The government of Kerala, via NORKA Roots, has launched NORKA Care to provide fast, affordable and portable medical protection to Keralites living abroad, as well as Indian students from Kerala studying abroad, at their request. The insurance scheme is designed to facilitate access to medical care, keep illness or accident-related financial shocks to a minimum, and strengthen the connection between the state and its expatriate navigation.
In this article, we will discuss what NORKA Care encompasses, who is eligible, how to sign up (including costs and deadlines), the immediate benefits of the scheme, and the expected next steps in expanding and creating portable benefits.
What Is NORKA Care?
NORKA Care is an all-encompassing medical and accident insurance program that the Kerala government offers to Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) and Keralite students residing overseas. The scheme offers ₹5 lakh in health insurance and ₹10 lakh as accidental death cover. The scheme will be open for membership during a worldwide registration period before it becomes effective on 1 November (Kerala Piravi Day).
Key Features And Coverage
Kerala crafted the scheme to be convenient for expatriates and students:
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Coverage Limits – The whole-of-life policy provides health coverage of ₹5 lakh and accidental coverage of ₹10 lakh to lessen the immediate expense of these admissions or for the catastrophic event.
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No Waiting For Pre-Existing Conditions – The scheme clearly covers pre-existing diseases; this is the largest equity for persons with chronic illnesses, as the scheme allows immediate coverage without having to endure a waiting period.
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Age Band & Portability - Persons between the ages of 18 and 70 can enrol in the plan; the policy explicitly outlines portability and renewal provisions for expatriates returning to India. Each will have benefits while outside of India, just as each would have the same coverage when it is renewed.
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Cashless Treatment Network – Members can obtain cashless treatment at more than 16,000 hospitals in India, with approximately 500 in Kerala. The network intends to provide claims as easily and "paperless" as possible.
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Low, Fixed Premium – the published rates at the launch included annual rates of just under ₹8,101 per individual policy and an annual rate of just under ₹13,411 for family (husband, wife and 2 kids under 25 years of age), which does not add on any more for the late adolescent (the family plan would include a child). After all, the focus of this scheme is to support expatriate family health.
Also Read: Snehapoorvam Scheme: Financial Support for Orphaned Children In Kerala
What Is The Eligibility Criteria Of NOKRA Care?
NORKA Care is aimed at Keralites living or working overseas and Keralite students studying abroad:
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Applicants must have a NORKA Pravasi/NRK ID or a NORKA student ID.
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Age eligibility is 18-70 years.
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Policyholders must have a current passport and visa (in many jurisdictions, the scheme anticipates at least six months of foreign residency/visa validity).
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These measures are intended to ensure that the scheme is available to bona fide expatriates while allowing manageable enrolment.
How To Apply For NOKRA Care?
Kerala has launched a global registration process and has provided both a web-based application for enrolment and a mobile app. This is done by the following steps:
Step 1: If you already have a NORKA/Pravasi ID or a Student ID, have it handy; otherwise, go to the NORKA Roots portal and apply for an ID.
Step 2: The global registration period starts from 22 September to 22 October (check NORKA's website for dates for other years), and during that time, complete an online form and upload the documents required (your ID/passport/visa, and your contact details).
Step 3: Pay the indicated annual premium (individual/family coverage, etc) through the portal or mobile app, and you will receive a reference number.
Step 4: Coverage starts on 1 November (Kerala Piravi Day); once this starts, you will be able to access your policy documents and a helpline (from the portal and/or mobile app) to answer any questions you have.
Also Read: Kerala Budget 2025-26: Balancing Fiscal Constraints With Development Initiatives
Hospitals, Claims And Assistance
On launch, there is an extensive domestic empanelment with 16,000 hospitals throughout the country (of which approximately 500 will be in Kerala), which includes cashless treatment access for you and your family throughout India. The NORKA team is also planning to discuss the expansion of benefits to hospital networks in GCC countries, where many Keralite expatriates reside. The program will have a global call centre/helpline available 24/7 and a mobile app to manage your enrolment and allow tracking of any claims you need help with.
Conclusion
NORKA Care is a practical, pro-diaspora policy that acknowledges the social and economic connections between Kerala and its expatriates. The plan offers traveller and accident insurance at an affordable price, with access to multiple hospitals and support services—paving the way for Kerala to lead the way in state-based welfare for migrants. Any potential beneficiaries should sign up during the international registration period and check portability guidelines if considering returning to India.
If you are an NRK or a student from Kerala living abroad, check your NORKA ID and either register on the NORKA Roots portal or get the NORKA Care app during the international registration period and early registration so your family is protected starting 1 November.
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