Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana 2026

This is a mandatory insurance scheme by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) designed to protect Indian Read More... workers going abroad for jobs, especially those needing Emigration Check Required (ECR) clearance. Read less

Details

Heading out to work abroad? The Indian government has a special insurance scheme to look out for your safety and financial security. It's called the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY), and it's a big help for Indian emigrant workers.

What Is This Scheme?

The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana is a compulsory insurance plan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) runs it to safeguard the interests of Indian workers who are going overseas for employment. This scheme is particularly for those workers who fall under the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category and are heading to ECR countries.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is specifically for Indian citizens who are going abroad for work. They must have cleared emigration. The age requirement is between 18 to 65 years.

Why This Scheme Is Important

Working abroad can come with risks. PBBY offers global insurance coverage no matter where you work or who your employer is. It simplifies claim processes, especially for accidental death or permanent disability, ensuring you and your family are protected financially. It also makes renewals easier with an online system.

Objective

This is a mandatory insurance scheme by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) designed to protect Indian workers going abroad for jobs, especially those needing Emigration Check Required (ECR) clearance.

Benefits

PMGKAY provides 5 kg of food grain to each family holding a ration card free of cost and the 5 kg of subsidized food grain already offered through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Wheat has been allocated to 6 States/UTs, - Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Gujarat, and rice has been provided to the remaining States/UTs.

Sources and references

Scheme Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

You must be an Indian citizen who has cleared emigration for overseas employment.
Your age must be between 18 and 65 years. Please note that the maximum entry age might be subject to emigration clearance rules.

How To Apply

The scheme is mandatory for emigrant workers falling under the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category going for overseas employment to ECR countries. Details regarding the specific application process and renewal can usually be found through your recruiting agent or directly on the official portal.

For further details, you can check the official sources.

Official Source:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) oversees this scheme. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on application procedures, renewals, and claim processes, please refer to the official websites or contact the designated authorities.

Documents Required

If you need to make a claim, here are some of the documents you might need:

In case of death due to accident:

A Police Report confirming that the death was accidental.
The Post Mortem Report.
A Certificate or Report from the concerned Indian Embassy.
A duly attested copy of your passport (all pages).

For Permanent Total Disability:

Medical records related to your treatment after the accident.
A Disability Certificate issued by the competent medical authority.

General documents for permanent total disability claims:

Depending on the claim, the insurance company may ask for other documents. These typically include:

The original insurance certificate or policy document.
A fully filled and signed Application Form for compensation by the claimant.
A duly attested copy of your passport (all pages) if the death occurred outside India.

FAQ’s

Can my children get hospitalised under this scheme in India?

Yes, absolutely! The scheme provides family hospitalization benefits in India for your first two children, up to 21 years of age, covering expenses up to ₹50,000.

How do I renew my PBBY insurance policy?

You don't need to visit any Indian Mission for renewal. The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) policy has a convenient online renewal option.

Are there any special benefits for women emigrants who are pregnant?

Yes, there are. The scheme offers a maternity expenses benefit of up to ₹50,000 for women emigrants.

What financial and other support can a person with a disability get from PBBY?

If you are a person with disability (PwD) emigrant, you can get a few key benefits. This includes reimbursement for the economy class airfare for an attendant to travel back to the nearest international airport in India in case of permanent disability. You are also covered for up to ₹10 Lakh in case of permanent disability that leads to job loss, regardless of employer or location changes.

What's the main purpose of the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana?

The main goal is to provide essential insurance coverage and financial protection to Indian workers who are going abroad for employment, especially those who require Emigration Check Required (ECR) clearance. It aims to safeguard their interests while they are working in ECR countries.

What is the age limit to apply for this scheme?

You can apply for the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana if your age is between 18 and 65 years. However, the maximum entry age may depend on the emigration clearance you receive.

If I become permanently disabled abroad, what medical coverage do I get?

In case of permanent disability, you are covered for a sum of ₹10 Lakh. This is irrespective of any changes in your employer or work location. Also, the scheme covers your medical expenses, including hospitalization, up to ₹1,00,000 (with a limit of ₹50,000 per hospitalization).