Cheif Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Launches NORKA Care Global for Non-Resident Keralites

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated NORKA Care Global, the Kerala government’s comprehensive health and accident insurance scheme for Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs), at a launch event held at Hyatt Regency. The scheme provides health and accident coverage to Keralites living abroad, including students and NRKs with valid NORKA ID cards.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of the scheme, noting that providing life and accident insurance for NRKs had long been a demand raised at the Loka Kerala Sabha. “NORKA Care Global reflects the attention and commitment of the Kerala government to the welfare of Malayalis worldwide,” he said. The scheme is implemented by NORKA Roots to ensure the safety and well-being of NRKs across the globe.

The coverage under NORKA Care Global will become effective from November 1, Kerala Piravi Day. NRKs will receive health insurance coverage of up to five lakh rupees and accident insurance coverage of up to ten lakh rupees. One of the scheme’s key advantages is its lower premium compared to existing insurance options. It also covers pre-existing conditions without any waiting period and provides cashless treatment in over 500 hospitals in Kerala and more than 16,000 hospitals across India, including major national hospitals. While the scheme is currently limited to India, the government plans to expand coverage to GCC countries in the future.

The Chief Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting NRKs, who play a vital role in Kerala’s economy through their hard work and remittances. He explained that NORKA provides support across all stages of migration,before, during, and after, and stressed that no other agency in India offers such comprehensive services.

Highlighting the expansion of NORKA projects over the past decade, he noted that the number of initiatives has grown from 13 in 2016 to 20 today, with the budget increasing from Rs 25 crore to Rs 150 crore. Notable programs include the NORKA job portal, skill development courses through NORKA Roots, the Triple Win project sending nurses to Germany, agreements with Japan, the Netherlands, and South Korea, the Santhwanam project, and the Pravasi Dividend scheme. Other initiatives such as the Overseas Keralites Investment Holding Limited, NRI Construction Company, Women’s Cell, CDS Global Migration Center, and NORKA Cooperative Society have also been successfully implemented.

The global registration drive for NORKA Care Global will run from September 22 to October 22, and the NORKA Care Global mobile app was launched during the event. Eligible participants include NRKs with valid NORKA PRAVASI ID, Student ID, or NRK ID cards. Families residing in other states will also benefit from cashless treatment facilities, ensuring convenience and security.

The Chief Minister observed that the overwhelming response at the function reflected strong interest among NRKs. “I urge all Non-Resident Keralites worldwide to take advantage of NORKA Care Global,” he said, inaugurating the scheme with enthusiasm.

The e-card for the first NRK family to enroll in the scheme was handed over during the event by P Sreeramakrishnan, NORKA Roots Resident Vice Chairman.

The annual premium is approximately Rs 13,275 for the NRK, their spouse, and two children under 25 years of age. Existing medical conditions are also covered under the insurance. NRKs who return to India after taking the policy can continue the scheme.

For more information, people in India can contact the toll-free number 1800 425 3939, and those abroad can use +91-8802 012 345 (missed call service).