I'm an NRI. We're planning to return to India for my wife's health reasons - the family support and help needed at home will be better here in India for changes in her lifestyle due to multiple health challenges she's facing. The question in front of us is, health insurance for my wife. Initially she is returning to India in June/July 2024 and in one year, I will be shifting after sorting out transferring my job from my US company our Hyderabad office - takes time for approvals and official/legal/immigration/financial norms to comply for the transfer. Once I transfer to Hyderabad in June/July 2025, I will get company provided health insurance in Hyd and my wife will be on it. Till then, for next one year, I'm working in US and I've company provided health insurance in US but not in India, but my wife will be in India. Can we buy health insurance as individuals in India? I quickly scanned and found Tata AIG, HDFC, ICICI offering health insurance but it was not clear to me whether private individuals can buy it, will it cover regular hospital visits, medicines, medical equipment supplied and how good the coverage and how well the participating hospitals are across the country and in major city like Hyderabad? My wife is diabetic, needs insulin, has arthritis, has gluten issues. Please help us with any insight, guidance you can provide on health insurance access for my wife.

Ans: Hi Suprakash, good that you have decided to provision for your daughter's health before the travel. Yes, there are insurance companies in the market that provide Global Health insurance Plans.

The policy will continue even after your daughter returns. However, the premiums of Global Health Insurance Plans are higher and hence it is advisable to port it to any other local plan where you can get lower premiums as per Indian insurance policy market rates.

Ans: Yes, you can definitely avail of health insurance from India as an NRI living in Dubai.

Many Indian insurance companies offer health insurance plans specifically designed for NRIs. These plans provide coverage specifically for medical expenses incurred during your visits to India. Here's what you need to know:

Benefits:

• Coverage for medical emergencies: These plans typically cover hospitalisation expenses, including room and board charges, surgeon fees, doctor consultations, and specific medical procedures.
• Flexibility: You can choose plans with varying sum insured amounts (coverage limit) to suit your needs.
• Renewal options: These plans are usually renewable, allowing you to continue coverage over your future visits to India.

Things to Consider:

• Coverage scope: These plans are generally valid only within India.
• Pre-existing conditions: Some plans may have exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so be sure to disclose your medical history accurately during the application process.
• Renewal requirements: Some insurers might require you to be physically present in India for renewal.

How to Buy:

• Online platforms: Many insurance companies offer online application options, allowing you to compare plans, choose the best fit, and purchase the plan directly.
• Insurance agents: You can also get in touch with a trusted insurance agent in India who can guide you through the process, compare options and help you choose the right plan.

Given your situation:

Considering your 30-day visits and your age (48), a short-term health insurance plan (also called travel medical insurance) might be a good option. These plans typically offer coverage for shorter durations and are generally more affordable than regular comprehensive health insurance.

Research and compare different plans offered by different companies to find one that fits your budget and provides the coverage you need.

Ans: I can guide you towards finding the best plan for your family based on your needs and medical history (thyroid). Here are some key factors to consider:

Family Needs:

Age: Consider your family's age and potential health risks associated with each age group.
Medical History: Disclose your thyroid condition to ensure the plan covers pre-existing conditions or offers add-on riders for specific illnesses.
Coverage Requirements: Think about the type of hospital you prefer (network vs. non-network), room type (single, double), and preferred treatments (Ayurvedic, homeopathy).
Policy Features:

Sum Insured: Choose a sufficient sum insured to cover hospitalization costs for everyone in your family. Consider factors like city tier (medical costs are higher in metros) and inflation.
Coverage Type: Consider a comprehensive plan that covers hospitalization expenses, pre and post-hospitalization costs, ambulance charges, and day care procedures.
Network Hospitals: Opt for a plan with a wide network of hospitals in your city to ensure easy access to quality healthcare.
Co-pay/Deductible: A co-pay or deductible involves sharing a portion of the hospitalization cost. This lowers premiums but increases your out-of-pocket expense.
Exclusions: Carefully review policy exclusions to understand what treatments or conditions are not covered.
Here's a roadmap to finding the best policy:

Compare Online: Use online insurance comparison platforms to get quotes from different insurers.
Shortlist Based on Needs: Shortlist plans that meet your family's coverage requirements and budget.
Read Policy Wording: Carefully read the policy wording (wording can differ between insurers) to understand inclusions, exclusions, claim settlement process, and renewal terms.
Customer Service Reviews: Research customer reviews to get an idea about claim settlement experiences with different insurers.
Agent vs. Direct Purchase: You can buy directly from the insurer's website or consult an insurance agent who can guide you through the process and recommend plans based on your needs.
Here are some additional tips:

Pre-existing Conditions: Disclose your thyroid condition clearly during the application process.
Some plans might have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions before coverage applies.
Some might offer coverage with exclusions or higher premiums.
Renewability: Choose a plan with guaranteed lifetime renewability to ensure coverage throughout your life.
Claim Settlement Ratio: Consider the insurer's claim settlement ratio to understand their record of settling claims efficiently.
Remember: The best health insurance policy is the one that caters to your specific needs and offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable premium.

Ans: Getting health insurance for your family is very important. Since you have pre-existing conditions (BP, GERD, diabetes, schizophrenia), some insurers may have waiting periods or exclusions. But you can still get coverage with the right approach.

 

Key Factors to Consider
Pre-existing Diseases (PEDs): Most insurers have a waiting period of 2-4 years for existing illnesses. Some plans may offer waivers with extra cost.

Mental Illness Coverage: Schizophrenia and depression must be covered under IRDAI guidelines, but insurers may still have conditions.

Family Coverage: Choose individual or floater policies based on needs.

Senior Citizen Coverage: Your mother may need a separate senior citizen plan due to age and BP history.

Cashless Hospital Network: Ensure the policy covers hospitals near you.

 

Best Approach for Your Family
1. Individual Health Policies for Each Family Member
Since your sister has serious pre-existing conditions, a separate policy for her is better.

Your mother should get a senior citizen plan with day-care and domiciliary coverage.

You, your wife, and daughter can take a family floater policy.

 

2. Super Top-up Plans for Extra Coverage
Base policies may not be enough for major treatments.

A super top-up plan can give extra coverage at a lower cost.

This helps in reducing premium costs while increasing coverage.

 

3. Critical Illness Rider
You should consider a critical illness policy.

Covers major diseases like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Provides lump sum payout in case of critical illness diagnosis.

 

How to Get Insurance for Your Sister?
Mental illness coverage is now mandatory, but many insurers still hesitate.

Some insurers may exclude pre-existing mental conditions.

If regular insurance denies coverage, look for state-sponsored health schemes.

 

Final Steps
Check waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.

Get cashless policies for easier hospitalisation.

Choose a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or health insurance expert for the right selection.

 

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment