Take the time to compare not only the prices of medical insurance in India but also compare the policy documents and read the fine print. Otherwise you may be disappointed when it comes time to get paid by your medical insurance company. Here is an example:  ICICI Lombard are one of the companies that are offering medical insurance in India and of course advertising to NRI,s to buy policies for their families in India. So I decided to check their medical insurance policy. They indicate on the front page that their policy would cover the following: Policy Coverage (as shown on ICICI Lombard website) The policy covers medical expenses: Incurred as an inpatient during hospitalization for more than 24 hours, including room charges, doctors / surgeons fee, medicines, diagnostic tests, etc. 30 days prior to hospitalization. 60 days post hospitalization. Pre-existing disease can be covered after the 4th year provided the policy is renewed with us for four consecutive years. Technologically advanced treatment that do not need 24-hour hospitalization but are covered under this policy are: - Cataract - Lithotripsy (Kidney Stone Removal) - Tonsillectomy - Eye Surgery - Dialysis - Dilatation & Curettage - Chemotherapy - Radiotherapy - Coronary Angiography - Cardiac Catheterization So are all of the above covered? without reading  the full policy one would think so, however when you check many items mentioned above are not covered for the first two years!