Health insurance in India: how to choose the right plan
Figuring out health insurance in India as a foreign resident? Getting the right cover is harder than it looks. The quality of care varies a lot by location and making the wrong decision can be costly.
The good news is, private hospitals in India (like Apollo, Fortis, Medanta) are among the world’s best. And procedures costs are much less than in the US or Europe. But step outside a ‘Tier 1’ city and the picture changes fast.
There’s something else important to know. Ayushman Bharat, India's flagship health scheme, doesn't cover foreigners. And if you need an emergency evacuation outside a major city, the bill can reach INR 25 lakh. Indian private policies almost never include it.
We’ll explain your options here and help you find the right cover. This guide explores:
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Health insurance in India for foreigners: your real options
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Why the public system isn't open to foreigners
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Indian private health insurance vs international plans: key differences
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Emergency evacuation: why it matters so much
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Costs by age and profile
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Which option fits your situation
One quick note: Feather sells international health insurance. This guide mentions our plans, but it's written to be useful whoever you choose.
Healthcare in India: how the system works
India has a public healthcare system. However, government-funded schemes are reserved for Indian citizens. Also, public hospitals are overcrowded and under-resourced. In practice, foreigners rely on private care. Which part of India you're in really matters.
What does Ayushman Bharat cover?
As we mentioned, Ayushman Bharat is the government’s main public health scheme. It covers over 500 million Indian citizens below the poverty line. But it's open only to those registered in India's national welfare database. Foreigners aren't eligible, the National Health Authority confirms. Government hospitals exist but are underfunded and overcrowded.
Who provides healthcare in India?
The private sector carries most of the load. Around 70% of outpatient consultations and around 60% of inpatient care. That's according to the National Health Accounts 2022–23 (NHSRC). Standards vary considerably depending on where you're based. See also the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the national policy framework.
How does healthcare quality vary by location?
Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad are referred to as Tier 1 cities. In these, private hospitals are world-class with international patient departments and direct billing. Tier 2 cities (Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur) have solid hospitals but fewer international facilities. In rural areas, specialist access is often very limited.
What happens if you need emergency care outside a major city?
An air ambulance from Rishikesh or coastal Goa to Medanta or Apollo costs INR 5 – 25 lakh (around USD 5,000 – 27,000). Indian private policies don't cover it. International plans do.
In an emergency anywhere in India? Call 108 (national ambulance service) or 112 (the unified emergency number). Outside Tier 1 cities, response times can be slow. Good to know: 102 is for maternal and infant transport only, not general emergencies.
Your insurance options as a foreigner
There are three main options when it comes to health insurance in India for foreigners. The right one depends on your visa type, how long you're staying, and where you're based.
Can you buy private health insurance in India?
Indian private health insurance is available to foreign nationals, but with conditions. You generally need a valid long-term visa and proof of an Indian residential address. Tourists and short-stay visitors typically can't buy it.
How does it work?
You pay an annual premium. Treatment at network hospitals is cashless. The insurer settles directly with the hospital. Outside the network, you pay upfront and claim reimbursement.
What does it cost?
The cost is very low by international standards. Expect to pay roughly INR 8,000 – 50,000 per year (around USD 85 – 520) depending on age and plan. Key providers: Star Health, HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Care Health and Niva Bupa.
What are the limitations for foreigners?
The limitations are worth understanding. Most Indian policies cover India only and won't travel with you. Evacuation cover is rarely included. Pre-existing conditions have a waiting period of up to three years (IRDAI regulations). IRDAI removed the previous age cap (65) in 2024, but older applicants can find it harder to get covered. What's more, premiums are higher. And you'll also need an Indian bank account and proof of address. Identity verification (known as KYC) can be complicated without an Aadhaar card. That's India's national ID, which foreigners aren't issued.
International health insurance
International health insurance is the primary recommendation for most foreigners in India. There are no residency requirements. Anyone can buy it, and it works at any private hospital in India. Cashless billing is offered at major facilities and reimbursement elsewhere.
It's portable if you leave India, and includes emergency evacuation as standard. Learn more in our guide to how international health insurance works.
Feather offers international health insurance from EUR 85/mo. Worldwide coverage and emergency evacuation are included. Plans are fully digital and can be set up in minutes.
Why does emergency evacuation matter so much in India?
Do you live or travel outside India’s major cities? A plan that includes evacuation cover is essential. It may even be the most important line in your policy.
Travel insurance for short-term visitors
Visiting India for under three months? Travel insurance covers emergency hospitalisation and medical evacuation. But it doesn't cover outpatient care, pre-existing conditions, or routine healthcare. Searching for medical insurance in India for visitors on a short stay? Travel insurance is what you need.
Comparing your options
Finding the best health insurance in India as a foreigner comes down to one question. India-only cover, or a plan that travels with you? Take a look at the table below to see how the options compare:
| Feature | Indian private | International | Travel insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Residents with Indian visa + address | Anyone | Visitors (under 3 months) |
| Annual cost | INR 10,000 – 50,000/yr (~USD 105 – 520) | From EUR 1,020/yr (~USD 1,100) | USD 50 – 200/trip |
| Coverage scope | India only | Worldwide | Worldwide (trip-based) |
| Emergency evacuation | Usually not included | Included | Limited |
| Outpatient care | Limited in basic plans | Comprehensive | Not included |
| Pre-existing conditions | Up to 3 year waiting period | Individually assessed | Not covered |
| Cashless treatment | Yes, at network hospitals | Reimbursement or direct billing | Reimbursement |
| Portable if you leave India | No | Yes | N/A |
| Indian bank account required | Often yes | No | No |
How do the options compare?
Short visit? Travel insurance. Long-term in a Tier 1 city and want lower premiums with cashless access? Indian private health insurance is worth considering, though it won’t cover evacuation and won’t move with you if you leave India. What about anywhere else, or if portability and evacuation matter to you? International insurance is probably a better fit.
Indian private insurance is cheaper, with cashless access and a wide network. But it only covers India and almost never includes evacuation. International costs more but works anywhere, moves with you, and includes evacuation.
Which option fits your situation?
The right expat health insurance in India depends on several factors. These include your visa type, how long you’re staying, and where in India you’re based.
Corporate expat (one to three years): Check employer coverage first. Many multinationals include international health insurance. If yours doesn't cover evacuation, supplement with an international plan. Covering a family abroad? See our guide to international health insurance for families.
Long-term expat (three or more years, major city): Indian private insurance offers real value for everyday care. Pair it with an international plan for evacuation. Working for yourself? Take a look at our guide to international health insurance for freelancers covers your options in detail.
Retiree (Goa, Kerala, or similar): IRDAI removed the age cap in 2024. But getting covered gets harder and premiums are higher for older applicants. Feather covers members up to age 75. International health insurance with evacuation cover is likely the better choice. Our guide to international health insurance for seniors covers what to look for.
Student: Look for an international student plan. Some universities specify minimum coverage levels. Our guide to international health insurance for students covers what to look for.
Digital nomad or remote worker: International insurance is the only viable option. Indian private insurance requires residency documentation that most nomads won't have. Our guide to international health insurance for digital nomads covers this.
Tourist or short-term visitor: Travel insurance for stays under three months. For longer visits, an international plan is better. If you need a visa, our guide to international health insurance for visa applications explores coverage requirements.
What does health insurance cost in India?
Health insurance costs in India for expats vary a lot. It depends on the type of plan and your age. The table below gives a broad picture.
| Profile | Indian private | International (Feather) |
|---|---|---|
| Young expat, age 30 | INR 8,000 – 15,000/yr (~USD 85 – 156) | From EUR 85/mo (~EUR 1,020/yr) |
| Family of four, primary insured age 40 | INR 25,000 – 60,000/yr (~USD 260 – 625) | From EUR 350/mo (~EUR 4,200/yr) |
| Retiree, age 60 | INR 30,000 – 80,000/yr (~USD 315 – 835) if accepted | From EUR 160/mo (~EUR 1,920/yr) |
Exchange rate: USD 1 = INR 94 (June 2026), per the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) reference rate archive. Rates fluctuate. All cost figures are indicative market estimates. Feather pricing is from our own rate card.
What do these figures mean in practice?
Out-of-pocket costs in India are among the lowest in the world. A GP visit costs INR 500 – 1,500 at a mid-range private clinic, a specialist INR 1,000 – 3,000. Many expats in Tier 1 cities self-pay for routine care and keep insurance for serious events. That works well when good private clinics are close by. Outside those areas? The gap that matters most is emergency evacuation. It's the one expense Indian private policies almost never cover.
Getting covered: what to do next
Indian private insurance: You'll need a long-term visa and a verifiable Indian address. Star Health, HDFC ERGO, and Niva Bupa all offer online applications. Over 45? Expect medical screening. Once approved, you get a cashless card for network hospitals. Check e-FRRO requirements if you're unsure which visa category applies to your stay.
International insurance (Feather): Get a quote online in around two minutes, choose your plan, and you're covered immediately. No Indian address or bank account required. Your policy works at any hospital in India and goes with you if you leave.
Get a quote
Living or working in India? Want cover with emergency evacuation at any private hospital? International health insurance is the right fit. Getting a Feather quote takes a couple of minutes.
