Kerala launches NoRKA Care portal offering ₹3 lakh to ₹1 crore insurance coverage
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Health policy & public health· Prelims·
Social security for diaspora: a GS2 case study on state-sponsored welfare and digital governance.
Why in news
The Kerala State government launched a new enrolment portal for 'NoRKA Care', a health and accident insurance scheme for Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) for the 2026-27 period.
Background
The scheme offers eight coverage slabs ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹1 crore for NRKs aged 18 to 70. It includes coverage for pre-existing medical conditions from day one (within India) and covers the policyholder, spouse, and parents (up to age 110).
Facts for Prelims
- SchemeNoRKA Care: A health and accident insurance scheme for Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) launched by the Kerala State government.
- FactNoRKA Care coverage slabs: ₹3 lakh, ₹5 lakh, ₹10 lakh, ₹15 lakh, ₹20 lakh, ₹25 lakh, ₹50 lakh, and ₹1 crore.
- FactEligibility: Expatriates aged 18 to 70 holding a NoRKA Pravasi ID, Student ID, or NRK ID card.
- FactPre-existing conditions: Covered from the first day of the policy, but only valid within India.
- FactRegistration deadline: New applicants can register until November 30, 2026.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the NoRKA Care scheme launched by the Kerala government, consider the following statements:
- The insurance coverage slabs range from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
- The scheme covers the policyholder, spouse, and parents up to age 110.
- The scheme provides coverage for pre-existing medical conditions from the first day of the policy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The scheme offers eight coverage slabs ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹1 crore.
For Mains
Q. Examine the significance of state-sponsored insurance schemes for the diaspora in ensuring social security and fostering long-term ties with the home state.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Social security: Providing health safety nets for the diaspora to mitigate risks of medical inflation.
- Digital governance: Leveraging mobile apps and SOS features to provide real-time emergency support to NRKs.
- Inclusionary policy: Covering pre-existing conditions and elderly parents to ensure comprehensive family welfare.
Keywords: Social Security · Diaspora Welfare · Digital Governance · Health Insurance · Non-Resident Keralites
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