What is Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY)?
India focus. Checked against official Indian government pages on 30 October 2026. Where official pages disagree, this page says so.
Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) is an insurance scheme of the Government of India for Indian workers going abroad. The MEA says it is mandatory for ECR category workers going to ECR countries for employment. It gives accident cover of up to 10 lakh rupees plus other benefits.
Who has to buy Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY)?
ECR passport holders who need emigration clearance. The policy is one of the documents the Protector of Emigrants asks for. The MEA says eMigrate is integrated with the insurers to confirm that the policy is genuine.
ECNR passport holders may register on eMigrate voluntarily and avail PBBY benefits, per the MEA. See eMigrate registration.
What does it cost?
According to the MEA overview dated April 2026, the premium is 275 rupees for two years or 375 rupees for three years. Buy the policy through the channel the portal shows. A person who asks for a much larger sum for "insurance" is not following the scheme.
What does the revised 2017 policy cover?
The MEA lists these items, effective 1 August 2017:
- Death or permanent disability due to accident, with a maximum sum insured of 10 lakh rupees.
- Hospitalization costs for injury, sickness or disease, up to 1 lakh rupees in total.
- Repatriation for a worker who is medically unfit (one-way economy airfare to the nearest international airport in India).
- Cost of transporting mortal remains to India if death occurs abroad.
- Family hospitalization in India, maternity benefit, an attendant's airfare and legal expenses, each with a stated cap.
Read the policy wording for exact limits, exclusions and the claim process.
Does PBBY replace other insurance?
No. It is a basic accident-focused cover. Your employer may be required to give health insurance under local law; ask for it in your contract. See the contract checklist.
Where can I check details?
On eMigrate and on the Embassy of India pages for Gulf countries, which describe PBBY in their welfare sections.
Step by step: PBBY in the clearance journey
- Confirm you are an ECR worker going to an ECR country for employment. The MEA overview calls PBBY mandatory for them.
- Buy the policy from an insurer on the route set by eMigrate. The MEA overview says the portal is integrated with the insurance agencies providing PBBY.
- Keep the policy details with your contract. You enter them when you seek emigration clearance.
- The portal checks the policy details with the insurer, so a made-up policy will be caught.
- Keep a copy while you are abroad and share the details with your family.
Who is covered, in plain words
The MEA FAQ (last updated 21 February 2024) describes PBBY as required for direct-hire semi-skilled, unskilled and women workers, and for skilled and semi-skilled workers routed through recruiting agents. The MEA overview of April 2026 describes it as mandatory for all ECR category workers going to ECR countries for employment. When the two pages differ, ask your POE office which applies to your case, and follow the newer document.
Common mistakes
- Treating PBBY as a replacement for your own health or life cover. It is a government scheme with the limits the MEA lists.
- Not telling the family where the policy is. Claims for death or disablement are made by relatives.
- Paying an agent for a "premium" with no receipt.
- Forgetting that ECNR holders can join voluntarily. The MEA says ECNR holders who register on eMigrate can avail the PBBY benefits.
- Letting the policy lapse before the stated period ends.
Frequently asked questions
Is PBBY the same as the insurance my foreign employer gives?
No. Employer insurance is separate. The MEA describes PBBY as a scheme tied to emigration clearance.
What are the headline benefits?
See the section on the revised 2017 policy above. The MEA lists accident cover, hospitalization, repatriation, transport of mortal remains, family hospitalization in India, maternity, an attendant and legal expenses.
Who do I ask about a claim?
Start with the insurer named on your policy and the helpline at 1800 11 3090.
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.