How to Choose Medical Insurance when Returning to India

Hey! 🌏 Decided to swap those star-spangled banners for some good ol’ tricolor vibes?

🇮🇳 Picking your way through the hustle-bustle of India, the scent of street food wafting your way, you suddenly freeze – “Wait, what if I get sick eating that enticing pani puri?”

Fear not, for we’re here to make the labyrinthine task of choosing health insurance in India as spicy and colorful as a Bollywood dance number.

1. A Whole New World (And No, We Aren’t Flying on Carpets)

First off, health insurance in India isn’t like your streamlined Netflix subscription.

Think more of a traditional Indian wedding – lengthy, intricate, but wholly worth it. We have premium healthcare, but it often comes at a price, like that exorbitantly priced saffron you used for that Biryani recipe you tried.

✈️ Traveling? Get Covered. Get Insurance 👉 Recommended Plans

Also read: Best health insurance for immigrants in the US

2. A Buffet of Benefits: Where Less is a Mess

When you’re shopping for a policy, think of it as curating your plate at an Indian wedding buffet.

You want a bit of everything – from inpatient care to maternity benefits. Remember the sting of missing out on the last jalebi piece?

That’s how it feels when you realize you overlooked pre-existing disease coverage.

3. Cashless Magic: Swipe, Recover, Repeat

This isn’t Aladdin, but cashless hospitalization is pretty magical. Imagine being unwell and still having to deal with bills. Not the dream return, right? Opt for insurers who offer this magic carpet ride.

Also read: Best health insurance for returning NRIs.

4. Room Rent Riddles: No One Wants the Broom Closet

The policy might sound perfect until you realize they’ve got a cap on room rent. And trust me, in an Indian hospital, that’s like choosing between a royal suite and a janitor’s closet.

You’re not here to compromise, are you?

5. The Bollywood Twists: Enter Co-Pay & Deductibles

It’s the classic twist. Just when you thought your hospital bills are covered, enters the villain: Co-Pay.

Why pay extra when you can get a policy without it? Choose a policy with a happy ending.

6. The Networked Narrative: More Hospitals, Merrier!

Here’s where the plot thickens. You’re in Shimla, and your insurer’s network hospital is in Chennai.

A bit of a problem, right? Wider network = better choices, just like more songs in a Bollywood movie = more dance breaks!

Also read: Best Medical Insurance in India.

7. Patience, My Friend: It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over

Pre-existing conditions might have you waiting longer than that promised 5-minute delay in every Indian function.

Look out for policies that don’t keep you waiting for too long.

8. Bonus Bounties: Because Who Doesn’t Like a Little Extra?

If you’ve been a good patient (read: no claims), insurers might shower you with bonuses or discounts.

It’s like getting that extra ladoo at the end of a meal just because!

9. Feedback Fables: Stories From The Battlefield

Word-of-mouth, reviews, feedback. They’re like film reviews for movies; they prepare you for what’s in store.

10. The Grand Finale: Getting Hitched to the Right Plan

If all this still feels like you’re lost in the Kumbh Mela, consider getting an expert.

Because, let’s face it, when life feels like a movie script gone awry, sometimes you just need a director.

Also read: Best Health Insurance providers in India.

In Conclusion

Returning to India is not just about adjusting to the cacophony of sounds or the burst of colors; it’s also about ensuring that your life’s unpredictabilities are well-covered.

And amidst the masala dosas and monsoons, remember, your health deserves a standing ovation.

So get that health insurance choreographed right, and here’s to a smooth-sailing Indian chapter!

Check out this new app that let’s you send money to India over WhatsApp at Google rates! 😮

I'm an Entrepreneur, Blogger & Mentor. Having lived in the USA for almost 7 years, I got bored and returned back to India. While doing so, created this website as a way to curate and journal my experiences. Today, it's a movement with a large community behind it. I hope this website helps NRIs planning to move back to India, make their transition smooth and easy. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. Happy to help!

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