Can I Get NORKA Insurance If I Am on a Visiting Visa? The Complete Guide for 2026
Introduction
Can I Get Norka Insurance If I Am On A Visiting Visa The Kerala government, through its NORKA Roots department, has launched two distinct insurance schemes designed to serve the Malayali diaspora: the NORKA Pravasi Raksha Insurance Policy (NPRI) and the NORKA Care Comprehensive Health & Accident Insurance Scheme. For thousands of Keralites traveling abroad on visit visas—whether for tourism, visiting family, or short-term business—a critical question arises: Can I obtain NORKA insurance coverage while on a visiting visa?
This comprehensive 2,500-word guide examines the eligibility criteria for both NORKA insurance schemes, analyzes the specific visa requirements, explores alternative insurance solutions for visitors, and provides authoritative guidance based on official government notifications and recent scheme expansions through January 2026.
Part I: Understanding NORKA’s Insurance Portfolio
Can I Get Norka Insurance If I Am On A Visiting Visa Before addressing the visiting visa question directly, it is essential to distinguish between the two separate insurance products offered by NORKA Roots, as they serve different populations and carry vastly different eligibility requirements.
NORKA Pravasi Raksha Insurance Policy (NPRI)
Can I Get Norka Insurance If I Am On A Visiting Visa The NPRI is the older of the two schemes, providing critical illness coverage of ₹1 lakh alongside accident coverage of ₹3 lakh for life and up to ₹1 lakh for permanent/partial disability . This policy specifically targets Pravasis residing or working abroad with a valid passport and visa for at least six months .
Critical point: As of April 1, 2025, NPRI eligibility expanded to include expatriates residing within India, but the fundamental requirement of holding a long-term residence or employment visa remains unchanged . The policy explicitly requires a visa validity period of at least six months, automatically disqualifying most visitor visa holders whose stays are typically limited to 30, 60, or 90 days.
NORKA Care Scheme (2025–2026)
NORKA Care represents Kerala government’s flagship health insurance initiative, launched in September 2025 with policy effectivity from November 1, 2025 . This scheme provides ₹5 lakh health insurance coverage plus ₹10 lakh group personal accident coverage. The premium remains highly subsidized at ₹8,101 for individuals and ₹13,411 for family floater coverage .
Critical point: NORKA Care has attracted over five lakh members within its first three months of operation, with ₹43 crore in medical benefits disbursed during November-December 2025 alone . However, its eligibility framework is explicitly constructed around Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) with valid NORKA identity cards—specifically Pravasi ID, Student ID, or NRK ID .
Part II: The Visiting Visa Conundrum — Direct Answer
The direct, unequivocal answer: No, you cannot obtain either NORKA Pravasi Raksha Insurance or NORKA Care insurance while holding a visiting visa.
This prohibition is not an oversight or administrative gap; it is embedded in the foundational eligibility architecture of both schemes. Let us examine why.
Why Visiting Visa Holders Are Ineligible
1. The Six-Month Residency Requirement (NPRI)
The NORKA Pravasi Raksha Insurance Policy explicitly requires applicants to be “residing or working abroad with a valid passport and visa for at least 6 months” . Visitor visas—whether for tourism, family visits, or short-term business—invariably carry restrictions against prolonged stay and typically prohibit employment. A tourist visa to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Europe, or North America rarely exceeds 90 days and frequently prohibits visa renewal within the same country without exit. This temporal disqualification is absolute .
2. The NORKA ID Mandate (NORKA Care)
NORKA Care operates on a fundamentally different eligibility model. It does not merely require a visa; it requires a NORKA Pravasi ID Card, NORKA Student ID Card, or NRK ID Card . These identity documents are issued only to:
- Keralites residing abroad for employment or long-term residence
- Kerala students enrolled in foreign educational institutions
- Keralites residing in other Indian states
Can I Get Norka Insurance If I Am On A Visiting Visa NORKA ID cards themselves require proof of long-term residence abroad. The application process for a Pravasi ID demands submission of visa pages, Iqama/residence permit, or work permit documentation demonstrating legitimate extended stay . A visiting visa, by its temporary nature and express prohibition on employment, cannot satisfy these documentary requirements.
3. The Underlying Legislative Intent
Can I Get Norka Insurance If I Am On A Visiting Visa Both schemes were conceived to address specific vulnerabilities of the expatriate workforce—individuals who have established economic lives abroad, contribute to Kerala’s remittance economy, and face genuine healthcare access barriers in their host countries. The Kerala government has been explicit: NORKA Care is “for Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) residing in other Indian states or abroad” . Short-term visitors, tourists, and those on temporary family visits fall outside this legislative purpose.
The “NORKA Care Abroad” Misconception
A persistent misunderstanding concerns NORKA Care’s international coverage. While the scheme provides accidental death coverage worldwide (₹10 lakh sum insured plus repatriation costs of ₹50,000 outside India), the health insurance component—including hospitalization, pre-existing disease coverage, and cashless treatment—operates exclusively within India .
This means even if a visiting visa holder somehow obtained NORKA Care coverage (which they cannot), the health benefits would only activate upon returning to India for treatment. The policy explicitly states: “Coverage is limited to treatment within India only” . For a traveler currently abroad on a visit visa, this renders the policy functionally useless for medical emergencies occurring during their overseas stay.
Part III: NORKA’s Own Advisory on Visiting Visa Travelers
In a revealing development, NORKA Roots has publicly addressed the visiting visa insurance gap—not by offering coverage, but by strongly advising travelers to purchase commercial travel insurance instead.
The December 2024 Advisory
In December 2024, NORKA Roots CEO Ajith Kolassery issued a formal advisory to all international travelers, particularly those visiting foreign countries on visit visas for study, business, or leisure purposes . The advisory explicitly warned that medical care abroad—especially in developed countries and Europe—is prohibitively expensive, and that numerous Malayali visitors had faced financial catastrophe after falling ill shortly after arrival .
Key quotes from the NORKA advisory:
- “A visit to a hospital abroad, especially in Europe, burns a hole in the pockets of travellers.”
- “Despite having a long history of international emigration, emigration literacy is almost zero in Kerala.”
- “Unscrupulous agents often hide the importance of travel insurance in order to quote the lowest rate for trips.”
The recommended solution: Travel insurance costing approximately ₹2,000 providing adequate sum insurance coverage for medical emergencies, baggage loss, flight cancellations, and passport loss .
This advisory was reiterated in May 2024 regarding UAE visa checks, where NORKA specifically noted: “Those traveling on a visitor visa do not usually take out travel insurance, which costs
The implication is unmistakable: NORKA Roots acknowledges that its own insurance products do not cover—and were never designed to cover—short-term visitors abroad. The organization has gone on record recommending private travel insurance as the appropriate solution for this demographic.
Part IV: Could Future Expansions Include Visiting Visa Holders?
Current Expansion Discussions (January 2026)
As of January 2026, NORKA Roots is actively considering two significant eligibility expansions: inclusion of returned expatriates (those who have permanently moved back to Kerala) and inclusion of parents of existing NORKA Care members .
Mathrubhumi reported on January 16, 2026, that NORKA Roots CEO Ajith Kollassery confirmed: “The government is actively considering including the returned expats and the parents of existing members in NORKA Care. More reforms will be introduced soon” .
What this means: The government is responding to pressure from approximately 14 lakh returned expatriates who currently cannot enroll despite having extensive employment histories abroad . This represents a recognition that individuals with prior expatriate status should retain insurance access upon return.
What it does NOT mean: There is no indication—in any official statement, policy document, or news report—that the government contemplates extending NORKA Care to short-term visitors, tourists, or individuals on visit visas without prior expatriate status. The eligibility framework remains anchored to NRK identity, not temporary travel status.
The Technical Barrier
Extending NORKA insurance to visiting visa holders would require fundamental restructuring of the scheme’s underwriting basis. NORKA Care operates on a group insurance model through The New India Assurance Company Ltd . Premiums are calculated based on the risk profile of the target population—working-age expatriates with specific demographic characteristics.
Short-term travelers present a different risk profile entirely: they are older on average, more likely to have acute medical events during travel, and lack established healthcare access mechanisms in host countries. Insuring this population at current premium rates (₹8,101 annually) would be actuarially unsound. Separate products with different pricing would be necessary.
Part V: Alternative Insurance Solutions for Visiting Visa Holders
Given the categorical ineligibility for NORKA insurance, Keralites traveling abroad on visit visas must pursue alternative coverage. Below is a comprehensive overview of available options.
1. Comprehensive Travel Insurance (Recommended)
What it covers: Emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, medical evacuation/repatriation, trip cancellation/delay, baggage loss, passport loss, personal liability, and COVID-19 coverage.
Typical cost: ₹1,500–₹3,500 for short trips (7–30 days); ₹5,000–₹10,000 for extended multi-country travel.
Best for: Tourists, family visitors, business travelers, and individuals attending events/conferences.
Leading providers in India: ICICI Lombard, HDFC Ergo, Tata AIG, Bajaj Allianz, Care Health Insurance, National Insurance, New India Assurance (the same insurer as NORKA Care but under commercial travel products).
Advantages: Specifically designed for visiting visa requirements; many countries mandate travel insurance for visa issuance; immediate coverage commencement; worldwide hospitalization networks.
Disadvantages: Typically limited to trip duration; pre-existing disease coverage is restricted or excluded; premium non-refundable if trip cancelled outside covered reasons.
2. International Health Insurance Plans
What it covers: Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care, chronic disease management, maternity (in select plans), dental, vision, and preventive care—worldwide excluding USA or including USA.
Typical cost: $1,000–$3,000 annually for individuals under 50 (significantly higher than NORKA premiums).
Best for: Frequent travelers, digital nomads, individuals spending extended but non-resident periods abroad, retirees dividing time between countries.
Leading global providers: Cigna Global, Allianz Care, AXA Global Healthcare, Bupa Global, GeoBlue.
Advantages: Renewable annually regardless of location changes; stable coverage across multiple countries; comprehensive benefits including mental health and wellness; no per-trip purchase requirement.
Disadvantages: Substantially higher cost; may require health underwriting; deductible/co-insurance provisions; complex claims processes across jurisdictions.
3. UAE/GCC-Specific Visitor Insurance
What it covers: Emergency medical treatment in UAE/GCC countries; mandatory for certain visa categories; varying benefit limits.
Typical cost: AED 150–500 (approximately ₹3,500–₹11,500) depending on duration and coverage amount.
Best for: Visitors to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain.
Providers: Emirates Insurance, Orient Insurance, Oman Insurance Company, Takaful Emarat, and various UAE-based insurers.
Advantages: Meets GCC visa requirements; often includes COVID-19 coverage; local claims support; Arabic/English customer service.
Disadvantages: Coverage limited to specific GCC country; lower benefit caps than international plans; minimal non-medical benefits.
4. Credit Card Travel Insurance
What it covers: Emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation, delay, lost baggage, and sometimes accidental death.
Typical cost: Complimentary with premium credit cards (annual fees apply).
Best for: Short-term travelers holding Visa Infinite, Mastercard World, or premium travel credit cards.
Advantages: Zero additional premium; automatic coverage when ticket purchased with card; straightforward claims.
Disadvantages: Limited coverage amounts; exclusions for pre-existing conditions; complex eligibility conditions; not available to non-cardholders.
Part VI: The Critical Distinction — NORKA ID vs. Visiting Visa
The NORKA ID card is the master key to both NORKA insurance schemes. Understanding the gap between NORKA ID eligibility and visiting visa status is essential.
How NORKA ID Is Obtained
NORKA Roots issues Pravasi ID cards to individuals who:
- Possess a valid Indian passport
- Hold a valid employment visa, residence permit (Iqama), work permit, or long-term student visa
- Have resided abroad for a minimum continuous period
- Submit documentary proof through the official NORKA Roots portal
Pravasi ID validity: Three years, renewable upon continued proof of expatriate status .
Student ID validity: Tied to course duration, renewable with continued enrollment proof.
NRK ID (other Indian states): Requires proof of residence outside Kerala but within India.
Why Visiting Visa Cannot Secure NORKA ID
A visiting visa fundamentally contradicts every criterion above:
- It explicitly prohibits employment (cannot produce work permit)
- It does not constitute “residence” under immigration law
- Its duration is measured in weeks, not years
- It is frequently single-entry or short-term multiple entry
- It carries no pathway to long-term status in most jurisdictions
NORKA Roots has established no exception process for visiting visa holders, nor have any policy documents suggested such exceptions are contemplated.
Part VII: The Returned Expatriate Question — A Partial Precedent
The January 2026 discussions regarding returned expatriates deserve careful examination, as they establish an important precedent: NORKA Care eligibility may be extended to individuals who were formerly NRKs even after losing their expatriate status .
What This Means for Visiting Visa Holders
If implemented, this expansion would allow individuals who previously held Pravasi ID cards and worked abroad for years to enroll in NORKA Care upon returning permanently to Kerala. However, this does not create a pathway for individuals who never held expatriate status to obtain coverage while temporarily abroad on visit visas.
The key distinction: Past expatriate status versus never having been an expatriate.
Could Visiting Visa Lead to NORKA Eligibility Later?
No. Spending three months in Dubai visiting relatives does not transform a short-term visitor into an expatriate. NORKA Roots has never recognized tourist visits, regardless of duration, as qualifying for Pravasi ID issuance or NORKA Care eligibility. The organization maintains clear documentary requirements that visiting visa holders cannot satisfy.
Part VIII: Practical Scenarios and Recommendations
Scenario A: You Are Currently Abroad on a Visit Visa
Problem: You face expensive medical treatment, have no insurance, and cannot obtain NORKA coverage.
Solution: Immediately contact the Indian embassy/consulate in your host country. Request assistance in identifying local charitable hospitals, negotiating payment plans, and coordinating with family in India for fund transfers. Upon returning to India, purchase comprehensive travel insurance before any future international travel.
Scenario B: You Are Planning a Visit Abroad
Problem: You want insurance protection but are ineligible for NORKA schemes.
Solution: Purchase travel insurance at least 48–72 hours before departure. Compare plans from Policybazaar, Coverfox, or direct insurer websites. Ensure the plan includes: minimum $50,000 medical coverage, medical evacuation, repatriation, and COVID-19 coverage. Verify if your destination country mandates minimum coverage amounts for visa issuance.
Scenario C: You Are a Returned Expatriate Previously Holding NORKA ID
Problem: You lost NORKA Care coverage upon returning permanently to Kerala.
Solution: Monitor NORKA Roots announcements regarding expected eligibility expansion in 2026. Contact the NORKA Care helpline (1800 2022 501/502) to register interest and receive updates. In the interim, consider purchasing commercial health insurance in India—the same insurers offering NORKA Care offer individual health policies without waiting periods for pre-existing conditions (though with higher premiums).
Scenario D: You Are Visiting Family Abroad and Need Emergency Coverage
Problem: You cannot obtain NORKA coverage and commercial travel insurance typically excludes ongoing emergencies.
Solution: This is extremely difficult. Some travel insurers offer “emergency purchase” options but with significant restrictions and higher premiums. Contact insurance brokers in India who specialize in travel insurance—they may have access to niche products. Otherwise, self-fund treatment and file claims upon return if you held valid travel insurance before departure (for emergency treatment necessitated by sudden illness/injury, not pre-existing conditions).
Part IX: Conclusion — The Unambiguous Position
Can I get NORKA insurance if I am on a visiting visa?
No. The answer remains no, with no exceptions, no alternative pathways, and no imminent policy changes.
NORKA Pravasi Raksha Insurance requires six months minimum visa validity—a threshold visitor visas cannot meet.
NORKA Care requires a NORKA Pravasi ID, Student ID, or NRK ID—documents visitor visa holders cannot obtain.
NORKA Roots itself advises visiting visa travelers to purchase commercial travel insurance, implicitly acknowledging its own schemes do not serve this population.
The Kerala government’s expansion discussions in January 2026 focus on returned expatriates and parents of members—not visitors, tourists, or short-term travelers.
The Takeaway
If you are a Malayali traveler planning to visit relatives in the Gulf, vacation in Europe, or conduct short business in North America, NORKA insurance is not available to you. Your protection lies in the vibrant, competitive, and accessible travel insurance market, where policies costing ₹2,000–₹3,000 provide comprehensive coverage specifically designed for your exact travel scenario.
Do not depart without travel insurance. NORKA’s own advisory, issued after observing numerous distressed Malayali families facing six-figure medical bills abroad, is the most authoritative recommendation you will receive: purchase travel insurance before every international journey.
The state government has built an impressive insurance architecture for its expatriate workforce. That architecture, however, was not designed for tourists and visitors—and no amount of eligibility reinterpretation can bridge that fundamental gap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply for a NORKA Pravasi ID while on a visit visa to use it for NORKA Care enrollment?
No. NORKA Pravasi ID issuance requires proof of long-term residence or employment abroad, typically through an employment visa, residence permit (Iqama), work permit, or valid student visa. A visit visa—which explicitly prohibits employment and limits stay duration—does not satisfy these documentary requirements and will be rejected .
2. If my relative abroad has NORKA Care, can they add me as a family member while I visit them on a tourist visa?
No. NORKA Care family floater coverage extends only to the spouse and children (up to 25 years) of the primary NORKA ID holder. Parents, siblings, and other relatives—regardless of their visa status or temporary visit—cannot be added to the policy . The January 2026 expansion discussions include potential coverage for parents, but this would be for parents residing in India, not for parents visiting abroad .
3. Does NORKA Care provide any medical coverage if I get sick while on a visit visa abroad?
No. NORKA Care’s health insurance component is explicitly limited to treatment within India only. The only worldwide coverage is for accidental death (₹10 lakh sum insured plus repatriation costs). Hospitalization for illness, even emergency treatment, is not covered outside India . A visiting visa holder abroad who falls ill receives zero health coverage from NORKA Care.
4. I previously worked abroad for 15 years and held a Pravasi ID. I am now visiting my former employer on a visit visa. Can I get NORKA Care?
If you have permanently returned to India and reside in Kerala: You currently cannot enroll in NORKA Care as a returned expatriate, though this may change in 2026 pending government approval .
If you are currently on a visit visa abroad: You cannot enroll while outside India without active Pravasi ID status. Your former expatriate status does not entitle you to coverage during temporary visits. You should purchase travel insurance before future international travel.
5. What insurance should I buy if I am traveling abroad on a visit visa?
NORKA Roots explicitly recommends travel insurance, which provides comprehensive coverage including emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, medical evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and passport loss. Premiums start at approximately ₹2,000 for adequate coverage . Travel insurance is available from all major Indian general insurers, through insurance aggregators like Policybazaar and Coverfox, and directly from insurer websites. For GCC destinations, locally-purchased visitor insurance is also acceptable and sometimes mandatory for visa issuance.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official NORKA Roots notifications, government announcements, and reputable news sources through January 2026. Insurance schemes and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Readers should verify current requirements on the official NORKA Roots website (norkaroots.kerala.gov.in) before making decisions. The author and publisher are not affiliated with NORKA Roots, the Government of Kerala, or any insurance provider.