NRIs Purchasing Senior Health Insurance for Parents in India

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can buy health insurance for their Indian parents to take care of their healthcare expenses. This is particularly important considering the rising costs of healthcare. A 2024 ACKO Insurance report showed that hospitalisation expenses increased by 11.35%. Buying medical insurance for parents in India can help ensure that they have access to the best healthcare facilities without worrying about high costs. Whether it is treatment at a private hospital in Mumbai or emergency care in Bengaluru, health insurance ensures timely interventions without financial strain.

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can buy health insurance for their Indian parents to take care of their healthcare expenses. This is particularly important considering the rising costs of healthcare. A 2024 ACKO Insurance report showed that hospitalisation...
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can buy health insurance for their Indian parents to take...
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Can NRIs Buy Health Insurance for Parents in India?

Yes, NRIs can buy health insurance for Indian parents.

A few years ago, insurance providers had a maximum age cap of 65 years for health insurance. However, IRDAI has removed this cap as of April 2024. So, NRIs can now buy medical insurance for parents regardless of their age.

As an NRI, you can sign as the proposer to insure your parents. The application process can be completed online if you choose a digital insurer. You can then make premium payments through NRE/NRO bank accounts or use international credit or debit cards.

This makes the entire process simple for NRIs residing in the US, UAE, UK, Singapore, or Australia who want to secure health insurance for parents in India.

Why Should NRIs Consider Health Insurance for Parents in India?

Some of the advantages that NRIs can have by purchasing health insurance policies on behalf of their parents in India are:

Medical Inflation

The medical expenses are also increasing exponentially, and such costs can be offset with medical insurance policies. Some remedies, such as angioplasty, chemotherapy, or even dialysis, may cost lakhs. The existence of health insurance in India for parents will alleviate it a lot.

Medical Emergencies

Your parents are old, and the possibility of deterioration of their health system is high. With such health care insurance for NRI parents, you will avoid putting them in financial crises during such emergencies.

Consider a situation where your dad is critically requiring hospitalisation in Pune, but you are in London; in such a case, the cashless health insurance would help in expediting the process of production and admission to the hospital without wasting time.

Financial Dependency on NRI Children

In 2024, India received about 14.3% of the global remittances. This implies that a majority of Indians with older parents rely on family members working abroad. A medical policy will help them receive the best possible treatment regardless of the cost.

Remitting ₹25,000–₹50,000 per hospital visit becomes avoidable when your parents are covered under the right medical insurance India for parents.

Tax Benefits

When NRIs file tax in India, they can deduct their premium amount paid on the health insurance plan of their parents under Section 80D. You can claim up to  ₹50,000 per year if your parents are senior citizens.

Choosing the Right Senior Health Insurance Plan for Your Parents

Look out for the following considerations when you purchase insurance for parents in India:

Parents’ Age

Older people have higher health risks; hence, you can purchase it early and pay a relatively low premium.

Pre-existing disease cover

Older people have an increased chance of developing pre-existing diseases. The waiting time for these diseases is as long as 3 years. You can reduce this time by buying pre-existing disease cover in addition to health insurance for Indian parents.

Extensive network

It is important to make sure that the insurance company covers a large network of hospitals. Others have more than 10,000+ network hospitals in India.

Cashless treatments

They are ideal for senior citizens since there are no claims of procedures that need to take a long time before someone gets his/her money back.

Sub-limits

Insurance policies usually have sub-limits. They set a maximum cap on certain treatments or services. Look into various avenues and take those plans that do not have any sub-limits.

Add riders to expansion

You can use riders, such as critical illness riders, but these riders can help you when one of your parents is diagnosed with a critical illness.

How to File a Health Insurance Claim from Abroad

Claiming health insurance for Indian parents is easy with a digital insurer like ACKO. Here are the steps you should take:

  1. Notify your insurer as soon as any of your parents is admitted for them to start the claim process immediately.
  2. Collect all the important documents like the claim form, medical report, hospital bills, prescriptions, and discharge papers.
  3. Send all your documents to your insurer, either online or through the website or app, or by post if needed.
  4. Wait for the insurer to verify all your documents and accept your claim.
  5. Once verified, cashless claims are settled directly between your insurer and the hospital. If you have reimbursement claims, wait for the settlement.
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How to Renew Health Insurance When the Policyholder or Insured Is Overseas?

Here’s a step-by-step process to renew health insurance from abroad:

  1. Log in to your account from the insurer’s website or mobile application.
  2. Select the plan you wish to renew before its expiration date.
  3. Make the necessary online payment using an NRO, NRE, credit, or debit card.
  4. Your policy will be renewed once the payment is made.

Benefits of Buying Senior Health Insurance for Parents in India

The following are some of the advantages of purchasing health insurance for Indian parents:

  • Financial protection for sudden hospital bills
  • Tax savings under section 80D
  • Cashless hospitalisation in major cities and towns
  • Peace of mind for both you and your parents.

Conclusion

With increasing healthcare costs and a higher risk of chronic diseases, health insurance for parents is no longer optional. As the insurance providers don't insist on an age cap anymore, NRIs should buy health insurance for their Indian parents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All major insurers provide online renewal options on their website or mobile app.

If you receive taxable income in India, you can avail of up to $50,000 in deductions under Section 80D for premium payments.

This can vary from insurer to insurer. While some insurers accept payments from NRE accounts, others require the use of NRO accounts.

You can lose continuity benefits like a no-claim bonus. You can use the grace period offered by most insurers to enjoy continuous benefits without a lapse.

If you miss a premium payment for insurance, your policy will lapse.

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Written by Roocha Kanade

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Reviewed by Dr. Harshita Dahiya Author info Icon

Health Insurance content enthusiast who turns complex topics into easy, binge-worthy reads—fueled by SEO, creativity, and way too much chai! Loves juggling multiple projects, cracking impossible deadlines, and sprinkling humor into the mix. When not geeking out over digital trends, you'll find her lurking on Quora and Reddit, planning the next getaway, or passionately decoding all things health and insurance!

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