Norka Care, India’s first health and accident insurance scheme for expatriates, was launched in Kerala this week. The scheme, which is implemented through the state-run Norka Roots agency, will be available from November 1 – the formation day of the State.

While inaugurating Norka Care, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said efforts will be taken to make medical treatment facilities available in hospitals in India, in addition to hospitals in GCC countries. Cashless treatment at a low premium will also be offered in 16,000 hospitals across the country and at more than 500 hospitals in Kerala, he said at the event.

This exclusive scheme for expatriates is a result of the Kerala government’s focus on the safety and welfare of its expatriates around the world.

Vijayan said that the previous allocation of Rs.25 crore for migrant welfare schemes in the State Budget has been increased to Rs.150 crore.

Keralite expatriates around the world holding Norka ID cards, and students from Kerala studying abroad, will be covered under the scheme. “Members will receive health insurance coverage worth Rs. 5 lakh and accident insurance coverage worth Rs. 10 lakh,” said Vijayan. “Moreover, coverage will also be provided for pre-existing illnesses and treatments without any waiting period,” he said, adding that the global registration drive for the scheme is on, and it will end on October 22. “Currently, this service is available only within the country, but the government will make necessary efforts to expand the scheme in the future to hospitals in GCC countries as well. All Keralite expatriates across the world are urged to make the best use of this opportunity,” Vijayan said. – editor@nrifocus.com