HEALTH INSURANCE FOR NON-RESIDENT INDIANS (NRIS) AND ITS IMPACT ON INDIA’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

This study focusses on the complex relationship between health insurance for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and its multifaceted impact on India’s healthcare system. As globalization continues to reshape migration patterns, the number of NRIs seeking healthcare coverage that spans both their country of residence and India has grown significantly. The paper analyses the current landscape of health insurance options available to NRIs, including international plans, India-specific policies, and hybrid models. It investigates how these insurance schemes influence healthcare-seeking behaviours among NRIs and their families in India, and explores the subsequent effects on India’s healthcare infrastructure, medical and wellness tourism, and overall healthcare economy. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of insurance data and healthcare utilization patterns with qualitative insights from views from NRIs, insurance providers, and healthcare administrators. The findings reveal that NRI-focused health insurance has led to increased demand for high-quality medical services in India, spurring investments in advanced medical technologies and specialized care facilities. However, this trend also raises concerns about healthcare inequality and resource allocation within India’s broader healthcare system. The study discusses the regulatory challenges and policy implications of cross-border health insurance, including issues of portability, claim settlement, and quality assurance. It also explores the potential of NRI health insurance as a catalyst for improving overall healthcare standards in India and its role in positioning India as a global healthcare destination. The paper concludes by proposing policy recommendations to optimise the benefits of NRI health insurance while mitigating potential negative impacts on healthcare accessibility for local populations. It underscores the need for a balanced approach that leverages NRI healthcare demands to drive improvements in India’s healthcare system while ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all segments of society.