If you're an Indian living and working abroad, your connection to India typically runs deep: aging parents, siblings, extended family, property, perhaps a business interest. And yet, life insurance — one of the most important financial decisions you'll ever make — often falls into a gap between your country of residence and India.

The good news is that NRIs can buy life insurance in India, and Kotak Life Insurance actively covers NRI applicants. The process has specific requirements, but it's entirely manageable. The policy is issued in Indian rupees, premiums can be paid from an NRE or NRO account, and claim proceeds are remittable abroad.

"For NRIs with family in India, a rupee-denominated term plan is often the most direct, cost-effective way to ensure their Indian family is financially protected."

What's different for NRIs: the application may require additional documentation — passport, visa, overseas address proof, and depending on the country of residence, a declaration about specific risk factors. Some high-risk occupations or residence in certain countries may affect underwriting. Medical tests may need to be completed in India during a visit, or arranged through approved channels abroad.

What to watch out for: don't let geographical distance be the reason your Indian family has no financial protection. The administrative hurdles, while real, are small compared to the risk of doing nothing. And if you're buying a plan primarily to protect your parents or siblings in India, an Indian rupee policy with Indian nominees is the cleanest structure.