Can I file an NRI death claim online?

Yes, most Indian insurers allow you to initiate the claim and upload scanned documents through their portal to save time.

What if the death certificate is not in English?

You must provide a certified English translation along with the original document, usually attested by the Indian Embassy or a notary.

What is an Apostille sticker?

It is a specialized certificate that verifies a document's authenticity for use in countries that are part of the Hague Convention.

Can the claim be paid to a foreign bank account?

Yes, but it depends on FEMA rules and how premiums were paid. You may need tax forms 15CA and 15CB for this.

What happens if the insurer delays the payout?

If the delay exceeds IRDAI timelines, the insurer must pay interest at the bank rate plus 2% on the claim amount.

Is the death claim amount taxable for the nominee?

Generally, life insurance death benefits are tax-free under Section 10(10D), but specific rules apply for repatriation from NRO accounts.

NRI Death Claim Protocol: A Guide for International Payouts

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Claiming if the Policyholder died Abroad: The NRI death claim protocol

Losing a loved one overseas is painful, but getting the insurance payout shouldn't be. Here is how to handle international death certificates, FEMA rules, and tax forms.

3 min read

OneAssure Team

April 05, 2026

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Looking for the right plan? You don't have to guess. Let us compare the fine print for you and give you an unbiased recommendation.

The first step: Informing the insurer

Losing a family member is a massive shock. If they were living abroad, the logistical stress adds up fast. Your first task is simple. Send an email to the insurance company. Or use their website. Do this immediately. You do not need all the papers yet. Just tell them the policyholder has passed away. Mention the policy number and the date of death. This stops the clock on premium payments. It also alerts the claims team to guide you. Speed matters here. Most Indian insurers have a dedicated NRI desk to handle these cases. They will explain the specific documents needed for that country.

The Apostille puzzle: Making foreign papers valid

A local death certificate from London or New York is not enough for an Indian insurer. They need to know it is authentic. This is where the Apostille comes in. If the death happened in a country that is part of the Hague Convention, you need an Apostille sticker on the original death certificate. This is a global verification. For other countries, you must get the document attested by the Indian Embassy or Consulate. Think of it as a government-to-government handshake. It proves the document is real. If the certificate is in a foreign language, get a certified English translation. A local notary or the embassy can usually help with this.

Where does the money go? FEMA and Bank accounts

Money has rules. Specifically, FEMA rules. If the policyholder paid premiums from an NRE account, the claim money is usually repatriable. This means it can be sent to a foreign bank account. If the premiums were paid from an NRE account, the nominee can receive the funds in their own NRE account. However, if the premiums were paid in Indian Rupees from a regular savings or NRO account, the payout usually goes to an NRO account. The nominee must provide a cancelled bank cheque and their latest KYC documents. Checking your policy details on a platform like OneAssure can help you verify if the nominee details are updated and correct before you start the process.

The Tax hurdle: Forms 15CA and 15CB

Moving a large sum of money out of India is not automatic. If the nominee lives abroad and wants the money there, the bank will ask for Form 15CA and Form 15CB. Form 15CA is a declaration you file online. Form 15CB is a certificate from a Chartered Accountant. It confirms that you have paid the necessary taxes in India. These forms are mandatory for repatriating funds from an NRO account. Do not skip this. Your bank will block the transfer without these. It is a common roadblock that delays payouts for months.

Accidental deaths and extra proof

Was it an accident? If the policy has an Accidental Death Benefit, the insurer needs more proof. You must provide the foreign police report or the 'First Information Report' equivalent. Medical reports and the autopsy findings are also required. These must also be attested by the Indian Embassy. Without these, the company might only pay the basic sum assured and reject the extra accidental cover. Collect these while you are still in the foreign country. Getting them later from India is nearly impossible.

Getting paid on time: The 15-day rule

IRDAI has clear rules. For uncomplicated cases, insurers should settle the claim within fifteen days of receiving all documents. If they take longer, they are in trouble. They must pay you interest at the bank rate plus two percent. This interest starts from the date you submitted the final document. Use the digital filing option if the insurer offers it. It speeds up the verification of international papers. Always keep a copy of the acknowledgment for every document you submit. It is your proof if you need to claim interest for delays later.