Our international outpatient insurance provides access to a broad range of healthcare treatments that don’t require admission to a hospital. For example, you can get:

• Consultations with specialists, in-person or online
• Vendajes y fármacos con prescripción
• Radiology and diagnostic tests
• Rehabilitación ambulatoria
• Cover for hearing aids

This medical insurance add-on covers emergency healthcare and assistance. It could help if there’s a global crisis, or to evacuate you if local treatment can’t help. It can give you:

• Emergency transport to good hospitals.
• Repatriation if you experience a serious medical event
• Crisis response services following travel or security risks
• Help with compassionate travel and living costs
• Travel costs for people who accompany you

Boost your health with insurance for screening, tests and dietetic consultations. There’s also a mental health support program for expats as well.

• Support from wellness coaches
• Access to preventative cancer screenings
• Emotional support from counselors
• Non-symptomatic, routine physical examinations each year
• Transport to a specialist center

Get eye tests and help with the cost of eyewear, plus a wide range of preventative, and routine dental treatments:

• Cover for dental appointments
• Preventative, routine, and major dental treatments
• Routine eye exams
• Support with costs for glasses and lenses

Hospitals: More than 27.000 across the country (Government of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2024)

Healthcare ranking: 103 out of 167 countries (Legatum Institute Foundation)

Useful drug names: Paracetamol may be sold under brand names such as Tolo, Tylenol or Panadol. Some Indian states advise against taking ibuprofen or aspirin without a doctor’s note.

Drug regulations: Some drugs that are legal in your home country may be banned in India. This includes some Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) drugs containing codeine syrup. If you use painkillers, or other prescription medications, please check before you travel.

Emergency services number (while in India): 112, or 102 for an ambulance

Cigna claim number (while in India): +44 (0)1475 492119

You should head to your nearest hospital if you experience a medical emergency in India. They may ask for partial or full upfront payment if you don’t have insurance.

If you can’t get to hospital yourself, call for an ambulance on 102. You might need to pay for this.

Private health insurance can often help reimburse you in the event of unexpected emergency costs.

In 2022, 90% of India’s residents were found to be more vulnerable to health issues due to heatwaves. Air conditioning and loose-fitting clothing can help locals and expats alike stay cool, but you should seek medical advice if you are concerned.

For detailed advice on air quality, heatwaves, and other climate factors that could impact your health, visit the India Meteorological Department.

Health insurance costs vary in India and will depend on your situation, healthcare needs and which plan you go for. Get in touch today to find out how Cigna can help – and choose whether you want to pay monthly, quarterly or annually.

Without health insurance, you may need to pay medical fees in full. These may also be higher than for insured people – up to 10% more so, according to the Times of India. Even in state hospitals, fees can quickly build up.

Almost 63% of healthcare in India is funded by out-of-pocket payments, so having private medical insurance can offer peace of mind should you require unforeseen treatment or urgent care.

The tiered public healthcare system in India is made up of:

• Sub Health Centers. These health centers may be urban or rural. They are the most ‘local’ part of the public health system, and connect directly with the community.
• Primary Health Centers. These are mostly rural, and serve a remote population.
• Continuity Health Centers. These provide secondary healthcare, alongside sub-district hospitals.
• District hospitals, general hospitals and medical colleges. These provide tertiary care, and more specialized services.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, employees working in India must be covered by health insurance. The responsibility for obtaining group medical insurance lies with the employer.

Individual or family medical insurance remains optional, however – though there are many ways in which it can be beneficial.

Overseas students do not get free healthcare in India. All non-citizens in India, including international students, will need to pay out of pocket for the care they receive in both public and private hospitals.

To make sure healthcare is affordable during your time in India, you can take out international student health insurance.

No, los ciudadanos del Reino Unido no reciben asistencia sanitaria gratuita en la India. El programa Ayushman Bharat es solo para la población local. Expats or people traveling to India can get treatment at public hospitals, but only by paying out of pocket.

El nivel de la sanidad pública en la India puede variar mucho según el lugar. Major cities in India generally offer a much better standard, although the government is working on improving healthcare across the country. Private healthcare is widely considered to be a preferred option, even for many locals.