A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) couple recently went viral on social media after sharing why they decided to move back to India after 17 years in the United States. The couple, who have twins, opened up about the financial and emotional stress caused by the US healthcare system and how life in India felt more accessible and supportive.
NRI couple reveals why they returned to India after 17 years
In an Instagram post, the couple explained how the US healthcare system made even basic medical care expensive and stressful. “For anyone who’s never dealt with the US healthcare system, here’s a little context. Before insurance even helps, you first have to hit your yearly deductible. Meaning every doctor visit or test, you pay until hitting the out-of-pocket deductible.”
For their family, this meant paying $14,000 out of pocket on top of monthly premiums. The cheapest insurance plan for just the two of them cost $1,600 per month with a $15,000 deductible, and that didn’t even cover their twins. “Even simple health concerns became expensive, slow, and stressful,” the couple wrote.
With no family support in the US and rising costs, the couple decided to move to India, where healthcare seemed more accessible and supportive. “Moving to India wasn’t about perfection. Here, healthcare doesn’t feel like a luxury. We have access to good doctors, quicker care, and a support system that actually feels accessible,” they said.
The couple added that India isn’t perfect, but it gave them something they lacked in the US — balance, peace, and the feeling that motherhood wasn’t a solo battle. The family also shared clips of themselves packing up their house in the US last year.. The couple thanked their followers for supporting their journey. “Our journey won’t be everyone’s, but it’s ours… and we’re shaping it in the way that feels best for us,” the captioned the post, adding, “These clips are from when we were packing our house into boxes last year. We shipped everything to India, and those boxes are finally arriving soon — I’ll keep you posted!”
Americans in India share positive experiences
Given the current scenario of rising healthcare costs in America, alongside immigrants facing numerous challenges ranging from work visas to ICE raids and deportations, the couple’s story went viral. “Not only healthcare but so many other issues make life miserable in the US. Kudos on making a tough decision for your kids and your family,” one person commented on the video. Another added, “India offers an excellent support system, especially for families with young children.”
An American living in India, Kristen Fischer, shared her own healthcare experience. “I cut my thumb, and it was bleeding a lot. I rode my bicycle to a local hospital, spent 45 minutes there, didn’t need stitches, paid 50 rupees, and went home.” She praised the simplicity and affordability of healthcare in India compared to the US, where even small medical procedures can cost a fortune.
Another commenter shared a personal story. “My daughter married and moved to Florida, but after falling pregnant and realising that she was only getting six weeks of maternity leave, my son-in-law decided to move back to the UK. It was a blessing for me, because I got to help take care of my grandson and my daughter after she gave birth. She was seven months pregnant when she packed and moved back. Wishing you and your family all the best—stay safe, protect your children, because today it isn’t safe anywhere.”
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