In a significant move to bolster the welfare of Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs), the Government of Kerala’s Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) has announced a new health insurance scheme called ‘Norka Care.’ The plan, which is set to launch officially on September 22, is designed to provide comprehensive and affordable health coverage for NRKs and their families. This initiative has been hailed as a major Onam gift to the vast Keralite diaspora, especially those in the UAE.
The “Norka Care” plan offers a health cover of Rs500,000 (approximately Dh21,000) for an annual premium that works out to less than Dh1 per day. This affordable rate makes quality healthcare in India more accessible for NRKs working abroad, especially those with limited or no health insurance coverage in their home country.
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Key Features of ‘Norka Care’:
- Cashless Treatment: The policy provides cashless treatment facilities at a vast network of over 14,000 hospitals across India, including more than 400 hospitals in Kerala.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The scheme covers a wide range of medical expenses, including hospital room rent, ICU charges, and both pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses. A crucial feature is that pre-existing conditions are covered from day one, with no waiting period.
- Family Plans: NORKA offers individual and family enrollment options. A family of four (husband, wife, and two children under 25) can be covered with a single policy.
- Repatriation Benefit: In the unfortunate event of a policyholder’s death, the scheme includes a benefit of up to Rs50,000 to cover the cost of repatriating mortal remains.
- Digital Integration: The entire process, from enrollment to payment, can be completed through a dedicated mobile app that will be launched on the same day as the scheme. This streamlines the process and makes it accessible from anywhere in the world.
A Strategic Move for Diaspora Welfare:
A high-level delegation from NORKA Roots, including CEO Ajith Kolassery, is currently in the UAE to promote the new scheme and engage with the Keralite community. The official launch will be inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan from Thiruvananthapuram on September 22.
The new ‘Norka Care’ scheme adds to NORKA’s existing welfare initiatives, which include the NORKA Pravasi ID Card that offers a separate personal accident insurance. By offering a comprehensive health plan, NORKA is addressing a long-standing need for financial security and healthcare access for its expatriate community, ensuring they have a safety net to fall back on in their home state.
Know more about Norka Care:
- What is Norka Care?
It’s a new, comprehensive health and accident insurance scheme for Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs), implemented by NORKA Roots, a government of Kerala undertaking. - Who is eligible to enroll?
Any Non-Resident Keralite between the ages of 18 and 70 with a valid NORKA Pravasi ID Card or NORKA Student ID Card is eligible. - What is the main benefit?
It provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh and accidental death coverage of up to ₹10 lakh. - When will the scheme officially launch?
The scheme’s logo and initial details were released on August 22, 2025. The official launch by the Chief Minister of Kerala is on September 22, 2025. - Who is the insurance provider?
The insurance is underwritten by New India Assurance, a major public sector insurance company.
- How do I apply for the Norka Care scheme?
Applications and payments will be handled through a dedicated mobile app that will be launched on September 22, 2025. - Is a NORKA Pravasi ID Card required to apply?
Yes, having a valid NORKA Pravasi ID Card is a prerequisite for enrolling in the insurance scheme. - What is the enrollment period?
The enrollment window is for one month, from September 22 to October 22, 2025. - When does the insurance coverage start?
The insurance coverage is effective from November 1, 2025, to October 30, 2026. - Can family members be covered?
Yes, a single policy can cover a family of four: husband, wife, and two children under the age of 25.
- What is the annual premium for an individual?
The annual premium for an individual is approximately ₹7,965, including GST. - What is the premium for a family?
The annual premium for a family of four is approximately ₹13,275, including GST. - Is the treatment cashless?
Yes, the scheme offers cashless treatment at a network of over 14,000 hospitals across India. - Does it cover pre-existing diseases?
Yes, a key feature is that the policy covers pre-existing diseases from the start, with no waiting period. - What other expenses are covered?
The policy includes coverage for room rent, ICU charges, pre-hospitalization expenses (up to 30 days), and post-hospitalization expenses (up to 60 days). - Is there coverage for accidental death?
Yes, in the event of accidental death, the scheme provides coverage of up to ₹10 lakh. - Does it cover repatriation costs?
Yes, the scheme provides up to ₹50,000 for the repatriation of a deceased person’s body from abroad to India. - Can NRKs living in other Indian states also enroll?
Yes, the scheme is open to Keralites working in other Indian states, as well as those living abroad. - How is Norka Care different from the NORKA Pravasi Raksha Insurance Policy (NPRI)?
Norka Care is a newer, more comprehensive health and accident insurance scheme with higher coverage limits (up to ₹5 lakh for health, ₹10 lakh for accident), compared to the older NPRI, which had more limited coverage for critical illnesses. - How is Norka Care related to the NORKA Pravasi Welfare Fund?
The NORKA Pravasi Welfare Fund provides various welfare schemes like pensions and financial assistance. Norka Care is a separate, new health insurance scheme that requires you to be a member of the Welfare Fund and have a valid NORKA ID.