Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan demands Kerala government. reverse the premium increase for the NoRKA Care insurance scheme

Pinarayi Vijayan Harikumar JS 10721 | Photo credit: th-online admin

Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday asked the state government to take immediate steps to address the expatriate community’s concerns over the steep hike in premiums for the ‘NoRKA Care’ insurance scheme. In a post on social media, he said that the United Democratic Front (UDF) government has adopted a policy that removes existing support for emigrants who are already facing a crisis caused by the war situation in West Asia.

The government has refused to even allow a discussion of the matter in the legislature and continues to take a negative stance, despite the unanimous demands of various expatriate organizations. The premium for the ‘Family Floating’ policy (with ₹5,000 cover) has increased from ₹13,411 to a range between ₹35,664 and ₹77,773. The spike, he said, has become an unbearable financial burden for ordinary expatriates in the Gulf, who often earn meager wages, as well as senior citizens who have returned home.

“The government’s justification for this is that insurance companies are unwilling to continue with the previous agreement due to the high value of the claims made. The previous government included a provision in the NoRKA Care system that allowed those with pre-existing medical conditions to enroll. By marking this specific provision, it provided immense relief to struggling, low-income expats and their families,” said Mr.

Instead of negotiating with these companies to ensure quality services for the beneficiaries, the government decided to give in to the interests of the insurance companies. An increase in insurance rates, which are unaffordable for large parts, could threaten the entire system. According to him, the government should consider their reasonable demand for a downward revision of rates.

Published – 01 Nov 2026 19:59 IST