In order to provide better financial cover to the Indian emigrant workers, the Indian Government has revamped the mandatory insurance scheme for them. The new scheme, applicable from August 1, will provide Indian emigrant worker a higher insurance coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation under the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY). 

PBBY is a scheme aimed at welfare of Indian emigrant workers who need Emigration Clearance for overseas employment. According to the new scheme, the medical insurance cover for hospitalisation for Indian workers due to injuries, sickness, ailment and diseases has been raised from existing Rs 75,000 to Rs 10,0000. This amount can be up to Rs 50,000 per hospitalisation.

 The maximum amount for insured under the Scheme remains Rs 10 lakhs in the event of accidental death or permanent disability leading to loss of employment while in employment abroad, irrespective of change of employer/location of insured person. Certification of accidental death or permanent disability by Indian Missions and Posts abroad shall be accepted by the insurance companies.

The maternity benefit to women emigrants has been increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000 in case of normal delivery and to Rs 50,000 in case of caesarean section delivery. The insured emigrant workers are also eligible for one-way air ticket in case they are not received by the employer; if there is any substantive change in the job/employment contract/agreement to the disadvantage of the insured person; or if the employment is prematurely terminated within the period of employment for no fault of the emigrant. However, the grounds for repatriation need to be certified by the Indian mission. In case of emigrant's accidental death or permanent disability, two-way fare will be paid for an attendant to the nearest airport.

Besides, the legal expenses on litigation related to emigrant's overseas employment have been enhanced from Rs 35,000 to Rs 45,000. The insurance will remain valid irrespective of change of employer or the subscriber's location during the policy period. The insurance will also remain valid during visit of subscriber to India or any third country during the period of the insurance cover. While providing the online facility for renewal of insurance policy, the Government has decided to retain the nominal insurance premium of Rs 275 and Rs 375 for a period of two and three years, respectively.