NORKA Care expansion on cards: Kerala mulls cover for returned expats, parents of members

Malayalis who returned after working abroad are still waiting for an opportunity to join NORKA Care, the low-cost health and accident insurance scheme launched by NORKA Roots in November 2025. Members receive health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh and accident death coverage of ₹10 lakh for a year. However, returning expats cannot join the scheme, and existing members cannot add their parents — both issues causing widespread grievances.

Eligibility restrictions raise complaints

At present, only those living abroad or in other Indian states are eligible to enrol. Members who return to Kerala can continue in the scheme, but new enrolment is blocked for those already back home. While spouses and children can be added, parents cannot. The annual premium is ₹8,101 per individual, and ₹13,411 for a family comprising a couple and two children. An additional ₹4,130 must be paid per extra child. Individuals up to 70 years are eligible for membership.

Cashless treatment but limited hospital network abroad

Cashless treatment is available at 11,000 hospitals across India, including around 700 in Kerala. Reimbursement is allowed at other hospitals. All treatments are available from day one, with no waiting period. However, expats say the scheme must list at least a few major hospitals abroad, as the current network includes only Indian hospitals. Some also allege that certain hospitals listed do not offer the promised benefits, but NORKA Roots claims these are isolated incidents.

Membership crosses five lakh

As of November 30, 2025, 1,37,000 expatriates had joined NORKA Care. Including their family members, total membership now stands at around five lakh. In the first two months alone, the scheme disbursed ₹43 crore in medical benefits. Enrolment renewal and fresh applications will open again in October this year.

Returned expats seek inclusion

“Those who have returned to Kerala need health insurance the most. Yet they are denied NORKA Cards and NORKA Care insurance. The government must include the nearly 14 lakh returning expats in the scheme,” said Haneefa Mooniyoor, state president of the Pravasi League.

Government says changes under consideration

“The government is actively considering including the returned expats and the parents of existing members in NORKA Care. Significant benefits were provided within just two months of launch. More reforms will be introduced soon,” said Ajith Kollassery, CEO, NORKA Roots.