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Health Insurance for NRI Parents in India in 2025

With more people taking up jobs abroad, people are moving miles away from their families. Moving away may seem like an easy decision, but it comes with responsibilities, one of the biggest being the care of ageing parents. 🥹

For NRIs, ensuring their parents' well-being starts with a health insurance plan. But a common question many NRIs may have is, “Can NRIs buy health insurance for their parents in India?” The answer is a resounding yes! 🤩

According to IRDA, NRIs can absolutely purchase health insurance for their parents living in India, providing them with the medical security they need. Read this article to learn how to buy health insurance for NRI parents in India, what factors to consider, and its benefits.

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Can NRIs Buy Health Insurance for their Parents in India?

Yes, NRIs can get health insurance for their parents and other family members who live in India. If you are an NRI, you can select from a range of health insurance policies, including critical illness coverage, family floater plans, and senior citizen health policies, based on their individual needs.

In addition, NRIs can purchase a healthcare policy that will pay for their parents and their own medical bills in India. Unless the contract specifically states foreign coverage, health insurance companies usually limit their coverage to medical costs spent within India.

Medical costs incurred abroad, however, might be covered by travel insurance, but only if the policyholder becomes ill while travelling. Therefore, health insurance acquired from an Indian insurer will not cover the expenses incurred if an NRI living in the UK (or any country other than India) needs medical treatment there.

What are the Benefits of Buying a Health Policy for NRI Parents in India?

Wondering why you should buy a health insurance policy for your parents who are living in India? Well, it has several advantages and benefits.

Here are some of the benefits of buying a health insurance policy for parents in India:

Manage High Medical Costs

The increased life expectancy in the last few decades has a flip side. Medical costs have become skyrocketing and there would be many incidents, especially in old age that require expensive medical assistance. For situations like these, health insurance provides cushion to your savings.

Save the Pension for Happy Days

Even if your parents are pensioners, keep the pension safe for their personal expenses. Health insurance is always a wise decision for medical emergencies, which are bound to eat up a major portion of savings. Hence, considering health insurance for parents is a wise choice for saving their pension.

No Geographical Restrictions

Your current health insurance policy for parents, if you have one in your home country (say, USA, for example), has little or no coverage outside of its borders. Hence, you won't be restricted by geography when you buy health insurance for your parents in India.

Financial Cushion to Savings

Paying medical bills is definitely a strenuous job and has a big impact on savings that would otherwise be used for some planned purpose. And these health requirements come up when you are least expecting them. For those times, have health insurance so that your plans and happy times do not suffer.

Provides Tax Benefits

The premium paid towards the health insurance policy for parents in India also comes under tax exemption as per the Indian Income Tax Act. This includes any premium paid for self, spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents. So, NRIs can claim a rebate on their Indian income under Section 80D.

Gives Enough Coverage

Your parents may be susceptible to specific health problems when visiting India as an NRI. They can face problems with the stomach or illness. You can get sufficient coverage based on your needs if you buy a health insurance policy in India. For example, choosing a high sum insured in addition to personal accident coverage.

What's Great about Health Insurance by Digit?

  • 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. Choose any hospital room you prefer. 
  • SI Wallet Benefit - If you exhaust your Sum Insured during the policy period, we refill it for you. 
  • Get treated at any hospital - Choose from 9000+ of our network hospitals in India for a cashless treatment or opt for a reimbursement. 
  • Wellness Benefits - Get exclusive wellness benefits on the Digit App in collaboration with top-rated health and wellness partners.

Understanding FEMA Regulations for NRI Parents’ Health Insurance

The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) outlines the rules for providing health insurance to non-resident Indians (NRIs) in India. According to FEMA rules, the total amount of premiums paid by the NRI in foreign currency may be the maximum amount that can be claimed under an NRI health insurance policy.

Additionally, the insured NRI will receive the claim payment amount in the foreign bank account or the Resident Foreign Currency (RFC) account held by an approved Indian bank.

Can NRIs Buy Health Insurance for Parents in India if They Already Have a Policy Abroad?

Yes, even if the NRI’s parents have coverage from any foreign insurance firm, they can still purchase a health insurance policy in India.

NRIs can invest in health insurance for their parents living in India to avoid hassle during a medical emergency.

Eligibility for NRIs Purchasing Health Insurance for Their Parents in India

  • Parents must be Indian residents for the policy to be applicable.
  • Age restrictions vary by insurer, but most plans cover up to 60 years under regular policies and above 60 years under senior citizen plans.
  • Some insurers require pre-policy medical check-ups for senior citizens.

How to Buy Health Insurance for NRI Parents in India?

Buying a health insurance policy online for your parents is the same as purchasing your favourite coffee. 🤩 With just a few clicks, you can compare different plans, customise your coverage, and secure your finances. However, before buying health insurance for NRI parents in India, you should consider a few things, such as the parents' age, previous health condition, coverage provided, and total sum insured. NRIs can purchase health insurance for their parents in India by following the steps listed below:

Step 1

Visit Digit’s Website: Visit the website, navigate to the health insurance policy section, and provide your phone number & PIN.

Step 2

Enter Details: Provide basic details like your parent’s age & pre-existing disease (if any).

Step 3

Choose Plan: Compare different plans, coverage, and add-ons to select the best one for your parents' health needs

Step 4

Update Member Details: Next, enter the additional details of the parents to be covered, such as height, weight, and other information. Click ‘Pay Now' to complete the payment.

Step 5

Payment: After completing the details, click ‘Pay Now' to complete the payment and the mandatory KYC verification process

Step 6

Policy Issuance: You’ll receive the policy document via email, SMS, WhatsApp, or the Digit app.

How to Renew Health Insurance for NRI Parents in India?

Just like buying, renewing health insurance for NRI parents in India is simple and easy. Here’s how you can renew your Digit Health Insurance easily during your grace period time:

Step 1

Log in to Your Account: Visit Digit Insurance’s website or open the Digit app and log in using your registered details.

Step 2

Go to Renewals: Navigate to the **Renew Policy** section, where your parent’s policy details will be visible.

Step 3

Review and Modify (If Needed): Check the coverage and sum insured and add any required riders.

Step 4

Make Payment: Choose your preferred payment method and complete the renewal process instantly.

Step 5

Receive Confirmation: Once the payment is successful, you’ll receive the updated policy document via email

That’s it! 🙂 Your health insurance for parents is renewed, and you remain protected without any gaps in coverage. But remember! Renewing your policy on time is crucial to avoid policy lapse!

Tax Benefits of Health Insurance for NRI Parents Under 80D

When purchasing medical insurance for parents who reside in India, you can claim tax deductions on the premium amount. This is only feasible if, under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, NRIs deduct the cost of their parent's health insurance premiums from their taxable income in India.

Like Indian residents, non-resident Indians (NRIs) are eligible to deduct up to the designated limitations from their taxes for their parents' mediclaim policy premiums.

Covered Individuals

Medical Insurance Premium Paid (₹)

Total Tax Deduction under 80D

For Self, Spouse and Children

For Parents

You, Your Family & Parents (all below 60 years of age)

25,000

25,000

50,000

You and Your Family (below 60 years of age) and Your Parents (above 60 years of age)

25,000

50,000

75,000

You and Your Parents (all above 60 years of age)

50,000

50,000

1,00,000

Members of HUF

25,000

25,000

50,000

Read: Health Insurance Tax Benefits

Disclaimer: You can only claim these tax deductions under 80D with the Old Tax Regime. The tax deductions apply only to income taxable in India.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Health Insurance for NRI Parents

Choosing the best health insurance for NRI parents in India requires careful consideration to ensure they receive the best possible medical care without financial strain. Since older individuals are more prone to health issues, selecting a comprehensive coverage policy is crucial.

Here are some factors you must evaluate before buying health insurance for parents that truly safeguard their well-being:

Age Limit

Check the policy for the age limit. If your parents are over 60, you must buy a senior citizen health insurance policy. Check the age limit till when the coverage is provided.

Sum Insured

Take a sense of your parents’ requirements and accordingly decide the sum insured in health insurance that you would like to take up in your parent’s health policy.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Check the inclusions and exclusions carefully covered in the policy. If it’s a critical illness policy, check the list of critical illnesses covered, as well as other covers like AYUSH, day care procedures and treatment cover, home treatment, etc.

Cashless Treatment

Check for the network hospital coverage on your policy so that when required and if you are not around in the country, parents can have easy access to healthcare facilities without any cash requirement.

Waiting Period for Pre-Existing Diseases

Most policies have a waiting period for pre-existing illness that is around 3 years. Only after this waiting period is over, you can make a claim for the pre-existing illness. Hence, select a policy that comes with the minimum waiting period.

Seamless and Quick Claim Settlement

Seamless and quick settlement process so that parents don’t have to run from pillar to post when their children are not around. They can easily file a claim with less paperwork. Hence, choose an insurance company with quick claim settlement.

Ensuring the well-being of parents back home is a top priority for NRIs, and health insurance is one of the best ways to provide them with financial and medical security. With numerous insurance plans available, NRIs can easily purchase a policy that offers comprehensive coverage, cashless hospitalisation, and peace of mind.

Remember, investing in health insurance today means a safer, healthier future for the people who matter the most! 🙂

FAQs about Health Insurance for NRI Parents in India