Aawaz Health Insurance Scheme (Kerala)

Why Was Aawaz Health Insurance Scheme Introduced

Kerala is home to a very large population of inter-state migrant workers. These workers, often employed in construction, manufacturing, and manual labour, frequently live and work in conditions that increase health risks, while lacking the resources or local documentation to access affordable healthcare.

The Kerala government introduced Aawaz to address this gap directly, registering migrant workers through a biometric identification process, issuing them a smart health card, and giving them access to free medical treatment at government hospitals and select empanelled private hospitals, along with accident-related insurance protection, all funded by the state without requiring any premium from the worker.

Aawaz Health Insurance Scheme - Key Highlights

Who is Eligible for Aawaz Health Insurance Scheme?

• Age group: The age should be between 18 and 60 years.
• Worker status: The applicant should be an inter-state migrant worker in Kerala for working in construction and other allied sectors.
• Registration: The applicant needs to provide biometrics with valid identity and employment proof in a registration centre or camp.
• Coverage: The health insurance primarily covers the registered migrant worker

What Aawaz Health Insurance Scheme Covers

• Health Insurance: The Aawaz Health Insurance Scheme provides ₹ 15,000 per year in medical cover. However, the Kerala Government has increased the medical cover to ₹ 25,000 per year.
• Accidental Death: Aawaz offers ₹2 Lakh accidental death insurance coverage to the nominee/beneficiary.
• Accidental Disability: Accidental disability cover of up to ₹1 Lakh is also provided under the scheme. It must be noted that the 2024 Budget Document of the Kerala Government specifically mentions ₹1 Lakh accidental disability insurance coverage.
• Cashless Treatment: Aawaz beneficiaries can receive treatment at government hospitals and empanelled private hospitals by presenting their Aawaz insurance card.

What Aawaz Health Insurance does not Cover:

• Health Cover Limit: Medical expenses are covered only up to the applicable ₹25,000 health insurance limit.
• Registered Beneficiary: The health insurance benefit is linked to the registered migrant worker and their biometric identification.
• Hospital Network: Treatment should be availed through government hospitals or empanelled private hospitals covered under the scheme.

How to Apply for Aawaz Health Insurance Scheme - Step by Step

To apply for the Aawaz Insurance Programme for Guest Workers in Kerala, you should follow this step-by-step process based on the official guidelines:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before starting the application , ensure you meet the scheme's criteria:

• Target Group: You must be an interstate migrant workman (guest worker) currently employed within the state of Kerala.
• Age Limit: Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

You must produce one of the following government-recognised identity cards at the time of enrollment:

• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Election ID
• Driving License

Step 3: Visit a Facilitation Centre

The Kerala government has established Facilitation Centres in all districts specifically to handle the Aawaz scheme and solve other labour-related issues for guest workers.

Step 4: Bio-metric Enrollment

During the application process at the Facilitation Centre, your biometric data will be captured in order to issue an AAawaz Bio-metric Card. This card is essential because it ensures cashless medical treatment at authorised hospitals.

Step 5: Access Online Portals

While physical enrollment at centres is the primary method, the official portal (kerala.gov.in) does provide digital options for registration:

• Employer Portal: Employers can register their workers through a dedicated portal link.
• Enrollment & Renewal: Links for direct enrollment and renewal are available on the website to track or update your status.

Documents Required to Apply for Aawaaz Health Insurance

• Valid government-recognised ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or Passport).
• Proof of employment or workplace address in Kerala.
• Passport-size photographs.
• Biometric data (fingerprint and iris scan) was collected at the time of registration.

Aawaz Health Insurance Scheme and Other Schemes

1. Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP)

   Kerala's broader health cover scheme, integrated with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation to eligible poor and vulnerable families in Kerala.

2. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

   Provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation to eligible economically vulnerable households across India.

3. Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme

   Provides comprehensive medical care to eligible insured workers and their dependents. It does not have a fixed annual sum-insured limit like a private health insurance policy; benefits are provided through the ESI healthcare system.

Helpline and Support for Aawaz Health Insurance Scheme