Senior NRKs face 233% medical cost surge as welfare scheme shifts to age-based fees

The Kerala Chapter of the Pravasi Legal Cell (PLC) has filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court against the state government, challenging a sharp increase in health insurance premiums for Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) under the NORKA Care scheme. The legal action, supported by UAE-based expat groups, follows a transition from flat-rate pricing to an age-based structure that has seen premiums surge by more than 200 per cent for senior citizens. Massive premium hikes for seniors According to the petition seen by Gulf News, the premium for a Rs 5 lakh family health cover was previously a flat Rs 13,411. Under the new 2026–27 policy terms, the same cover now costs Rs 35,664 for the 51–60 age group and Rs 44,718 for those aged 61–70. These figures represent increases of 166 per cent and 233 per cent, respectively. For beneficiaries aged 71–80, the premium reaches Rs 77,773. PLC Dubai President TN Krishnakumar stated that the revised structure hit middle-aged and senior expats hardest. The petition also highlights that while costs have risen, benefits have been reduced; post-hospitalisation cover has been slashed from 60 days to 30 days. The move is significant for the thousands of Keralite expats in the UAE and wider GCC who rely on the state-backed welfare scheme for medical security. Notification and transparency issues The legal challenge also focuses on the timeline of the rollout. The revised premium structure was officially notified on 28 October 2026, just three…