Indian workers in Kuwait who have taken Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojna (PBBY) insurance while coming to Kuwait can claim up to 1 lakh rupee as medical insurance cover for any injuries / sickness / ailment / diseases (up to Rs. 50,000 per hospitalization).
PBBY is a mandatory scheme by Government of India for all blue-collar workers holding Emigration Clearance Required (ECR) category passports and also for Nursing staff. This category passport holders need Emigration Clearance from Indian authorities before they take up employment in 17 foreign countries, including Kuwait. Non-ECR Passport holders can also join the PBBY to benefit from the protections available under the scheme.
Though many of the laborers working in Kuwait might have this Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojna scheme, a majority of them might not be aware of its benefits. PBBY scheme provides an insurance cover of 10 lakhs rupee in case of accidental death or permanent disability and some other benefits at a nominal insurance premium of Rs. 275 and Rs. 375 for a period of two and three years respectively.
The Embassy of India in Kuwait had published various benefits of PBBY scheme on their social media platforms, which can be of use by the Indian workers in Kuwait.
Along with the coverage of Rupee 10 Lakhs in case of Accidental Death or Permanent Disability leading to loss of employment, this scheme also reimburse return economy class air fare to the nearest international airport to one attendant in case of emigrant's accidental death or permanent disability.
This scheme offers a medical insurance cover for injuries / sickness / ailment / diseases up to INR 1 Lakh (up to INR 50,000/- per hospitalization) and also one-way economy class air fare to the nearest international airport in India for medically unfit and premature termination of employment.
Other benefits of the scheme includes, family hospitalization in India for up to INR 50,000/- for Spouse and first two children up to 21 years of age, Maternity expenses benefit to women Emigrants available up to INR 50,000/- and Legal expenses for Labor grievances/disputes up to INR 30,000/-.
PBBY Policy can be renewed on-line after the initial period of 2/3 years. This scheme will remain valid even in case of change of Employer or location of Insured.
For claiming any of these benefits, Certification of Accidental Death / Permanent Disability can be obtained from the Embassy of India.
Also for the convenience of NRIs in Kuwait, the authorized agencies for PBBY scheme - The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd., and The New India Assurance Corporation Ltd., have office in Kuwait, which makes it more convenient for Indian workers to avail the benefits of this scheme.