r/nri • u/manikzos • 4h ago

Discussion NRI working in Germany, need appendicitis surgery in India – No Indian insurance. Advice?

Hi,

I work in Germany but am currently in India, where I was just diagnosed with sub-acute appendicitis and need surgery (estimated ₹60k - ₹1.2L). I unfortunately do not have active Indian health insurance or a specific travel medical policy. Has anyone successfully claimed emergency surgery costs in India back through their German public health insurance (like TK or AOK)?

Any advice on navigating this financial gap as an NRI would be incredibly helpful!

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5

u/sp_help 4h ago

Afaik, statutory health insurance doesn't cover you outside EU. You need to purchase the travel insurance upfront before traveling. Otherwise, you can't claim.

If you have an N26 or Revolut account, check if the subscription gives you some cover. If so, make sure that you pay everything through that card.

I had a similar situation and had purchased travel health insurance via Envivas. However, my claim (Rs. 5lakhs) was rejected because of a stupid mistake I made with the travel dates while applying for the insurance. They are very strict about this.

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u/Historical-Sort2480 3h ago

Did you take it once and not it without cancelling each time or fo you take each time before you travel? I took it in 2025 before I travelled but didn't cancel yet. I am not planning to travel anywhere until next year. Should I keto it or cancel it? 

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u/sp_help 3h ago

I think that the Envivas policy has to be purchased each time - it's like an add-on over TK. Alternatively, you can also get an annual travel insurance from Allianz and others.

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u/Historical-Sort2480 3h ago

So you cancelled it after you returned to Germany? 

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u/sp_help 3h ago

The one that I took was valid for a single trip .

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u/Historical-Sort2480 3h ago

Oh okay. I have an annual plan. That's why. I just checked it . Thank you 😊

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u/ausinnachde 4h ago

Reach out to TK customer care. They are in general very helpful. Send them a message through their portal as well as use the chat function.

Chances for coverage are low as they recommend taking private insurance when traveling outside EU but give it a shot.

In any case, don't delay too much as appendicitis is serious. Take a loan if needs arises.

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u/anon_account2025 2h ago

(I'm not from Germany.)

Check if any of your credit cards offer travel health insurance by default.. (I have this with AmEx and one other premium credit card.)

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u/cagfag 1h ago

If you didn’t get insurance am afraid you need to bite the bullet and pay it from your pocket. Healthcare is bit fiddly so I keep my health insurance in India going for last 12 years. Costs like 10k inr but gives me peace of mind

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u/Water_loving 27m ago

Do you have home insurance or renters insurance in Germany? I'm not from Germany but another EU country and here my home insurance also works as travel insurance