Indian laborers employed in Kuwait who have enrolled in the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojna (PBBY) insurance scheme are entitled to significant medical coverage, with the ability to claim up to 1 lakh rupee for injuries, sickness, ailments, or diseases, with a cap of Rs. 50,000 per hospitalization.

PBBY is a mandatory insurance program mandated by the Government of India for blue-collar workers holding Emigration Clearance Required (ECR) category passports, including Nursing staff. This category of passport holders requires Emigration Clearance from Indian authorities before taking up employment in 17 foreign countries, including Kuwait. Additionally, non-ECR Passport holders can also opt for PBBY to avail themselves of the scheme's protective benefits.

While many laborers in Kuwait may have enrolled in the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojna scheme, a significant number may not be fully aware of its extensive benefits. The PBBY scheme provides a generous insurance cover of 10 lakhs rupees in the event of accidental death or permanent disability, along with other benefits, all at a nominal insurance premium of Rs. 275 for two years and Rs. 375 for three years.

The Embassy of India in Kuwait has disseminated information about the various benefits of the PBBY scheme through its social media platforms, offering valuable insights to Indian workers in Kuwait.

In addition to the coverage of Rs. 10 lakhs for accidental death or permanent disability resulting in the loss of employment, the scheme also includes the reimbursement of return economy class airfare for one attendant in the case of an emigrant's accidental death or permanent disability.

The PBBY scheme further extends medical insurance coverage for injuries, sickness, ailments, or diseases up to INR 1 Lakh (with a limit of INR 50,000 per hospitalization) and provides one-way economy class airfare to the nearest international airport in India for those medically unfit or facing premature termination of employment.

Additional benefits of the scheme include family hospitalization in India for up to INR 50,000 for spouses and the first two children up to 21 years of age, maternity expenses benefit for women emigrants up to INR 50,000, and legal expenses for labor grievances or disputes up to INR 30,000.

The PBBY policy can be conveniently renewed online after the initial period of 2/3 years, remaining valid even in the case of a change of employer or location of the insured.

To claim any of these benefits, a Certification of Accidental Death or Permanent Disability can be obtained from the Embassy of India. For the convenience of NRIs in Kuwait, the authorized agencies for the PBBY scheme, namely The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. and The New India Assurance Corporation Ltd., have offices in Kuwait, making it easier for Indian workers to access the scheme's benefits.