<p>Ensuring the well-being of ageing parents is a top priority for non-resident Indians (NRIs), but distance often makes it challenging to provide immediate care during medical emergencies. Without direct physical presence, managing their healthcare needs can sometimes feel very overwhelming. One of the most effective ways to safeguard their health and financial security is by investing in a comprehensive health insurance plan tailored to their specific requirements.</p>.<p><strong>Quality healthcare</strong></p>.<p>As parents grow older, health issues become more common, and the need for quality healthcare becomes critical. India’s private healthcare system is known for its high standards and more affordable costs compared to countries such as the US or Australia. And let’s not forget the long wait times for medical services in places like Canada or the UK, where getting an appointment or care could take much longer than in India. But even then, medical expenses can add up. For NRIs, this makes India an increasingly attractive option for their parents’ healthcare needs. However, managing everything remotely can be overwhelming. That’s where a comprehensive health insurance policy steps in—ensuring that your parents get the right care without the delays or added stress.</p>.<p><strong>New, innovative features </strong></p>.<p>Health insurance for elderly parents in India has come a long way. There are plans specifically designed to cater to their unique needs, offering shorter waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, cashless hospitalisation, and comprehensive coverage for medical expenses. </p>.<p>But there are some new and innovative offerings in the market now - insurance companies also offer plans that provide a comprehensive range of services for NRI parents living in India. This is an excellent option for NRIs who want the flexibility of coverage that extends beyond India’s borders. Recognising the challenges faced by NRIs, insurers have also introduced concierge services designed to manage healthcare needs seamlessly. These services include a dedicated emergency helpline, end-to-end hospitalisation support, doctor consultations over the phone, ambulance services, and even emotional wellness counseling. These added features help bridge the gap between NRIs and their parents, ensuring timely, efficient care with peace of mind.</p>.<p><strong>Benefits</strong></p>.<p>As more NRIs realise the benefits of India’s healthcare system, the demand for health insurance has skyrocketed. Internal data from Policybazaar shows that health insurance purchases among NRIs surged by 70% in FY23 and doubled again in FY24. The growth isn’t slowing down either, with a 100% increase anticipated in FY25. This shows growing confidence in India’s medical infrastructure and insurance plans.</p>.<p><strong>Progressive policymaking</strong></p>.<p>India’s insurance regulator IRDAI has also made things easier by removing age restrictions on health insurance policies, which means senior citizens now have more access to affordable coverage. Health insurance plans now come with several added perks like daycare treatments, no-claim bonuses, free health checkups, and even coverage for home-based medical care. Plus, NRIs can enjoy the benefit of a GST refund when purchasing health insurance from India, making the policies even more cost-effective.</p>.<p><strong>Choosing right</strong></p>.<p>Choosing the right health insurance for your parents can feel like a big task, but with a few key things in mind, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Look out for policies that minimise co-payments and offer flexible payment options like monthly or quarterly premiums. Many plans also offer top-up options, so you can adjust coverage as your parents’ healthcare needs change. It’s also worth checking if the plan includes coverage for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, which are common among the elderly.</p>.<p><strong>Conclusion </strong></p>.<p>At the end of the day, caring for your elderly parents from afar isn’t easy, but with the right health insurance in place, it becomes much more manageable. By choosing a policy that comes with specialised services, you can rest assured that your parents will have the best care when they need it most—without the financial strain or logistical hassle. With the right support, you can provide your parents with the security and care they deserve.</p>.<p><em>(The author is Head, Health Insurance, Policybazaar.com)</em></p>
<p>Ensuring the well-being of ageing parents is a top priority for non-resident Indians (NRIs), but distance often makes it challenging to provide immediate care during medical emergencies. Without direct physical presence, managing their healthcare needs can sometimes feel very overwhelming. One of the most effective ways to safeguard their health and financial security is by investing in a comprehensive health insurance plan tailored to their specific requirements.</p>.<p><strong>Quality healthcare</strong></p>.<p>As parents grow older, health issues become more common, and the need for quality healthcare becomes critical. India’s private healthcare system is known for its high standards and more affordable costs compared to countries such as the US or Australia. And let’s not forget the long wait times for medical services in places like Canada or the UK, where getting an appointment or care could take much longer than in India. But even then, medical expenses can add up. For NRIs, this makes India an increasingly attractive option for their parents’ healthcare needs. However, managing everything remotely can be overwhelming. That’s where a comprehensive health insurance policy steps in—ensuring that your parents get the right care without the delays or added stress.</p>.<p><strong>New, innovative features </strong></p>.<p>Health insurance for elderly parents in India has come a long way. There are plans specifically designed to cater to their unique needs, offering shorter waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, cashless hospitalisation, and comprehensive coverage for medical expenses. </p>.<p>But there are some new and innovative offerings in the market now - insurance companies also offer plans that provide a comprehensive range of services for NRI parents living in India. This is an excellent option for NRIs who want the flexibility of coverage that extends beyond India’s borders. Recognising the challenges faced by NRIs, insurers have also introduced concierge services designed to manage healthcare needs seamlessly. These services include a dedicated emergency helpline, end-to-end hospitalisation support, doctor consultations over the phone, ambulance services, and even emotional wellness counseling. These added features help bridge the gap between NRIs and their parents, ensuring timely, efficient care with peace of mind.</p>.<p><strong>Benefits</strong></p>.<p>As more NRIs realise the benefits of India’s healthcare system, the demand for health insurance has skyrocketed. Internal data from Policybazaar shows that health insurance purchases among NRIs surged by 70% in FY23 and doubled again in FY24. The growth isn’t slowing down either, with a 100% increase anticipated in FY25. This shows growing confidence in India’s medical infrastructure and insurance plans.</p>.<p><strong>Progressive policymaking</strong></p>.<p>India’s insurance regulator IRDAI has also made things easier by removing age restrictions on health insurance policies, which means senior citizens now have more access to affordable coverage. Health insurance plans now come with several added perks like daycare treatments, no-claim bonuses, free health checkups, and even coverage for home-based medical care. Plus, NRIs can enjoy the benefit of a GST refund when purchasing health insurance from India, making the policies even more cost-effective.</p>.<p><strong>Choosing right</strong></p>.<p>Choosing the right health insurance for your parents can feel like a big task, but with a few key things in mind, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Look out for policies that minimise co-payments and offer flexible payment options like monthly or quarterly premiums. Many plans also offer top-up options, so you can adjust coverage as your parents’ healthcare needs change. It’s also worth checking if the plan includes coverage for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, which are common among the elderly.</p>.<p><strong>Conclusion </strong></p>.<p>At the end of the day, caring for your elderly parents from afar isn’t easy, but with the right health insurance in place, it becomes much more manageable. By choosing a policy that comes with specialised services, you can rest assured that your parents will have the best care when they need it most—without the financial strain or logistical hassle. With the right support, you can provide your parents with the security and care they deserve.</p>.<p><em>(The author is Head, Health Insurance, Policybazaar.com)</em></p>