Critical Health Services for your Smooth Transition back to India

Healthcare services are not directly tied to processing funds when returning to India, but they are critical for ensuring a smooth transition, especially if you’re moving permanently or have dependents. Here’s how healthcare and financial readiness intersect during your return and how India Wapsi concierge will be at your side :

1. Health Insurance Coverage

  • Porting International Health Insurance
    • Check if your health insurance from the host country can be extended or transferred to cover you in India.
    • If not, terminate the policy and claim any eligible refunds.
  • Buying Indian Health Insurance
    • Research and purchase a health insurance policy in India before or shortly after arrival.
    • Ensure the policy includes adequate coverage for pre-existing conditions, hospitalization, and outpatient care.
  • Critical Illness Insurance
    • If you or a dependent has a chronic or critical condition, consider a policy that provides additional coverage for such illnesses.

2. Emergency Medical Fund

  • Set Aside Funds for Medical Emergencies
    • Keep an emergency fund specifically for unexpected medical expenses during the transition period.
    • If you’re transferring funds internationally, prioritize ensuring access to this portion immediately upon arrival.
  • Reimbursement or Claims for Treatment Abroad
    • If you’ve had recent medical treatments abroad, ensure all claims are processed and reimbursed before leaving.

3. Medical Records Transfer

  • Digitize and Bring Medical Records
    • Carry comprehensive medical records, including prescriptions, vaccination records, and treatment histories, to facilitate continuity of care in India.
  • Specialist Referrals
    • If you have ongoing treatments, ask your current doctors for referrals or recommendations for specialists in India.

4. Setting Up Healthcare in India

  • Register with a Local Doctor or Clinic
    • Upon arrival, register with a general physician or a healthcare facility in your area.
    • Familiarize yourself with nearby hospitals and emergency services.
  • Government Healthcare Schemes
    • Check your eligibility for Indian government healthcare schemes like Ayushman Bharat if you’re returning permanently.

5. COVID-19 and Vaccination Considerations

  • COVID-19 Guidelines
    • Ensure you meet the current COVID-19 requirements for international travellers to India, including vaccinations or testing protocols.
  • Vaccinations and Preventive Care
    • Update any vaccinations as recommended by Indian health authorities or your doctor.

6. Financial Implications of Healthcare in India

  • Out-of-Pocket Costs
    • Healthcare in India can range from affordable to expensive, depending on whether you use government or private services. Ensure your budget accounts for initial medical expenses.
  • Tax Benefits on Health Insurance
    • Health insurance premiums in India are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, which can ease financial strain.

7. Special Considerations for Dependents

  • Elderly Dependents
    • Arrange for geriatric care services, including health insurance plans tailored for senior citizens, as they may have higher healthcare needs.
  • Children’s Health Needs
    • Transfer vaccination records and ensure children are enrolled in a pediatric care program in India.

Key Documents for Healthcare and Financial Readiness:

  • Medical records and prescriptions
  • Proof of prior health insurance
  • Vaccination certificates
  • Bank details for cashless claims in Indian hospitals
  • PAN Card (for tax benefits on insurance premiums)

Would you like guidance on choosing health insurance or medical services in India? Please reach out to India Wapsi team at anikbiswas@anikbiswasgmail.com for more details !

Follow India Wapsi checklist to immigrate safely back to India 

We have created a list of items you need to tick off your bucket list to be able to return to India. At every stage of this journey, we are here to help you. Write to us with an inquiry and we shall guide you accordingly.

The services required for immigrants to return to India depend on individual circumstances, the country they are currently residing in, and their reasons for returning. Here’s a comprehensive list of services and processes that might be required:

Pre-Departure Services

  1. Passport Validity Check
    Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the planned date of return.
  2. Visa Cancellation/Transfer
    If you are on a work or residency visa, check the requirements for visa cancellation or transfer in your host country.
  3. Exit Permits
    Some countries require exit permits or clearances for residents leaving permanently (e.g., Gulf countries).
  4. Employment and Contract Termination
    • Resign from your job in compliance with the notice period and terms.
    • Obtain an experience certificate or any required documents.
    • Clear dues and settle financial obligations with your employer.
  5. Closure of Bank Accounts and Financial Matters
    • Close or maintain international bank accounts based on your future needs.
    • Pay off debts and loans in the host country.
    • Transfer funds to India, if applicable.
  6. Shipping and Logistics
    Arrange for shipping or selling personal belongings, such as furniture, vehicles, and household items.

Travel Arrangements

  1. Flight Booking
    Book tickets for your return journey and consider additional baggage options if needed.
  2. COVID-19 Protocols
    Check for current health guidelines, including vaccination requirements, COVID-19 tests, and quarantine regulations for India.
  3. Insurance
    • Ensure health insurance covers travel and emergencies during transit.
    • Cancel or transfer local insurance policies, if applicable.

Upon Arrival in India

  1. Customs Clearance
    Declare goods as per Indian customs regulations, especially if bringing high-value items or goods exceeding the duty-free allowance.
  2. Updating Records and Documents
    • Update your address and status with the passport office, Aadhaar, and PAN card.
    • Reapply for or reactivate government schemes or entitlements.
  3. Banking and Financial Adjustments
    • Convert foreign currency and deposit it into Indian bank accounts.
    • Open an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account if needed.
  4. Housing and Relocation Services
    Arrange accommodation if you don’t already have a home in India. Temporary housing services might be helpful initially.
  5. Children’s Education
    Find schools or colleges for children, ensuring their records and certifications are recognized.

Support Services

  1. Legal and Documentation Services
    • Assistance with property matters or legal disputes in India.
    • Help with translating or notarizing documents.
  2. Employment Services
    • Job search assistance for re-employment in India.
    • Career counselling for transitioning to the Indian workforce.
  3. Healthcare
    • Reestablish health coverage under Indian insurance plans.
    • Enrol in government or private health services.
  4. Emotional and Community Support
    • Counselling services to help adjust to life in India.
    • Join expatriate returnee communities for guidance and support.

Special Considerations

  • Repatriation Assistance: Organizations like the Indian Embassies/Consulates or NGOs may provide services to help with repatriation.
  • OCI/PIO Card Holders: If you hold an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card, ensure it’s valid for entry and residency in India.

Please feel free to reach out to India Wapsi team at anikbiswas@gmail.com for more details !

India set to take back 18000 citizens from the US to placate Trump

To avoid trade wars, India has tendered support to work with the Trump administration and bring back 18,000 of its citizens who are residing illegally in the US.

The US has identified some 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants to be sent back home, for which India will verify and start the process of deportation, according to people familiar with the matter. The figure could be much higher than that, though, given that it’s unclear how many undocumented Indian migrants live in the US.

This marks the start of a new event in India – India Wapsi look forward to welcoming those who are residing in the US now and might soon have to return to India.

At IndiaWapsi, we provide services to aid financial help to those who want loans to settle down in India, open bank accounts and other financial and monetary sources of savings, lending and financial transactions, along with help in terms of education support for their children, parents, elder care and other needs like housing, etc.

Reach out to India Wapsi today at anik@indiawapsi.com