Ms. Priya Deshmukh – Head Health Products, Operations & Services, ICICI Lombard

Indians are travelling more than ever, and their international footprint is rapidly increasing. In the first half of 2024, 15 million Indians travelled abroad, marking a 14% year-on-year rise and a 12% growth compared to 2019. Not just that, more than 1.33 million Indian students were pursuing higher education abroad as of January 2024. As a result, more family members visit their wards settled abroad, often for prolonged stays. Additionally, people are sometimes forced to go overseas to seek medical treatment, particularly for advanced oncology, organ transplants, and robotic surgeries. Thus, as the time spent outside India increases, so do the health risks.

For instance, take the example of Meera, when she set foot in her dream destination, Paris, little did she know that one of her seven precious days in the city would be spent on a bed. While touring the magical metropolis, her stomach began hurting so bad that she had to rush to a local clinic, only to be diagnosed with food poisoning. Although quickly diagnosed, the illness left a hole in her pocket. With her health insurance not covering medical expenses overseas, Meera spent nearly ₹1,50,000 on the treatment. It was a lesson learned in a foreign land: Health emergencies don’t stop at borders.

Besides the massive financial strain, illnesses that require serious medical attention in a foreign land can be emotionally and logistically taxing. To avoid that, a health insurance that can protect you overseas is important as it prevents the risk of bearing high healthcare costs, which can occur even in case of minor ailments. The average price of treating a heart attack in the US is $760,000 (over ₹6 crore), compared to ₹3.5 lakh in India. This huge cost difference and unfavourable exchange rates make it even more challenging for travellers to bear healthcare expenses in foreign countries.

Amid COVID-19 variant outbreaks, it becomes even more crucial for Indian travellers to opt for insurance plans that offer reliable, worldwide health protection against emergencies. Travelling without comprehensive health coverage may cause families severe financial stress due to overseas medical issues.

Most Indians rely on travel insurance to cover emergency medical needs. This type of insurance are excellent for short-term coverage, unforeseen/urgent incidents, and protection for leisure or business trips. But there's a growing need for complementary protection, a full-sum insured health plan that works across geographies for planned and emergency care.

Modern health insurance plans

Some contemporary health plans are well adapted to the realities of global Indian lifestyles. Such plans offer cashless hospitalisation internationally, up to ₹3 crore or more, and support planned procedures abroad, including oncology, organ transplant, and joint replacements. Besides offering protection for students and citizens spending extended periods overseas, such plans include emergency evacuation and second-opinion services. These offerings keep the customers stress-free as their health cover travels with them.

A comprehensive plan is best suited for professionals visiting overseas for work, parents frequently visiting children abroad, families opting for advanced treatments overseas, and students studying abroad.

Globally-valid health insurance plan

A global plan offers the same confidence you get with domestic coverage. Look for a plan with a high sum insured, ideally ₹1 crore or more, to ensure you're financially prepared for costly treatments overseas. A good plan should also cover planned procedures or surgeries abroad, not just urgent care. Ensure it includes pre- and post-hospitalisation benefits applicable internationally, so your full treatment cycle is taken care of. A 24/7 global assistance desk and emergency medical evacuation support are critical for sailing through unversed healthcare systems. Lastly, opt for a policy that doesn’t need additional documentation or underwriting every time you travel. This way, your health remains protected wherever you go, with the same ease and assurance as back home.

In conclusion, whether you're Meera in Paris, Sunita seeing your daughter graduate in Toronto, or Harman spending the summer in Zurich, your health insurance should work wherever life takes you. After all, modern lives demand modern protection across time zones and continents.

Note – The article is first published in Deccan Herald, Bangalore  on 14.7.25.