Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY): A Guide for Indian Workers Abroad

The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) is a mandatory insurance scheme from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. It is designed to protect Indian emigrant workers holding Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports who are taking up employment in 18 specified ECR countries.

For families in India and NRIs managing affairs for relatives, understanding this policy is crucial. The PBBY provides a safety net against various risks associated with overseas employment, including accidental death, disability, medical emergencies, and legal issues. This guide details the policy's premiums, coverage, benefits, and the process for making a claim.

PBBY Insurance: Key Figures at a Glance

Figures are based on the PBBY 2017 revision. Family hospitalization cover is applicable only in the event of the insured person's death or permanent disability.

• Policy Premium (2-Year Period) — ₹275 + GST
• Policy Premium (3-Year Period) — ₹375 + GST
• Accidental Death or Permanent Disability Cover — ₹10,00,000
• Overseas Medical Cover (Sickness/Injury) — Up to ₹1,00,000
• Family Hospitalization Cover in India — Up to ₹50,000 per annum
• Maternity Benefit (for Women Emigrants) — Up to ₹50,000
• Legal Expenses Cover — Up to ₹45,000

Rates shown are as per the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India (2017) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

PBBY Premiums and Policy Duration

The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana is a time-bound policy with premiums set by the government. The cost is directly related to the duration of the employment contract.

As per the latest information, the premium structure is as follows:

The policy remains valid for the duration of the employment contract, which is typically two or three years. It is essential to ensure the policy covers the entire contract period.

• For a policy period of two years, the premium is ₹275 + GST.
• For a policy period of three years, the premium is ₹375 + GST.

Who Needs a PBBY Policy? Mandatory Enrolment Explained

The PBBY is not optional; it is a compulsory requirement for a specific category of Indian workers. Enrolment is mandatory for all Indian citizens holding an Emigration Check Required (ECR) category passport who are going for employment to any of the 18 designated ECR countries.

These countries include the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Malaysia, and others. The PBBY policy is a critical document needed to obtain Emigration Clearance from a Protector of Emigrants (POE) office.

The entire process is integrated into the government's eMigrate portal. This online system connects foreign employers, recruiting agents, and the insurance companies authorized to offer the PBBY policy. An emigrant worker cannot receive emigration clearance without first purchasing a valid PBBY policy through this system.

Comprehensive Coverage and Benefits Under PBBY

The PBBY 2017 scheme offers a wide range of benefits to safeguard the worker and provide support to their family back in India. The coverage is global, meaning it remains active even if the worker legally changes employers or location during the policy period.

• Accidental Death or Permanent Disability: The policy provides a sum of ₹10,00,000 (Ten Lakhs) payable to the nominee or legal heir. This applies if the worker suffers death or permanent disability that results in loss of employment while overseas. The certification of death or disability by Indian Missions or Posts abroad is accepted for claim settlement.
• Medical and Hospitalization Cover: The scheme includes overseas medical coverage up to ₹1,00,000 for sickness, injury, or diseases. This is often subject to a limit of ₹50,000 per single hospitalization event.
• Family Hospitalization in India: A significant benefit for the family in India is a hospitalization cover of up to ₹50,000 per year. This is available for the spouse and the first two children (up to 21 years of age) in the unfortunate event of the insured worker's death or permanent disability.
• Maternity Benefits: For women emigrants, a maternity benefit is included. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) states a cover of up to ₹50,000 for maternity expenses. It is worth noting that some other sources mention a figure of ₹35,000, but the MEA is considered the primary source.
• Repatriation Cover: The policy covers the actual cost of a one-way economy class air ticket to the nearest international airport in India if the worker is deemed medically unfit to continue employment or if their job is terminated prematurely for reasons not of their making. In the event of a worker's death, it also covers the cost of transporting the mortal remains back to India. Furthermore, it reimburses the return airfare for one attendant if required in case of the emigrant's accidental death or permanent disability.
• Legal Expenses: If the worker faces legal issues related to their employment, the policy provides for the reimbursement of legal fees up to ₹45,000.

How to File a PBBY Claim from India or Abroad

The claims process for the PBBY has been streamlined and made accessible online to ensure timely settlement. Claims can be initiated from any location with an internet connection, whether by the worker in the Gulf or their family in India.

The primary method for filing a claim is through the official eMigrate portal (https://emigrate.gov.in). The portal has a specific section to 'Submit Claim for PBBY policy'. To start the process, the claimant only needs the insured emigrant's passport number. If the worker's details are in the eMigrate system, their information will be auto-populated, simplifying the process.

Claims can be filed by several parties:

Once a claim is lodged on the portal, it is automatically assigned to the relevant insurance company for processing and settlement. The insurance company will then communicate the specific documents required for the claim, such as medical reports, death certificates, or employment termination letters. If there are difficulties with the online submission, claims can also be sent via email to helpline@mea.gov.in.

• The emigrant worker themselves
• Relatives or friends of the worker
• Protectors of Emigrants (PoEs)
• Indian Missions and Posts abroad
• Indian Workers Resource Centers (IWRCs)
• Recruiting Agents (RAs)

Policy Renewal and Continuous Coverage

Continuous insurance coverage is vital for the protection of the emigrant worker. The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana policy can be renewed online if the employment contract is extended. This ensures that the worker remains protected without any gaps in coverage.

The renewal can be completed through the eMigrate portal or directly on the websites of the insurance companies authorized to issue PBBY policies. It is the responsibility of the worker to ensure their policy is renewed in a timely manner to align with their extended employment period.

More guides for NRIs and international patients

Related guides from our NRI and international patient hub:

• Can NRIs & OCI Cardholders Use Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)? A Guide for Families
• CGHS for NRI Pensioners Living Abroad: A Complete Guide
• OCI Card Holder Treatment at Indian Government Hospitals: A Guide
• ECHS for Veteran Pensioners Abroad: A Guide for NRIs and OCIs
• Healthcare in India for NRIs and international patients: all guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) mandatory for all Indians working abroad?

No, the PBBY is not mandatory for all Indian workers. It is compulsory only for those who hold an Emigration Check Required (ECR) passport and are going for employment to one of the 18 specified ECR countries, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.

My father is working in the UAE on an ECR passport. How can we file a medical claim under his PBBY policy?

You or your father can file a claim online through the eMigrate portal (emigrate.gov.in). You will need his passport number to initiate the claim. The portal will guide you through the process, and the claim will be sent directly to the insurance company for settlement.

What happens to the PBBY insurance if the worker changes their job or employer in the Gulf?

The PBBY policy provides global cover. According to the scheme's provisions, the insurance remains valid even if the worker changes employer or location during the policy's term, as long as the change is legal.

Does the PBBY policy cover the family members living in India?

Yes, but under specific circumstances. The policy provides a family hospitalization cover in India for the spouse and the first two children (up to 21 years) of up to ₹50,000 per year. However, this benefit is only activated in the event of the insured worker's death or permanent disability.

How much does the PBBY insurance cost and how long is it valid for?

The premium is ₹275 + GST for a two-year policy and ₹375 + GST for a three-year policy. The policy is valid for the duration of the employment contract, either two or three years as applicable.

What documents are needed to start a PBBY claim from India for a relative abroad?

To initiate a claim online via the eMigrate portal, the primary piece of information you need is the insured person's passport number. Once the claim is lodged and assigned to the insurance company, they will contact you with a list of specific documents required, which may include medical records, police reports, or death certificates, depending on the nature of the claim.

Can I renew my PBBY policy from abroad if my contract is extended?

Yes, the PBBY policy can be renewed online. You can do this through the eMigrate portal or directly on the website of the insurance provider to ensure you have continuous coverage for your extended employment period.

Related

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• Government health schemes in India: a guide
• Treatment costs in India: a complete guide
• Government hospital OPD appointment guides for every Indian state

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.