Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana 2026: Insurance Cover, Eligibility & Application
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Quick answer
Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) provides mandatory overseas insurance protection to Indian emigrant workers falling under the ECR category. Insured workers receive accidental disability cover up to ₹10 Lakh along with family medical benefits. Eligible individuals can enroll and renew their insurance policies online.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Insurance cover up to ₹10 Lakh |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of External Affairs |
| Level | Central Government |
| Age | 18–65 years |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
Introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs, Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana is a compulsory welfare insurance initiative for Indian workers holding Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports who travel to ECR designated nations for work. The scheme safeguards workers against unexpected occupational hazards by offering comprehensive global insurance coverage that remains valid regardless of employer or job site changes, coupled with streamlined claim settlements.
Benefits
- Insurance coverage of ₹10 Lakh in the event of permanent disability leading to loss of employment overseas, regardless of changes in employer or workplace location.
- Reimbursement of return economy class airfare to the nearest international airport for one attendant in case of the worker's permanent disability.
- Maternity expense coverage up to ₹50,000 for female emigrants.
- Hospitalisation coverage in India for the worker's family, valid for the first two children up to 21 years of age.
- Global insurance protection throughout employment abroad with simplified procedures for accidental death and permanent disability certification.
- Convenient online renewal facility for the insurance policy.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- The applicant must be an Overseas Indian worker who has cleared emigration clearance under the ECR category.
- The applicant must be between 18 and 65 years of age (maximum entry age remains subject to emigration clearance rules).
Who cannot apply
- Details on specific exclusions are not specified in the official scheme documentation.
Documents required
- Details on specific required documents are not specified in the official scheme documentation.
How to apply
- 1Access the official emigration clearance or PBBY insurance service portal.
- 2Submit your overseas employment details and required personal information during the emigration clearance workflow.
- 3Choose an authorised insurance provider and pay the necessary premium online.
- 4Download and retain your Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana policy certificate for travel and overseas verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the insurance cover for permanent disability under PBBY?+
A sum of ₹10 Lakh is provided if permanent disability leads to loss of employment abroad, irrespective of any change in employer or job location.
What is the age limit to enrol in PBBY?+
Applicants must be between 18 and 65 years of age, subject to emigration clearance conditions.
Is maternity benefit available for women emigrants under the scheme?+
Yes, women emigrants are entitled to maternity expenses benefit of up to ₹50,000.
Are hospitalisation benefits provided for children in India?+
Yes, family hospitalisation coverage in India is available for the worker's first two children up to 21 years of age.
Can PBBY policies be renewed online?+
Yes, the scheme provides an online renewal facility so workers do not need to visit an Indian Mission abroad to renew.
Does the policy cover travel expenses for an attendant in case of disability?+
Yes, economy class return airfare to the nearest international airport is reimbursed for one attendant if the worker suffers permanent disability.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)