The Kerala government’s NORKA Care health and accident insurance scheme for expatriate Keralites and their families has achieved a significant milestone by enrolling over 100,000 beneficiaries within just 40 days of its launch on September 22, 2025. This innovative scheme, implemented by the Kerala government through NORKA Roots, offers comprehensive coverage, including Rs 5 lakh health insurance and Rs 10 lakh accident insurance per family. The enrollment drive has seen extensive participation from the global expatriate community and organizations, with protection set to come into effect from November 1, 2025, coinciding with Kerala Piravi Day.
The scheme provides cashless treatment at approximately 18,000 hospitals across India, including over 500 hospitals in Kerala. Expatriates holding valid NORKA Pravasi ID, Student ID, or NRK ID cards are eligible to enroll, with premium options starting at ₹13,411 for a family floater covering spouse and two children under 25 years. Individual personal insurance is priced at ₹8,101. The scheme has been widely welcomed as a landmark initiative in providing health security to the global Malayali community, with nearly two lakh expatriate Keralites having utilized the NORKA expat ID card service this financial year alone.
An official ceremony to hand over insurance certificates will be held on November 1, 2025, in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The ceremony will be attended by NORKA Roots Resident Vice Chairman P Sreeramakrishnan, New India Insurance Deputy General Manager Joyce Satheesh, and NORKA Roots CEO Ajit Kolassery. The scheme reinforces Kerala’s commitment to the well-being and security of its expatriate population, and expatriates can visit the official NORKA Roots website or use the NORKA mobile application for more details and registration. This initiative is a significant step towards providing health security to the global Malayali community, and its success is a testament to the Kerala government’s efforts to support its expatriate population.