AI SummaryBihar State Journalist Insurance Scheme gives working media representatives in the state a financial safety cover of ₹5,00,000 through group mediclaim and personal accident insurance. Government of Bihar launched this scheme in 2014, and Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) manages it for working journalists and other media staff.
Scheme opens for fresh applications and annual renewal every year. For the 2026-27 coverage year, IPRD invited online applications in February 2026 with a last date of 17 February 2026, which was later extended to 21 February 2026.
Journalist Insurance Scheme - Introduction
Bihar State Journalist Insurance Scheme covers a journalist, spouse and up to two dependent children under one group policy. Policy remains valid for one year and can be renewed every year. This makes sure the family stays protected against sudden treatment costs and accidental risks throughout the working life of a journalist.
Premium is shared between government and journalist. Government pays 80% of the premium and journalist pays the remaining 20%. For 2026-27 renewal, the journalist contribution was ₹6,462, payable only as a demand draft in favour of Director, Information Department, Bihar Government, payable at State Bank of India, Sinchai Bhawan, Patna. Cash and cheque were not accepted.
Application process is now online. Applicant has to register on the department portal with name, mobile number and email, verify the OTP, then fill the form and upload required documents. After submission, a printout of the application along with the premium demand draft has to be handed over to the District Public Relation Officer before the last date. Applications received after the deadline were not considered for 2026-27.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Bihar State Journalist Insurance Scheme (Bihar Rajya Patrakar Bima Yojana) |
| State | Bihar |
| Beneficiary | Working journalists and media representatives |
| Benefit Amount | ₹5,00,000 |
| Premium Share | Government 80%, journalist 20% |
| Main Department | Information and Public Relations Department |
| Application Mode | Online on department portal, with printout to District Public Relation Officer |
Benefits
Scheme provides complete protection for media professionals. Benefits under the policy are given below:
| Coverage Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Personal Accident Insurance | ₹5,00,000 |
| Medical Expense Coverage | ₹5,00,000 |
Note: Journalist only needs to pay 20% of the premium, while the government covers the remaining 80%. Coverage extends to the spouse and two dependent children of the journalist.
Eligibility
Check who can apply before starting the application:
- Journalist or media representative currently working in Bihar.
- At least 5 years of professional experience in journalism.
- Age between 21 and 70 years.
- Independent journalists need to hold a valid press accreditation card.
- Minimum qualification of matriculation.
- Journalists working for a private news channel must make sure the channel telecasts reach at least 20 districts in the state.
- Coverage for a son is valid up to 23 years (or 25 if he is a student), and for a daughter until her marriage.
Exclusions
Maternity-related treatment costs are not included under the mediclaim policy of this scheme.
Application Process
IPRD releases an application notice for every coverage year on its official website. Same online process will be used for the next cycle. Steps are given below:
STEP 1 - Go to the official website of Information and Public Relations Department, Bihar and open the journalist insurance scheme page. Find the application form link for the current coverage year on the department portal.
STEP 2 - Register on the portal by entering full name, email id and mobile number, then submit. OTP will come on the mobile number and email. Enter the OTP in the given place to verify the account.
STEP 3 - After OTP verification, login id and password will be sent on email. Login to the portal and fill the application form with personal, professional and family details.
STEP 4 - Upload required documents and photo in PDF format (up to 2 MB). Preview the form, check all details and submit it online.
STEP 5 - Take a printout of the submitted application. Prepare a demand draft of the annual premium contribution (₹6,462 for 2026-27) in favour of Director, Information Department, Bihar Government, payable at State Bank of India, Sinchai Bhawan, Patna.
STEP 6 - Submit the application printout along with the premium demand draft to the District Public Relation Officer of your district before the last date. Make sure to collect a receipt as proof of submission.
Claim Process: In case of an accident or medical need, report the incident to the insurance company and IPRD within seven days to start the claim.
Documents Required
Keep the below documents ready before filling the online application:
- Five passport-size photographs.
- Appointment or affiliation letter from the employer.
- Birth certificate or age proof.
- Proof of registration for the media organization.
- Work experience certificate.
- Valid press accreditation card.
- Evidence of premium contribution.
- Affidavit regarding any pending civil or criminal matters.
- Signed declaration of the nominee.
References
Official scheme rules, application form and annual notices are released on the website of Information and Public Relations Department, Bihar (state.bihar.gov.in/prdbihar). The 2026-27 application notice was covered by Live Hindustan.
Bihar invites applications for journalist insurance scheme 2026-27, Live Hindustan
FAQ's
What benefits does this scheme provide?
You get personal accident insurance and medical coverage up to ₹5,00,000 for yourself and your dependents.
What is the premium sharing ratio?
Government pays 80% of the premium, and you contribute 20%.
How much premium did a journalist pay for 2026-27?
Contribution for 2026-27 was ₹6,462, payable as a demand draft in favour of Director, Information Department, Bihar Government.
Is the application done online?
Yes. Application is filled online on the department portal after registration and OTP verification, and its printout along with the premium demand draft is submitted to the District Public Relation Officer.
What happens if I miss the last date?
Applications received after the deadline are not considered. You have to wait for the next annual application notice from IPRD.
How long is the policy valid?
Insurance is valid for one year, and you may renew it every year.
Are there specific age limits for children?
Your son is covered until 23 years old (or 25 if studying), and your daughter is covered until she marries.
Does this cover pre-existing diseases?
Yes. Scheme covers declared and undeclared diseases without any waiting period.
Can I apply even if I hold other insurance?
Yes, but you are required to declare any existing mediclaim policies in your application.
Are there hospital limitations?
You can get cashless treatment at hospitals tied up with the insurance company; other valid treatments are covered through reimbursement.
How do I track my application?
You can check the status on the IPRD website or by visiting your District Public Relation Officer.