Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana

Which Countries Fall Under the ECR Category?

At present, 18 countries fall under the ECR category. Check out the following table to get the list of 18 ECR countries where Indian emigrants need to obtain a Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana for overseas employment:

Benefits of Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana 

Take a look at some of the benefits of Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana:

1. Safeguards Emigrant Workers’ Interests

   This health insurance scheme has been designed to safeguard the interests of Indian emigrants working outside India. It aims to provide financial support to overseas Indian professionals and emigrant workers in case of medical adversity, accidental death & disability or loss of job.

2. Comprehensive Coverage

   The PBBY scheme provides comprehensive coverage to Indian emigrants working abroad by covering their overseas hospitalization and maternity expenses. It also offers personal accidental cover that pays compensation in case the emigrant worker suffers from accidental death or disability abroad.

3. Affordable Premiums

   The premium for a Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana policy is more affordable than a regular global health insurance policy. You can get a 2-year policy for Rs 275 (+GST) and a 3-year policy for Rs 375 (+GST), which is way lower than other health plans.

4. Simplified Process for Death/Disability Certification

   Under the PBBY scheme, health insurance companies in India will accept the accidental death or permanent disability certificate issued by the Indian Missions and Posts for the emigrant worker. Thus, it simplifies the process of obtaining these certifications and, in turn, leads to faster settlement of claims.

5. Online Policy Renewal

   Just like a regular health insurance policy, the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana can be renewed online without any hassles.

What is Covered by Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana?

The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana provides the following coverage:

• Accidental Death & Disability - It pays a compensation of Rs 10 lakh in case the emigrant worker dies or suffers from permanent disability due to an accident abroad.
• Hospitalization Expenses - It covers hospitalization expenses for up to Rs 1 lakh if the emigrant worker is injured, sick or diagnosed with a disease, including mental illnesses.
• Maternity Expenses - It pays for the maternity expenses of women emigrant workers for up to Rs 50,000.
• Family Hospitalization in India - It covers medical expenses incurred by the emigrant’s spouse and children in India for up to Rs 50,000.
• Legal Expenses - It pays for legal expenses for up to Rs 45,000 incurred on the litigation of an emigrant worker’s employment in the ECR country.
• Repatriation Cover for Medically Unfit/ Premature Employment Termination - It covers the actual cost of a one-way economy class air ticket to the nearest international airport in India.
• Compassionate Travel - It reimburses the cost of an economy class return air ticket of one attendant in case of accidental death or permanent disability of the emigrant worker.

Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana Eligibility Criteria

Take a look at the eligibility criteria for Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana below:

• Indian citizens falling under the ECR category or requiring an emigration clearance under the Emigration Act 1983.
• Indian citizens of various professions falling under the work categories listed in Section 2(O) of the Emigration Act 1983 who are employed abroad. 
• Indians between the age of 18 to 65 years

What is Not Covered by Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana?

The following coverage is not available under Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana:

• Claims related to events/accidents before the PPBY scheme was purchased
• OPD treatments
• Intentional self-harm, such as suicide or an attempt to suicide
• Treatment for HIV AIDS or venereal diseases
• Injuries or accidents resulting from war, civil unrest or riots in the country of employment
• Medical expenses incurred while travelling against the advice of the doctor
• Accidents or illnesses resulting from nuclear activities and ionizing radiation
• Treatment for asbestosis resulting from prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres during work
• Claims resulting from involvement in a criminal or illegal activity in the country of employment

Reasons for Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana Claim Rejections 

Here are some of the reasons why a Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana claim can get rejected:

• If the professional details about your country of employment, profession or employer disclosed in the proposal forms are incorrect or have not been updated
• If your passport or visa expires during the tenure of the PBBY scheme and is not renewed by the time of claim
• If you travel overseas employment despite being diagnosed with a terminal illness
• If you travel overseas despite a travel ban by the Indian government

Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana Waiting Periods

The following waiting periods apply to Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana:

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