Renu Suresh
Expert
Published on: Sep 17, 2026
Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana
The Government of India has introduced the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) as an insurance scheme designed to protect Indian emigrant workers. The primary objective of this Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana is to ensure the safety and security of Indian emigrant workers in the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category who seek overseas employment in ECR countries. This article provides a detailed overview of the insurance coverage offered by Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana.
Insurance Coverage Offered
The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana covers the following insurance components:
Accidental Death
In the unfortunate event of accidental death, the insured emigrant worker under PBBY is entitled to coverage of Rs.10.00 lakhs. The scheme also ensures the reimbursement of transportation costs for the deceased's body, along with the return economy class airfare for one attendant. It is important that claims for such reimbursement are filed with the insurance company within 90 days of completion of the journey.
Permanent Disability
For cases involving permanent disability resulting in loss of employment, the insured individual is covered for an amount of Rs.10.00 lakhs. Additionally, one attendant is eligible for reimbursement of return economy class airfare to the nearest international airport. Consider exploring Saral Jeevan Bima Yojana for other life insurance options.
Medical Insurance
The PBBY provides medical insurance for migrant workers up to Rs.1,00,000, with hospitalization coverage capped at Rs.50,000. This insurance is applicable for medical treatment during the insurance period in India, a third country, or the worker's country of employment. Coverage includes:
- Injuries
- Sickness
- Ailment
In cases where treatments are conducted in India, cashless hospitalization is provided under the scheme.
Family Hospitalization
Coverage for family hospitalization in India is available for the spouse and up to 2 children of the insured, applicable until the children reach the age of 21. The hospitalization insurance offers coverage up to Rs.50,000. For additional health insurance needs, consider the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana.
Repatriation Cover
PBBY provides a one-way economy class airfare to the nearest international airport in India for workers who become medically unfit or in cases of premature employment termination. This ensures safe return without additional expense.
Pregnancy Expenses
The scheme extends maternity benefits to women emigrants, covering up to Rs.50,000 in the event of a caesarean operation and Rs.35,000 for normal delivery per policy period. Learn about additional schemes for comprehensive coverage, such as Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana.
Legal Expenses
Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana also facilitates coverage for legal expenses related to litigation stemming from the emigrant's overseas employment, with a cover of approximately Rs.45,000. Please note that benefits under PBBY do not extend in situations of war or internal conflict within the worker's destination country.
List of ECR Countries
The following countries fall under the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category:
- Yemen
- United Arab Emirates
- Thailand
- Syria
- Sultanate of Oman
- Sudan
- South Sudan
- Qatar
- Malaysia
- Afghanistan
- Indonesia
- Bahrain
- Iraq
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Jordan
- Libya
- Lebanon
Validity of Insurance
Insurance can be obtained under the PBBY from any insurance company registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana might also be of interest for those seeking alternative schemes. The policy is valid for a period of 2 to 3 years and can be renewed biennially. It remains effective during visits to India or any other country during this period. Moreover, explore the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana for additional personal accident insurance options.
For those specifically interested in agricultural insurance, check out the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for related schemes.