Thiruvananthapuram, November 1, 2026: The Kerala government has sharply raised the NORKA Care premium for the 2026-27 policy year. A Rs 5 lakh family cover that cost Rs 13,411 last year now costs Rs 35,664 for members aged 51 to 60.
The hike has triggered protests among Pravasis in the Gulf. Meanwhile, the opposition has demanded an immediate rollback.
List of Topic Covered
NORKA Care new rates 2026
Instead of one flat rate, the premium now depends on age. As a result, older members pay the most. Rates below are for Rs 5 lakh family cover.
| Age | Previous rate (Rs/Year) | New rate (Rs/year) | Increase (Rs/year) |
| 18 to 30 | 13,411 | 13,036 | – 375 |
| 31 to 40 | 13,411 | 15,869 | 2,458 |
| 41 to 50 | 13,411 | 21,964 | 8,553 |
| 51 to 60 | 13,411 | 35,664 | 22,253 |
| 61 to 70 | 13,411 | 44,718 | 31,307 |
| 71 to 80 | 13,411 | 77,773 | 64,362 |
Government vs opposition
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan told the Assembly there was no option, as insurers had suffered heavy losses.
However, Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan called the hike anti-people. He said the government had sided with private insurers and demanded lower rates and an Assembly debate
Is GST adding to the cost?
Likely yes. NORKA Care is a group policy, and group health insurance still carries 18% GST. In contrast, individual health plans have been GST-free since September 2025
Is private insurance cheaper?
For most older members, no. A private Rs 5 lakh plan for a couple in their early 60s costs about Rs 55,000 to 58,000 a year. Also, NORKA Care covers existing illnesses from day one, while most private plans make you wait.
What Pravasis should do
- Check your new rate on the NORKA Care app before renewing.
- Compare private quotes, including waiting periods and co-payments.
- If you are 70 or above, ask about the free Ayushman Vay Vandana card.
- Do not let your cover lapse while deciding.
Also read: Our review of the new plans launched by LIC and SBI