There is a common misconception among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) that health insurance in India is unnecessary if they are living abroad. Many believe they only need coverage when planning to settle permanently in India, but this is not entirely accurate. Given their regular visits back home to see family, NRIs should ensure they are financially protected against medical emergencies. Purchasing comprehensive health insurance with adequate coverage is essential, as securing coverage later in life might be challenging.
Siddharth Singhal, Head-Health Insurance, Policybazaar.com says, “Healthcare costs in India are generally lower compared to countries like the US, UK, and Singapore. The outpatient department (OPD) is a significant component of hospital expenses during health issues, covering diagnosis, routine check-ups, follow-up visits, minor surgeries, and various therapies. OPD is a section of a hospital where patients receive medical consultations and treatments without being admitted to the hospital. The average cost of a doctor’s visit in US ranges from $80-$170 (Rs 4,800- Rs 6,000), £100-£200 in UK (Rs 10,559-Rs 21,119) and it costs only Rs 3000-5000 in India”.
On average, MRIs in the U.S. can cost $400 to $12,000 (Rs 24,391- Rs 73,174), £395 (Rs 41,691) in UK, whereas in India, it costs anywhere between Rs. 1500 to Rs. 25000. NRIs residing in high-income countries may even face premiums that are 50-60% higher than those in India. Therefore, it is advisable for NRIs to invest in comprehensive health insurance in India to safeguard their finances during emergencies as well as planned surgeries, consultations etc.
As consumer demand for health insurance rises, the insurance industry is evolving and innovating its product offerings.
NRIs should explore health insurance plans that offer coverage for OPD expenses to ensure comprehensive financial protection.These plans provide OPD coverage ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs100,000. OPD coverage can be either included as a standard feature or offered as an optional add-on, giving consumers flexibility. In a standard health insurance policy, consultations for occasional medical advice—whether for minor issues like a cold or fever, or more serious conditions like a rash—are typically not covered. However, choosing an OPD cover addresses this gap by including coverage for such expenses. This feature is especially beneficial in family health insurance plans that cover children, where doctor visits are frequent. When NRIs stay away from India for a long time, they are often prone to health issues like stomach related ailments, allergies and flu which require frequent OPD consultations. Hence, buying a health cover with OPD coverage becomes crucial to ensure timely and comprehensive healthcare support.
They also provide coverage for unlimited cashless physical and virtual outpatient consultations with enlisted general practitioners, ensuring prompt patient treatment. Additionally, these plans offer a range of consultations with physical specialists, including Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, Physiotherapy, and Nutritionists.
Moreover, an OPD cover reimburses expenses for diagnostic tests such as blood tests, stool tests, CT scans, X-rays, sonography, and MRI scans, irrespective of whether they lead to a diagnosis. As long as these tests are prescribed by your doctor for investigative purposes, your policy will cover these costs up to the specified limit. Our data indicates that the demand for OPD covers has risen fourfold in the last three years. This trend suggests a growing preference for extensive coverage that goes beyond traditional inpatient services.
Another significant expense that accrues but isn’t typically covered under standard health insurance plans is the cost of prescribed medications from pharmacies. For this, a consumables cover can come to your rescue and cover these costs. NRIs should also consider opting for consumable cover in health insurance. It provides coverage against non-medical expenses during hospitalization that are otherwise excluded in a standard health insurance plan like needles, syringes, PPE kits etc. These costs can quickly accumulate, particularly during a prolonged hospital stayAdditionally, consumables cover also pays for administrative charges such as admission kits, birth and death certificates, documentation expenses, visitor’s pass charges, and more.
It is always suggested to weigh in options and consider factors such as procedures included, credibility of insurer, waiting period and co-payment clauses before buying comprehensive health insurance with add-ons like OPD and consumables. As healthcare costs and consumer demand continue to evolve, these policies provide vital support for maintaining health and peace of mind.