Health insurance for NRIs: Check geographical coverage, sum insured

Currency fluctuations could affect value of premiums and claims

A growing number of non-resident Indians (NRIs) are choosing to purchase health insurance policies for themselves and their dependents in India. A recent study by Policybazaar found that about 71 per cent of the 3,000 respondents bought a policy in India.  

The primary driver is lower cost. Says Siddharth Singhal, business head, health insurance, Policybazaar: “Medical treatments are much more affordable in India. A heart bypass surgery, for instance, costs about $5,500 in India, significantly less than the $13,000 in the UAE and $123,000 in the United States. This affordability leads to lower insurance premiums.”

Covered during visits to India