Are Non-Resident Individuals Eligible to Purchase Health Insurance for Parents in India?
Immigration has become quite common these days. Be it for studying or for better job prospects, many Indians are choosing to settle abroad. While it can open up a whole new world of opportunities, it can also be difficult and bring in new struggles. One such struggle is making long-term financial decisions, both for oneself and for one’s family back in India. This is especially true when one has ageing parents that need to be taken care of.
If you are an NRI or non-resident Indian and wondering if you can purchase a health insurance policy for your parents in India, this article can help you answer some of your queries.
Am I eligible to purchase health insurance in India?
Yes, you are. As an NRI staying in another country, you can still purchase a health insurance plan for your folks in India. Here is what you need for purchasing medical insurance –
- Proof of residence
- Income tax return and other related documents
- Indian passport (if you are a Person of Indian Origin)
You can choose to purchase individual health insurance for your parents or else go for a family health insurance plan and add the names of your parents as dependents. If your parents are elderly, then it might be a good idea to opt for a senior citizen health insurance policy. And when it comes to their specific health requirements, you can also add covers for personal accident insurance, critical illness policy, and even Corona Kavach with the current times.
What should I remember when buying health insurance?
When you are purchasing a health insurance plan for your parents in India, it is better to go for a policy which can provide comprehensive coverage with well-rounded features. Search for individual / family health insurance plans which include but are not limited to the following benefits:
- Alternative treatment access
- Zero room rent cap
- In-built travel assistance
- Day-care treatment coverage
- Diagnostic cover and OPD provision
- Pre- and post-hospitalization cost coverage
- International coverage
- High-value sum assured
- Cashless claims at network hospitals
Remember to always read the list of treatments written in the document carefully and make sure to look at the inclusions and exclusions thoroughly. It is important to secure your parents’ futures and select a policy which covers major critical health conditions such as cancer, end-stage lung/liver disease, major organ transplant, coma, kidney failure, loss of speech, paralysis, open heart replacement, open heart CABG, hepatitis, COVID-19 hospitalisation expenses, AYUSH coverage, and so on. * Standard T&C Apply
Do not forget to look for restrictions in age limit before you buy any health insurance policy, both for enrolments and for policy renewals. Preferably choose a policy that has the feature of no age restriction for enrolling and assured renewability for life. Moreover, if your parents are suffering from pre-existing diseases, then look for a policy which offers a minimum waiting period, ranging from not more than 24-48 months for the specified medical condition. * Standard T&C Apply
In conclusion, it is very much possible to buy an insurance policy for your parents back in India and provide them with adequate care, even when you do not reside in India. Do your research and make an informed choice. Please note that insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.