UAE NRIs Shift to India Insurance Plans for Big Savings
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the UAE are increasingly opting for health and life insurance plans from India, driven by lower premiums, strong financial protection, and attractive tax benefits. Industry data shows a sharp rise in demand from UAE-based Indians who are seeking affordable long-term security for themselves and their families.
Digital insurance platforms and major insurers report that NRIs in the UAE and GCC now form the largest group purchasing India-based term and health insurance plans. Many buyers are salaried professionals or business owners with responsibilities back home — such as dependents, home loans, and long-term savings goals.
A major portion of UAE-based buyers earn between AED 112,500–157,500 annually and typically choose mid to high coverage plans that offer meaningful protection at far lower premiums than international insurance markets. Those with incomes above AED 2.25 million are also increasingly opting for Indian policies due to favourable pricing and a wider range of policy options.
Many NRIs in the UAE are purchasing health insurance for their parents or dependents in India. This not only ensures reliable medical coverage but also offers significant tax benefits. Under Section 80D of the Indian Income Tax Act, NRIs can claim deductions of up to AED 1,125 for family health insurance premiums — and up to AED 2,250 if the insured parents are senior citizens. This makes buying Indian health policies both financially smart and practically useful, especially for families with older members.
India’s term insurance plans remain significantly more affordable than similar international offerings. UAE NRIs increasingly choose long coverage tenures of 30–40 years to lock in low premiums for decades. Monthly payment options are popular, while single-premium plans are gaining interest among buyers who prefer paying once for long-term protection.
Coverage amounts of AED 90,000,000–135,000,000 are the most common, providing strong financial security at affordable costs. Another rising trend is the increase in women policyholders, particularly among UAE-based professionals. Growing financial awareness and independence among women are contributing to this shift.
Overall, Indian insurance plans offer UAE NRIs a compelling combination of savings, stability, and rupee-denominated protection — making them an increasingly preferred choice for long-term security planning.
