Health before you leave: your checklist

Your health cover abroad usually ends when you leave, and new Indian cover has waiting periods. Use the last months to get everyone checked and their records in order.

Updated 29 October 2026 · 15 items

Check-ups

Full check-ups for everyoneNote any condition you'll need to declare to an Indian insurer.
Dental workFinish treatments before you go, or plan to continue them in India.
Eye tests, and spare glasses or lenses
Follow-ups with specialistsAsk for a written summary and treatment plan to give your doctor in India.

Records and medicines

Copies of medical records for everyoneTest results, scans, surgery notes and allergies.
A list of medicines with their generic namesBrand names often differ in India.
A supply of regular medicinesEnough for the first one to three months, in original packs, with prescriptions.
Letters for controlled medicinesSome medicines need a doctor's letter, or permission, to bring into India.
Vaccination records, and any vaccines dueChildren's school records will ask for them.

Insurance

Health insurance in India, bought earlyWhat to buy; waiting periods start only when you buy.
Travel cover for the gapBetween your cover abroad ending and Indian cover starting.
Cover for parentsCaring for ageing parents.

In India

Find a family doctorA general physician who knows your family saves many hospital trips.
Choose a hospital near homeCheck it's in your insurer's cashless network.
Save emergency numbers112 for emergencies; your hospital's ambulance number.

Questions

Should I get medical treatment done before moving back to India?

Routine and dental work is often worth finishing while your cover abroad lasts, because new Indian cover has waiting periods for existing conditions.

Can I bring my medicines to India?

Yes, a reasonable personal supply in original packs with a prescription. Some controlled medicines need a doctor's letter or prior permission.

Are my ticks saved?

Yes, in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us. Clearing your browser data, or opening the page on another device, starts a fresh list.

Will your money last after the move?

The free retirement planner works it out year by year, with Indian inflation, your children's costs and a stress test.

Open the retirement planner

General information for planning, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules change: check anything important with the official source.