International health insurance in India
Health insurance for expats & foreigners
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Why get private health insurance in India?
India's public health schemes don't cover foreigners. You'll be using private healthcare from day one.
The good news? India's top private hospitals offer world-class care. Without insurance, though, the costs are yours: a doctor's visit runs around ₹1,500 (€15), a day in intensive care around ₹25,000 (€250), and private ERs often ask for a deposit of ₹60,000 (€600) before admitting you.
Many employers and private universities also ask for proof of cover.
How does the healthcare system work in India?
Public health schemes: not open to foreigners
India has several public health schemes, but none of them cover expats. PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) is for low-income citizens, ESIC (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) for local employees, and CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) for government workers. For you, that means private care from day one. Hospital groups like Apollo, Fortis, and Max offer world-class treatment. In English.
Indian pharmacies & medication
Pharmacies are everywhere. In the cities, you'll find chains like Apollo Pharmacy and MedPlus, plus delivery apps that bring medication to your door within the hour. Packaging is in English as standard. One thing to know: there's no public subsidy for foreigners, so you'll pay the full retail price. With the right insurance, you claim it back.
Emergency services in India
Dial 112, India's unified emergency number, or 108 for a free government ambulance. In the big cities, operators speak English. Be prepared: private hospital ERs require an upfront deposit. Often ₹60,000 (€600) or more. Good insurance means that money doesn't have to come out of your savings.
What expats need health insurance?
Digital nomads
India doesn't have a digital nomad visa, and tourist e-visas don't allow remote work. Whatever your setup, you'll have no access to public healthcare.
Retirees
There's no retirement visa, most long-stayers use an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, an X visa, or a long-term tourist e-visa. None come with public health coverage.
Families
Local plans make families wait three years for maternity cover and can exclude children's outpatient or dental care, while a child's ER visit costs ₹25,000 (€250).
Gap year & job seekers
There's no public safety net while you look for work. Until your employment visa and employer cover kick in, you need an international plan.
Students
India doesn't require student insurance by law, but many private universities do before you can enroll.
Visa applicants
No Indian visa requires health insurance. But with no public system to fall back on, going without is a gamble.
Get global health insurance that works in India
Plans from €42/month. Sign up online in minutes.
How much is health insurance in India?
It depends on three primary factors: your age, pre-existing conditions you might have, and your desired level of coverage.
Public healthcare in India
There's no public option for foreigners — PM-JAY, ESIC, and CGHS are all closed to expats. From day one, you're in the private system.
Private medical insurance
Local Indian plans are cheap, but exclude outpatient care and dental, make you wait years for maternity, and stop at the border. International plans close those gaps and travel with you.
Visa & health insurance requirements for India
Visas don't legally require health insurance. But for foreigners, private cover is essential from day one, and employers and universities often ask for proof.
Strong cover for all visa holders
Feather plans exceed the expectations of employers and the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO).
Documents ready when you sign up
English certificate of coverage instantly in your account. Ready for FRRO, university, or employer onboarding.
How does Feather's international health insurance work?
Choose your plan
Compare Essential and Plus, pick your deductible, and sign up in under 5 minutes. No paperwork, no medical exams.
Get your documents instantly
Your confirmation and visa-ready proof-of-coverage documents land in your account straight away.
Visit any doctor
See any licensed doctor, specialist, or hospital in India. No referrals, no network restrictions, no pre-approval.
Upload your bill in the app
Already paid? Open the Feather app, snap a photo of your invoice, and submit your claim in under a minute.
Get reimbursed to your account
We review your claim and reimburse you directly to your bank account. Most claims are processed within two weeks.
Cancel anytime after year one
There's a one-year minimum term. After that, cancel whenever you want. No penalties.
Join 200,000+ expats covered with Feather
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Why choose Feather?
200,000+ happy customers
Experience insurance crafted by expats, for expats.
100,000+ claims processed
Paid out in three weeks on average.
4.8 Star rating
On over 2,500 reviews.
English-speaking support
Our team speaks your language.
All digital
Sign up, file claims, and manage your policy in our app.
Privacy first
Your data is stored securely in Europe.
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