PBBY – Get ₹10 Lakh Insurance Coverage | Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana

PBBY

The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) is a pivotal insurance scheme designed to safeguard the interests of Indian emigrant workers, particularly those falling under the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category. This mandatory scheme, administered by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), provides extensive insurance coverage to Indian workers employed overseas in ECR countries. The PBBY is not only a testament to the Indian government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad but also a critical tool for ensuring financial security and peace of mind for emigrant workers and their families.

Overview of the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana

The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana is a mandatory insurance scheme aimed at offering comprehensive coverage to Indian emigrant workers. The scheme includes global insurance coverage irrespective of the employer and location, facilitating online renewal, and a simplified process for certification of accidental death or permanent disability. By providing these benefits, the scheme ensures that emigrant workers can focus on their employment abroad without worrying about potential financial hardships arising from unforeseen events.

Key Benefits of the PBBY

The PBBY offers a range of benefits designed to address various risks and challenges faced by emigrant workers. These benefits include:

1. Accidental Death and Permanent Disability Coverage:
   • The insured person is covered for a sum of ₹10 lakh in the event of accidental death or permanent disability leading to loss of employment while working abroad. This coverage remains effective regardless of changes in the employer or location of the insured person. This provision ensures that the worker and their family are financially protected even in the worst-case scenarios.
2. Simplified Certification Process:
   • Certification of accidental death or permanent disability by Indian Missions and Posts abroad is accepted by the insurance companies. This simplification of the certification process facilitates quicker claim settlements, reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that families may face during already difficult times.
3. Medical Insurance Coverage:
   • Medical insurance cover includes injuries, sickness, ailments, and diseases up to ₹1 lakh, with a limit of ₹50,000 per hospitalization. This benefit provides significant financial relief for emigrant workers who might otherwise struggle with high medical costs in foreign countries.
4. Repatriation Cover:
   • For medically unfit workers or those facing premature termination of employment, the scheme covers the actual one-way economy class airfare to the nearest international airport in India. This provision ensures that workers can return home without bearing the financial burden of repatriation.
5. Family Hospitalization Coverage:
   • The scheme also extends hospitalization benefits to the emigrant worker’s family. Up to ₹50,000 is available for the hospitalization of the spouse and the first two children (up to 21 years of age). This aspect of the coverage ensures that the emigrant worker’s family is also protected in case of medical emergencies.
6. Maternity Expenses Benefit:
   • Women emigrants are entitled to maternity expenses benefits up to ₹50,000. This provision supports female workers by helping cover the costs associated with childbirth and related medical care.
7. Reimbursement for Attendant’s Travel:
   • In the event of the emigrant worker’s accidental death or permanent disability, the scheme reimburses the return economy class airfare to the nearest international airport for one attendant. This benefit ensures that family members can be present during critical times without worrying about travel expenses.
8. Legal Expenses Coverage:
   • The scheme covers legal expenses up to ₹45,000 related to litigation concerning the emigrant’s overseas employment. This provision supports workers in pursuing justice without the added financial strain of legal costs.
9. Online Renewal Facility:
   • The PBBY policy can be renewed online, offering convenience and ensuring continuous coverage without the need for physical paperwork or visits to insurance offices.

Eligibility and Documentation Requirements

To be eligible for the PBBY, applicants must be Overseas Indians who have cleared emigration checks and are aged between 18 and 65 years. The maximum entry age is subject to emigration clearance. The documentation requirements vary based on the type of claim:

In Case of Accidental Death

1. Police Report confirming accidental death.
2. Post Mortem Report.
3. Certificate or Report from the concerned Indian Embassy.
4. Duly attested copy of the passport (all pages).

In Case of Permanent Total Disability

1. Medical records pertaining to treatment following the accident.
2. Disability certificate issued by a competent medical authority.

General Documentation for Permanent Total Disability Claims

1. Original insurance certificate or policy.
2. Application form for compensation, duly filled in all respects and signed by the claimant.
3. Copy of passport (all pages) duly attested, if death occurs outside India.

Application Process

The PBBY has a straightforward online application process designed to facilitate easy enrollment and renewal. The steps for applying are as follows:

1. Initial Registration:
   • New customers must fill in all relevant details in the online form. Upon completion, they will be automatically redirected to the payment page.
2. Filling Mandatory Details:
   • When prompted on the screen, applicants must fill in all mandatory details correctly to proceed.
3. Premium Payment:
   • Applicants are then directed to the premium payment page, where they can choose from various acceptable modes of payment, including UPI, Internet Banking, Debit Card, Online Wallets, and Credit Cards (MasterCard, Visa, and American Express). They can select the most suitable payment option and make the payment as per the policy premium.
4. Confirmation:
   • After successful payment processing, applicants are directed to the confirmation page. It is crucial to download the receipt for future reference.

Ensuring Financial Security for Emigrant Workers

The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana is a comprehensive and essential scheme that addresses the unique risks and challenges faced by Indian emigrant workers. By providing extensive coverage for accidental death, permanent disability, medical expenses, repatriation, family hospitalization, maternity expenses, attendant travel, and legal expenses, the scheme ensures that workers and their families are financially protected and supported in times of need.

The PBBY is a testament to the Indian government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of its citizens abroad, offering peace of mind and financial security to those working far from home. By understanding the benefits and following the application process, eligible emigrant workers can take full advantage of this scheme to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Conclusion

The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana is more than just an insurance policy; it is a lifeline for Indian emigrant workers facing the uncertainties and risks of working abroad. The comprehensive benefits, simplified certification process, and online renewal facility make it an accessible and essential tool for ensuring financial security. By staying informed and proactive, emigrant workers can leverage the PBBY to safeguard their future and that of their families.

Disclaimer : The information provided in this essay is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as insurance, financial, or legal advice. The specifics of the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) and its benefits may vary based on individual circumstances and the policies of the insurance companies involved. It is recommended that readers consult with insurance advisors, financial experts, or legal professionals for advice tailored to their specific situations. The author and publisher are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided in this essay.