After years of relying on the NHS, returning to India's healthcare system can feel overwhelming. At Belong, we've helped hundreds of NRIs plan their return - and health insurance always ranks in their top three concerns.
Here's the reality: the moment you leave the UK permanently, your NHS entitlement ends. No grace period.
And private healthcare at top Indian hospitals can cost ₹5-10 lakh for a single cardiac procedure. This guide covers everything - waiting periods, tax benefits, costs - so you return prepared.
Why Your UK Coverage Won't Work in India
Your UK private medical insurance typically won't cover treatments in India. Most policies have geographical restrictions. The NHS operates on residency - once you're no longer "ordinarily resident" in the UK, you lose access entirely.
You need Indian health insurance from day one.
👉 Tip: Start the insurance process 3-4 months before your return to avoid coverage gaps.
2024 IRDAI Rules That Help Returning NRIs
India's insurance regulator introduced significant changes in April 2024:
Pre-existing disease waiting period reduced to 3 years - Previously 4 years. Conditions like diabetes and hypertension must be covered after 36 months (IRDAI, 2024).
Moratorium period cut to 5 years - After 60 months, insurers cannot reject claims for non-disclosure unless there's fraud.
No age limit for buying insurance - Previously capped at 65 years. Now all ages can purchase policies (PolicyBazaar).
Faster claims - Cashless approvals within 1 hour; discharge processing within 3 hours.
Buy Your Policy Before You Return
This is the most important advice for returning NRIs.
Most Indian policies have 2-3 year waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. Buy your policy now while in the UK, and those waiting periods run down while you're abroad.
We've seen clients who bought policies 3 years before returning. When they moved back and needed treatment, claims went through smoothly. Those who waited paid lakhs out of pocket.
👉 Tip: Many insurers offer 100% online onboarding. Complete KYC and payments without visiting India.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
Age Group | Recommended Coverage |
|---|---|
Under 45 | ₹10-25 lakh |
Above 45 | ₹25-50 lakh |
Heart bypass surgery costs ₹3-5 lakh at top hospitals. Cancer treatment runs ₹10-25 lakh. ICU charges hit ₹50,000-1 lakh per day.
Smart strategy: Buy a moderate base policy of ₹10-15 lakh and add a super top-up of ₹50 lakh-1 crore. Top-ups are affordable and kick in when your base exhausts.
What's Covered (And What's Not)
Covered: Hospitalisation expenses, pre and post-hospitalisation (30-90 days), day-care procedures, ambulance charges, and AYUSH treatments.
Not covered: Treatments outside India, outpatient consultations, dental, cosmetic surgery.
Tax Benefits Under Section 80D
If you file taxes in India under the old regime:
Coverage | Deduction Limit |
|---|---|
Self/Family (under 60) | ₹25,000 |
Self/Family (senior citizen) | ₹50,000 |
Parents (under 60) | Additional ₹25,000 |
Parents (senior citizen) | Additional ₹50,000 |
Maximum: ₹1,00,000 if you and parents are senior citizens. Payments must be non-cash to claim (Section 80D).
Cashless Treatment: How It Works
Cashless treatment means you don't pay upfront at network hospitals - the insurer settles directly. Most insurers have 5,000-10,000+ network hospitals across India.
👉 Tip: Before finalising any policy, check which network hospitals are near your planned residence.
Declare Pre-Existing Conditions Honestly
Many returning NRIs hide conditions like hypertension or diabetes. This is a costly mistake.
If insurers discover undisclosed conditions during claim investigation, they can reject claims entirely. IRDAI's moratorium protects you after 5 years, but only without fraud.
Declare everything. After 36 months, those conditions are covered.
Documents You'll Need
- Identity: Passport, Aadhaar, PAN card
- Address: UK proof + Indian address (if available)
- Bank details: NRE or NRO account for premiums
- Medical records: For pre-existing conditions
When Your Residential Status Changes
Upon returning, your NRE account converts to a resident account. Your health insurance continues seamlessly.
Use Belong's Residential Status Calculator to know when your status changes. You may qualify for RNOR status for 2-3 years.
What to Look For in an Insurer
Claim Settlement Ratio: Look for 90%+
Network hospitals: Ensure your preferred hospitals are included
Digital experience: Mobile app for policy management
NRI support: 24/7 helplines for NRIs
Your 60-Day Countdown
60 days: Research and shortlist 3-4 plans
45 days: Compare coverage, networks, waiting periods
30 days: Apply, complete KYC
15 days: Receive policy, download insurer's app
Day of arrival: You're covered
The Bottom Line
Don't let health insurance anxiety overshadow your return to India.
Key moves: Buy your policy before returning. Declare all conditions honestly. Choose ₹15-25 lakh minimum coverage. Prioritise cashless networks near your residence.
At Belong, we help NRIs navigate the entire financial transition back to India. Our Compliance Compass checks if you're following all rules across banking, investments, and taxation.
Join our NRI community - Join WhatsApp where NRIs share experiences and help each other.
Download the Belong App - Compare NRI FD rates, track INR vs USD, explore GIFT City investments. Get the app.
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