Is Kerala Introducing ‘Norka Care’ Insurance for Non-Resident Keralites?
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Synopsis
Kerala is making history with the launch of ‘Norka Care’, a pioneering health and accident insurance scheme for Non-Resident Keralites, addressing long-standing demands for comprehensive coverage. The initiative offers extensive benefits and aims to provide cashless medical treatment across thousands of hospitals, marking a significant milestone in support for Keralites abroad.
Key Takeaways
- The Kerala government is launching the ‘Norka Care’ insurance scheme for NRKs.
- The scheme offers extensive health and accident coverage.
- Enrollment is open from September 22 to October 22.
- Benefits will start on November 1.
- Cashless treatment is available at over 16,000 hospitals across India.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 15 (IANS) In a groundbreaking move for India, the Kerala government is preparing to launch ‘Norka Care’, a detailed health and accident insurance program tailored for Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs).
P. Sriramakrishnan, the Vice Chairman of NORKA, the agency facilitating interaction between NRKs and the Kerala government, announced that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will officially commence the scheme on September 22 in Thiruvananthapuram.
Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal will oversee the launch event, during which the Norka Care mobile application will also be introduced.
This initiative aims to provide cashless medical treatment for NRKs and their families at over 16,000 hospitals throughout India, including more than 500 hospitals in Kerala.
Efforts are being made to include hospitals in GCC countries in the near future.
Individuals possessing a Norka ID card can sign up for the program.
Returning expatriates will have the ability to maintain their policy without any interruptions.
Sriramakrishnan emphasized that comprehensive health and accident insurance has been a long-standing demand from the expatriate community, articulated repeatedly at platforms like the Loka Kerala Sabha, and is now being fulfilled through Norka Care.
Enrollment for the scheme will be available during a global registration campaign from September 22 to October 22, with benefits commencing on November 1, coinciding with Kerala Piravi Day.
According to Norka Roots CEO Ajith Kolassery, the scheme provides Rs 5 lakh for health insurance and Rs 10 lakh for accident insurance, with no age limits or compulsory medical assessments.
Kerala is home to over 2.5 million Non-Resident Keralites, with close to 90 percent residing in various Middle Eastern nations.
Since taking office in 2016, the Vijayan government has consistently been recognized for their attention to the needs of the Kerala diaspora.
The annual remittances from the Kerala diaspora, estimated to exceed one lakh crore, represent about 15 percent of Kerala’s GDP, supporting millions of families and have always been viewed as the backbone of the state's economy.
Point of View
The launch of ‘Norka Care’ by the Kerala government is a commendable initiative that underscores the importance of supporting expatriates. It recognizes the contributions of the Kerala diaspora to the state’s economy and strives to cater to their health needs, thereby reinforcing the bond between the state and its people living abroad.
NationPress
15/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘Norka Care’?
‘Norka Care’ is a health and accident insurance scheme launched by the Kerala government specifically for Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs).
Who can enroll in the scheme?
Individuals holding a Norka ID card can enroll in the ‘Norka Care’ insurance scheme.
What are the coverage amounts?
The scheme offers Rs 5 lakh for health insurance and Rs 10 lakh for accident insurance.
When does enrollment open?
Enrollment will be open from September 22 to October 22.
When will the benefits start?
The benefits of the scheme will commence on November 1, coinciding with Kerala Piravi Day.
