Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana

Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana is a mandatory insurance scheme run by the Ministry of External Affairs to protect Indian emigrant workers who fall under the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category. It gives financial security, medical cover and employment-related protection to those traveling to ECR countries for work.

As of August 2026, the scheme continues to cover ECR category workers with a premium starting as low as ₹275 plus tax for a two-year policy. The cover includes accidental death and permanent disability up to ₹10 lakh, along with hospitalization, maternity and repatriation support.

Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana - Introduction

Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana is a very important insurance program launched by the Ministry of External Affairs to shield Indian emigrant workers. If you are an individual traveling to ECR countries for employment and fall under the Emigration Check Required category, you should get this cover for your protection.

The scheme offers insurance support across the world regardless of your specific employer or location. It includes an easy online renewal facility and provides a straightforward process for certifying accidental death or permanent disability. The program makes life safer for emigrants and makes sure that you receive your claims quickly and well.

Key Information

Benefits

When you enroll in Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana, you gain access to several required safety nets:

Additional benefits include:

• Repatriation support covering actual one-way economy class airfare for medically unfit workers or those facing premature contract termination.
• Reimbursement of return economy class airfare for one attendant if an emigrant suffers accidental death or total disability.
• Coverage for transportation of mortal remains back to India in case of death.
• Convenient online renewal for your policy.
• Acceptance of death or disability certificates issued by Indian Missions and Posts abroad.

Eligibility

To take part in this scheme, you must meet basic eligibility criteria:

1. You should be an Overseas Indian who has received proper emigration clearance.
2. Your age should be between 18 and 65 years at the time of entry.

Exclusions

Claims are not paid for events before the policy starts or after it ends. Claims are also not paid if you work in a different country, profession, employer or sponsor than the one shown in the proposal form. Incidents of war, riots, strikes or civil unrest, expired passports or visas, and travel against the advice of a physician are also outside the cover.

Application Process

Application Steps

You can complete your application online through the official insurer portal, such as the one offered by IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance. Before you begin, keep your passport, visa, and work permit details handy.

STEP 1 - Visit the official insurer portal and select the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana option. If you are a new applicant, provide all requested personal and travel information.

STEP 2 - Review the details on the screen carefully and input any remaining mandatory information required by the system, including your policy tenure of two or three years.

STEP 3 - Proceed to the payment portal. You can pay your policy premium using UPI, internet banking, debit cards, credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express), or popular online wallets.

STEP 4 - Once your payment is successful, download your confirmation and digital policy receipt for your records.

Documents

Claims for accidental death:

1. Official police report regarding the accident.
2. Post-mortem report.
3. Official certification from the relevant Indian Embassy.
4. Attested copy of all pages of your passport.

Claims for permanent total disability:

1. Medical records related to your accident and treatment.
2. Official disability certificate from a recognized medical authority.
3. Original insurance policy document.
4. Claim application form signed by the claimant.

Definitions

ECR Countries

This includes Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Libya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, the UAE, and Yemen. View official list.

Accidental

This refers to any sudden, unforeseen, and involuntary event caused by external and visible forces.

Hospitalization

Admission to a hospital for at least 24 hours of inpatient care, except for specific procedures that require less time.

Family

Includes you, your spouse, and your first two dependent children up to 21 years of age.

Emigrant

An Indian citizen residing outside their home country for employment, excluding specific categories covered under official policy guidelines.

References

Scheme Guidelines | IFFCO-TOKIO Official Page | PBBY Proposal Form | PBBY Policy Wording | Oriental Insurance Document

FAQ's

Is hospitalization benefit also available for children?

Yes, family hospitalization benefits in India cover your spouse and your first two dependent children up to age 21.

Do I need to visit the Indian Mission in order to renew the insurance policy?

No, you can easily renew your policy online without visiting any office.

Are there any facilities for pregnant woman emigrants?

Yes, women emigrants can avail maternity benefits up to ₹50,000.

What benefits can a Person with Disability (PwD) emigrant avail under the scheme?

A PwD emigrant is entitled to ₹10 Lakh for total disability leading to job loss, plus the cost of return airfare for an attendant to assist them.