment from reputable health care services without the risk of financial pressure if an unforeseen health situation occurs.

Can NRIs Buy Health Insurance In India?

Yes, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are eligible to buy health insurance plans in India for themselves and their families. It's important for several reasons. Here's why it makes sense to buy a health insurance policy in India for NRIs:

Rising Healthcare Costs: Healthcare costs in India are growing exponentially each year. Even a minor health issue can result in significant hospital costs, especially in a private hospital. If you have a health insurance policy in India, it will cover not just the hospital stay but also the necessary treatments and medicines.
Coverage While Visiting India: Emergencies can occur at any time. If you do not have an Indian health insurance plan, you will either end up paying full treatment costs or have trouble figuring out claims to your foreign policy here. Having a health plan from an Indian company enables immediate, cashless treatment in Indian hospitals without the need for paperwork.
Easy Coverage for Family Members Living in India: Many NRIs have family members residing in India, including parents, spouses, or children. You can cover your family members with the health insurance plan. This ensures they have access to the medical treatment they require. You can include them on your policy or purchase a separate plan.

Tax Benefits of Premium Paid: If you have taxable income in India, the premium you will pay for health insurance will give you tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. This benefit applies to premiums paid for yourself, your spouse, children, and parents. It will reduce your taxable income and provide a further source of savings.

Read Less

What are the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) Regulations for NRIs?

The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) governs the conduct of Non-Resident Indian's (NRIs) financial dealings in India, including stipulations on property ownership, remittance of funds abroad, investment in the Indian market, and management of bank accounts.

FEMA provides exact guidelines on how NRIs can handle their NRE, NRO, and FCNR accounts. FEMA also provides guidelines on the amount of money that can be sent back to foreign countries. It is concerned with how foreign money can be invested or sent, maintaining oversight of Indian legal and taxation consequences.

Factors to Consider While Purchasing Health Insurance for NRIs

Selecting health insurance as an NRI can be a complex and intensive planning process. The correct health insurance policy protects you from unexpected medical expenses. Here are some factors to consider while choosing a health insurance policy:

Factor	Description
Global Coverage	Ensure the policy provides coverage for both treatment abroad and medical costs in India.
Cashless Hospital Network	Look for a plan that offers a large hospital network pertaining to cashless treatment overseas.
Sum Insured Amount	Select a sum insured that accurately reflects the healthcare treatment costs in your own country.
Pre-existing Disease Cover	Check waiting periods and coverage limits for any existing health conditions.
Claim Settlement Ratio	A high claims settlement ratio indicates a reliable and customer-centric insurer.
Emergency Medical Evacuation	Some plans cover the costs of emergency evacuations to India or neighbouring countries.
Policy Renewability	Select a plan with lifelong renewability to prevent future coverage gaps.
Tax Benefits in India	Health insurance premiums in India are tax-deductible.
Maternity and Newborn Cover	NRIs wanting to start a family should look at the cost of maternity and newborn spending.
Telemedicine Support	Some plans will have teleconsultation services to manage small concerns remotely.
Waiting Period Duration	Faster waiting periods mean faster access to benefits when covering specific conditions.
Critical Illness Cover	Additional covers, such as cancer, heart disease, or organ failure, will enhance financial peace of mind.
Premium Payment Flexibility	Pick plans with online premium payments and simple management of your policy abroad.

Benefits of Health Insurance for NRIs

In addition to covering routine medical expenses, health insurance for NRIs also offers supplementary benefits. Let's look at the key benefits that the insurance will provide:

Why Choose Digit Health Insurance for NRIs?

Simple Online Processes - From the process of buying a health insurance policy to making claims is paperless, easy, quick and hassle-free! No hard copies, even for claims!
No Age-based or Zone-Based Co-payment - Our health insurance comes with no age-based or zone-based copayment. This means, during health insurance claims, you need not pay anything from your pocket.
No Room Rent Restriction - We understand that everyone has different preferences. That’s why we have no room rent restrictions in health insurance. Choose any hospital room you prefer.
SI Wallet Benefit - If you exhaust your sum insured in health insurance during the policy period, we will refill it for you.
Get Treated at Any Hospital - Choose from 9000+ of our network hospitals in India for cashless treatment or opt for reimbursement.
Wellness Benefits - Get exclusive wellness benefits on the Digit App in collaboration with top-rated health and wellness partners.

Disclaimer: The numbers for total policies sold, lives insured, claims settled and amount of claims paid is for the Group and Retail Health Insurance policies since inception up to 31st March-2025. The total count of cashless network hospitals is as of 31st March-2025. The claim settlement ratio is for the group and retail health insurance policies for the FY 2024-25.

Key Benefits of Health Insurance for NRIs by Digit

Your health insurance plan with Digit extends several exclusive benefits that enhance your coverage. Here are the key advantages:

Co-payment	No
Room Rent Capping	No
Cashless Hospitals	9000+ Network Hospitals across India
Inbuilt Personal Accident Cover	Yes
Wellness Benefits	Available from 12+ Wellness Partners
City Based Discount	Up to 10% Discount
Worldwide Coverage	Yes, Available only on Worldwide Treatment Plan
Good Health Discount	Up to 5% Discount
Consumables Cover	Available as an Add-on

Terms & Conditions Applicable to Health Insurance for NRIs in India

Health insurance for NRIs in India is subject to a few simple terms and conditions. You will need to follow these to stay eligible for the policy and claim your benefits:

Treatments must be conducted in India, and premiums must be made in India through an NRE, NRO, or FCNR account.
Claims, once settled, will be made in accordance with Indian law.
An NRI must provide an acceptable ID and proof of Indian citizenship for the application.
Some insurers may require medical tests if the applicant is older or has health issues.
Tax benefits will only apply to income earned in India.

How to Buy a Health Insurance for NRIs Online?

Buying a health insurance policy online for NRIs is now as easy as booking a movie ticket. 🤩 With just a few clicks, you can compare different plans, customise your coverage, and ensure continued financial security in medical emergencies. Follow these simple steps to buy a health insurance plan:

Buy Health Insurance for NRIs

Visit Digit’s Website or App

Visit Digit Health Insurance and go to the health insurance section and enter your phone number & PIN.

Enter Basic Details

Share information like age, family members to be covered, and any medical history or pre-existing disease.

Choose Your Plan

Select your coverage amount and add any rider if needed. Proceed and fill in additional details.

Make Payment

Complete the KYC & payment. Done! Your policy will be sent via email or WhatsApp or accessible on the Digit app.

Can NRIs Save Tax on Health Insurance Purchased in India?

Yes, health insurance provides NRIs with financial protection and offers tax-saving deductions under Indian tax laws. If you now have any taxable income in India, you can claim deductions on premiums you pay. Here is how it works:

You can claim a tax deduction of up to ₹25,000 in a financial year for insurance premiums paid for your health insurance, spouse, and dependent children.
You can claim an additional deduction of ₹25,000 if you pay for your parents' health insurance. If either parent is a senior citizen (60 years or older), the maximum deduction increases to ₹50,000.
These tax benefits are afforded to you only if you have taxable income in India. You will receive no tax relief on any income you earn outside India.
Additionally, as part of the total ₹25,000 limit under Section 80D, you can claim up to ₹5,000 for preventive health check-ups for you, your family, and your parents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Health Insurance For NRIs

When purchasing health insurance in India as a non-resident Indian (NRI), people often miss significant aspects. You can select a plan that works for your health needs and travels by ignoring common mistakes. Here are the common mistakes that we make:

Mistake	Description
Ignoring the NRI-specific policy conditions	Many plans have rules on time in India or rules if you are abroad. Always confirm that upfront.
Choosing the lowest premium without checking coverage	A cheaper plan may not cover key benefits like maternity, OPD, or international coverage.
Not checking the network hospital availability	If you or your family need treatment in India, confirm if your preferred hospitals are on the list.
Missing claim process details	Some plans require you to claim in person in India. Understand the claims process so things can be conducted seamlessly.
Forgetting about pre-existing disease waiting periods	Most plans have a waiting period before covering existing health issues. Confirm that specific time period.
Not verifying tax benefit eligibility	NRIs can only take advantage of Section 80D if the income is taxable in India - So get this confirmed before you purchase.
Skipping plan renewal rules	Renewal of policies sometimes needs to be done only in India, and policies sometimes will come with age restrictions. Be sure to read the renewal conditions very carefully.
Overlooking global coverage limits	If you are a frequent traveller, check if the policy only covers emergencies while travelling or covers treatment overseas while travelling.
Not reading exclusions	Each policy will have a non-exhaustive list of diseases or conditions that it will not cover. Be sure to read this.
Ignoring add-on options	Features like coverage for an air ambulance or an annual health check may need additional coverage. Also, do not forget these additional features.

Before purchasing a plan, it's essential to compare various options. Review coverage limits, waiting periods, and available network hospitals in your parents' location. Find out if the plan includes coverage for pre-existing illnesses or offers benefits such as cashless hospitalisation. Choosing the right policy will ensure your parents can receive treatment on time.

FAQs about Health Insurance for NRIs

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Can someone residing in one country but from another buy health insurance for their parents in India?

Yes, people living abroad can buy health insurance for their parents in India. They must provide the parents' KYC documents and complete the purchase online or through authorised agents in India.

Can NRIs Purchase Health Insurance in India While Holding a Foreign Health Insurance Policy?

Yes, NRIs can also purchase health insurance in India, even if they already have a foreign policy. Health insurance in India covers hospitalisation and treatment within India, making it very useful when you're visiting or if family members live here.

Are there differences between a health insurance policy for NRIs and a Mediclaim policy for NRIs?

Mediclaim covers only the hospitalisation expenses. However, health insurance covers hospitalisation, daycare, critical illness, and others - you can avail yourself of the benefits cashlessly. Both are available for NRIs, with coverage restricted to India.

Should NRIs get a Health Insurance Policy in India if they fall under a Policy?

Yes, NRIs can avail of a policy in India, irrespective of the existing coverage offered by another policy. This adds a layer of financial protection during visitations or plans to return to the country.

When should a foreign national not purchase health insurance in India?

If they only visit India occasionally, do not have dependents in India, or have a global policy that includes India, perhaps an Indian policy is unnecessary.

Are NRIs eligible for benefits under Section 80D after purchasing policies in India?

Yes, NRIs can claim under Section 80D for the health insurance premiums they purchase in India if their taxable income is effectively earned and declared in India.

What documentation does an NRI need to buy health insurance in India?

When applying for health insurance policies in India, NRIs must provide proof of identity (by PAN card), furnish proof of their Indian Address, submit a copy of their passport, OCI/PIO card (if applicable), recent medical reports (if applicable), and complete a signed and submitted proposal form.

Can NRIs buy health coverage for family members residing in India?

Yes. NRIs can directly buy health coverage for their parents, spouses, and children in India. The NRIs will provide proof of identity, proof of address, and health information on behalf of family members.

Is there a waiting period for pre-existing diseases in NRI health insurance plans?

Yes, health insurance plans for NRIs include a waiting period for pre-existing diseases, usually 2-4 years, just like the policies for those living in India as residents.

Is the health insurance premium different for NRIs or priced differently than for residents living in India?

No, health insurance premiums for NRIs are not different from those for individuals living in India as residents. However, their premiums will be affected depending on their age, health condition, sum insured, and the policy's provisions and features.

Can NRIs pay premiums in foreign currency for health insurance in India?

No, NRI health insurance premiums must be paid in Indian Rupees via existing NRE/NRO bank accounts, as per FEMA regulations.

Are NRIs entitled to cashless hospitalisation under Indian health insurance?

Yes, NRIs are eligible for cashless hospitalisation in designated network hospitals in India, subject to the terms and conditions of their health insurance policy, which requires prior approval.

What will happen to an NRI's health insurance policy if they settle back in India?

If an NRI returns to India, their health insurance policy also remains active. There is nothing an NRI must do until they are back in India. However, an NRI must notify the health insurance company of their residential status and current address to keep the records up to date.

Written By

Srishti Singh

Reviewed by

Vivek Chaturvedi