Dubai: Indian expats from Kerala living in the UAE have the opportunity to secure a new health insurance policy just in time for the south Indian state’s most important festival, Onam.

As reported by Gulf News on Sunday, the Kerala Government’s Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) has announced the launch of ‘Norka Care’, a new health insurance plan offering coverage of Rs500,000 (around Dh21,000) for an annual premium of less than Dh1 per day for Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs).

If you are among the estimated one-million-plus Keralite community in the UAE, here is what you need to know:

Who is eligible?

You should be an NRK aged between 18 and 70.

You should hold a NORKA Pravasi ID Card.

How much is the premium?

· Individuals can enrol with Rs7,800.

· Families can also enrol. Rs13,200 covers a family of four (husband, wife, two children under 25).

· Enrolling each additional child requires Rs4,000 extra.

· All rates exclude GST.

Coverage and benefits

· Cashless treatment at more than 14,000 hospitals across India, including 410 in Kerala.

· Pre-existing conditions covered with no waiting period.

· Costs of repatriation of mortal remains covered up to Rs50,000.

· e-Card plus a valid photo ID allows hospitals to start treatment immediately.

Enrolment period and process

· Enrolment campaign opens on September 22 and closes on October 22.

· The official policy document will be released on November 1.

· Applicants must first obtain a NORKA ID through the official website of Norka.

· Enrolment and payments can be made via a dedicated mobile app supporting Indian and international cards (Visa, Mastercard).

· The app will also launch on September 22.

· Once enrolled, the applicant will receive the e-Card.

What is NORKA Pravasi ID

The Pravasi ID Card is the single stop entity for an NRK to connect with the Kerala Government. This multi-purpose photo identity card entitles every NRK to avail all services and facilities offered by NORKA Roots.

It is open to all NRKs holding a valid visa. Additionally, non-resident Keralites residing outside Kerala but within India can also become members of the NRK ID card.

Eligibility for NORKA ID

• Age 18-70 years
• You should be an NRK residing or working outside India with a valid passport and visa for at least 6 months.

Documents required for ID

Before applying, make sure that all the required documents are scanned and prepared in JPEG formats of the following documents:

· Passport: Copies of the front and address pages

· Visa/Work Permit/Residence Permit copy

· Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo

· Signature: Scanned signature of the applicant

· Registration Fee: Rs408 per card (including GST for three years)

How to register for the ID

· Visit the official NORKA Roots portal: https://id.norkaroots.kerala.gov.in/

· Create an account or log in if you already have one.

· Fill in the required personal details and upload the necessary documents.

· Pay the registration fee online.

Important dates:

September 22: Enrolment campaign begins with inauguration of the Norka Care plan by the Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan.

October 22: Enrolment campaign ends

November 1: Insurance plan rolls out on Kerala Day, the State Formation Day.

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