Dubai: Addressing a long-pending demand of the Malayali diaspora, the Kerala government, in collaboration with the Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs Department (Norka), has introduced a comprehensive health and accident insurance scheme. The initiative aims to provide extensive medical coverage for expatriates and students studying abroad on student visas.
Under the scheme, called Norka Care, members will be eligible for cashless treatment at over 12,000 hospitals across India.
Premium Structure
The annual premium for an individual is ₹7,500. A family package — covering a husband, wife, and two children — is available for ₹13,275. For families with more than two children, an additional premium of ₹4,130 per child is applicable. Children under 25 years are included in the family cover.
Eligibility
The plan is open to all Malayalis working abroad, students on overseas student visas, and residents of other Indian states living outside Kerala. Norka Pravasi ID cardholders and Student ID cardholders are eligible for coverage.
Coverage Details
The insurance offers treatment coverage up to ₹5 lakh and is available for expatriates up to 70 years of age. Pre-existing illnesses are also covered. Claims can be submitted within 60 days for treatment at non-cashless hospitals.
Room rent is reimbursed at 1% of the sum insured, while ICU charges are covered at 2%. Pre-hospitalisation expenses for 30 days and post-hospitalisation expenses for 60 days are included, along with day-care procedures.
In the event of accidental death abroad, the full insured amount will be paid as compensation, with an additional ₹50,000 for repatriating the mortal remains to Kerala. For deaths within India, ₹25,000 will be provided for transportation of remains. Permanent or total disability due to accidents will receive the full ₹5 lakh cover, while partial disabilities will be compensated as per the policy schedule. The policy is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Registration Drive
To encourage enrolment, Norka will launch a month-long international registration drive starting September 25. The campaign aims to attract maximum participation, with the support of expatriate organisations and members of the Loka Kerala Sabha.
The first phase of meetings will be held in the UAE:
• Abu Dhabi & Al Ain Region: August 22, 7:30 PM, Beach Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi
• Dubai Region: August 24, 10:00 AM, Glendale School, Dubai
• Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah & Ras Al Khaimah Regions: August 24, 6:00 PM, Indian Association Hall, Sharjah
