Archive · 5 Jan 2026
NRIs Must Authorize Representatives for Emergency Claims
Imagine your parent in India needs urgent medical care, but the insurance company won't process the claim because you don't have the legal right to act on their behalf.
This happens to many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) because they assume family members can handle insurance matters.
In reality, insurance companies need formal authorisation.
A nominee, who gets the benefits after death, can't manage claims while the policyholder is alive.
To avoid this, NRIs should add authorised representatives to their parents' insurance policies, create a Power of Attorney (POA), and ensure digital access to insurance apps.
This way, if an emergency happens, someone can quickly handle the insurance claim and get the necessary treatment without delay.
Insurance companies require legal authorisation to process claims for policyholders who are unable to act.
Nominees receive benefits after death but cannot manage claims while the policyholder is alive.
NRIs should add authorised representatives to their parents' insurance policies to manage claims on their behalf.
A Power of Attorney (POA) gives legal authority to act on someone’s behalf, crucial for insurance and healthcare.
Families should ensure digital access to insurance apps and store documents digitally for quick access during emergencies.
- Who
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and their families in India.
- What
- The challenges NRIs face in managing insurance claims for their families in India due to lack of legal authorisation.
- When
- During medical emergencies when the policyholder is unable to act.
- Where
- In India, where the policyholder resides, and abroad, where the NRI resides.
- Why
- Insurance companies require legal authorisation to comply with privacy and consumer protection laws.
- Authorisation Requirement
- Insurance companies require legal authorisation to process claims for policyholders who are unable to act.
- Nominee Limitation
- Nominees receive benefits after death but cannot manage claims while the policyholder is alive.
- Authorised Representative
- Policyholders can add authorised representatives to manage insurance on their behalf.
- Power of Attorney (POA)
- A POA gives legal authority to act on someone’s behalf, crucial for insurance and healthcare.
- Digital Access
- Insurance apps require login credentials, OTP access, and registered contact details for claims.
- Preparation Steps
- NRIs should add authorised representatives, set up app access, create a POA, and store documents digitally.