Understanding Health Insurance in India for Expats and Foreigners
For decades, India has been one of the most popular countries in the world for expats. It’s a top destination for people interested in alternative health, including yoga and Ayurveda care.
India is also hugely popular for medical tourism. Home to some of the top private hospitals in Asia, medical tourists from the United States and other countries head to India for elective procedures at a fraction of the cost they would face at home.
India has also made considerable strides in improving the quality of its public healthcare. Notably, this includes the eradication of polio in 2011. And overall, communicable diseases decreased by nearly 50% between 1990 and 2016.
However, India ranks a poor 112th out of 191 countries on the World Health Organization’s list of the world’s most efficient healthcare systems. India’s infant mortality rate, a key public health benchmark, is 7 times higher than that of the United States.
Furthermore, conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are on the rise. Yet very few people are being treated. In short, there are several factors for expats to consider when selecting health insurance in India.
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- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
How Expats Can Qualify For Health Insurance in India
At present, there is no option for expats to qualify for public health insurance. This is because the Ayushman Bharat program is designed to serve the local population. Expats living in India and those traveling to India can usually be treated at public hospitals, but they will have to pay out of pocket, as they aren’t citizens.
The costs are very modest, and a consultation can be as little as a few dollars. However, the standard of care is so poor that private clinics and hospitals are hugely preferable.
Best Health Insurance in India for Expats and Foreigners
For all foreign nationals living in India, we recommend the Cigna Global plan, which offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable price.
The variety of available plans makes it easy to design coverage and benefits that meet your needs and budget. You will be covered while living in India and worldwide, so you can access doctors anywhere.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Best Health Insurance Option for US Citizens in India
For U.S. citizens living in India, the BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan is an excellent choice. They offer a high-quality network of doctors worldwide, as well as access to the Blue Cross network of doctors and hospitals in the USA.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Things You Need To Know When Considering Insurance Plans in India
There is virtually no country in the world with a greater gap between rural and urban healthcare standards than India. Approximately 70% of India’s population resides in rural areas, and nearly all of these individuals have limited access to medical care.
Thankfully, that is slowly changing. However, to a certain extent, alternative medicine has thus far helped fill the care gap for many people. Expats who will be working and living in rural areas need an insurance policy that accounts for emergency transportation to urban facilities.
How Routine Doctor Visits Work
Many doctors conduct rounds at the local hospital during the day and run their own practices at night. Public hospitals also usually have a duty doctor or family doctor on call to address non-urgent concerns.
However, at many private facilities, a family medicine clinic sees patients for non-urgent concerns during regular business hours. Doctors are also usually very responsive to concerns, whether over the phone or via apps like WhatsApp.
Overview of India’s National Health Insurance System
Technically, India has a universal healthcare system. The Indian Constitution allocates the provision of healthcare in India to the state governments. They are responsible for ensuring nutrition, the standard of living, and public health.
As many as 90% of people in India use government-run hospitals, where care is either free or heavily subsidized. However, the system is fraught with challenges. The standard of care in government-run facilities ranges from basic to abysmal.
For instance, medications that are supposed to be provided free of charge are often unavailable. Bribery is a common practice, usually seen as a necessary means to expedite or improve treatment. Waiting times for basic appointments can range from days to weeks.
However, in fairness to India, there is much to celebrate. Despite massive obstacles, India has managed to provide free, albeit basic, healthcare to a population of over 1 billion. Currently, significant changes are being implemented to support India’s poorest citizens.
Understanding New Changes in India
A massive change is currently underway. In 2018, India introduced a new national health protection scheme. It’s called Ayushman Bharat, or the National Health Protection Mission.
Under this plan, the poorest half of India’s population (which is more than 500 million people), will receive $7,200 in annual coverage to apply towards care at private hospitals. For people used to the health care costs in places like the United States, that might not seem like much money.
However, in India, the cost of medical procedures is much lower. For instance, gallbladder surgery at a private hospital could cost less than $500. As such, $7,200 would make a big, measurable difference in the lives of India’s poorest citizens.
Another significant development is the establishment of some 150,000 health and wellness centers (HWCs) to increase access to medical care. This move brings India closer to meeting its commitments to universal health coverage, a key component of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
In its first year of implementation, the Ayushman Bharat program has reached nearly 4 million people. The resulting savings for the affected families are estimated at $1.6 billion.
However, critics allege that money is being spent recklessly, that significant infrastructure gaps aren’t being addressed, and that there is an acute shortage of skilled workers.
Pros and Cons of Using the Local Health System
At present, virtually all public health systems in India struggle to provide services on time. Public facilities often lack privacy and comfort. Patients usually have to share beds, and the cleanliness is questionable. Expats should avoid public health facilities unless necessary.
It’s not just about comfort. In these overcrowded facilities, locals struggle for basic care. Expats who can afford to seek care elsewhere should do so to avoid draining much-needed resources from the public.
If you use public health facilities, be aware that, in addition to treatment costs, you will likely also pay a one-time registration fee. If you are admitted, you will also be required to pay room charges. The different categories of patient accommodations often have optimistic names, such as “deluxe”, “deluxe with AC”, or “super deluxe”.
Choose the highest level you can afford to increase your comfort and privacy. And while it’s easier said than done when you aren’t feeling well, insist on reviewing your bill to ensure your room charges actually correspond with the accommodations you receive.
The contrast between public and private care in India could not be more pronounced. Urban centers in India have an extensive network of private hospitals and clinics that provide high-quality care. Standards are so high that India is one of the most popular destinations in the world for medical tourism.
Expats can expect private, comfortable rooms with modern amenities, English-speaking doctors, specialists, nurses, and support staff, and access to alternative treatments. While it can take days to see a doctor at a local public emergency room, private hospitals and clinics offer timely care, even for specialist referrals.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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