Kerala launches new scheme for expatriates

published on December 30, 2005

Kerala has introduced a comprehensive tourism-cum-health card for expatriates and their families in Gulf countries. Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and Kochi-based super speciality Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, in association with a tour operator, brought out a tourism-cum-health card and customised hospital care plan for non-resident Indians.
 
Tourism Minister K C Venugopal who launched the Health & Holiday Card in Dubai said this was aimed at tapping Kerala’s health tourism potential besides offering a hassle-free rest and recuperation time especially for Keralite expatriates.

The one-year package card costs Rs 12,000  is renewable on payment of an additional Rs 2,000 in case it is not used. For families the premium is Rs 18,000.  The family card entitles both parents to an executive health check-up at the AIMS. Children, if required, would also be entitled to check-up at Rs3,000 per head.

Other benefits include a two-night three-day stay at any KTDC premium property — Tea County (Munnar), Aranya Nivas (Thekkady), Samudra (Kovalam), Water Scapes (Kumarakom), Bolgatty Palace (Kochi) and Mascot (Thiruvananthapuram).

 

The cardholder also gets hospitalisation benefit up to Rs 100,000 covered by the National Insurance Company, personal accident cover for Rs 200,000, mobile SIM card on arrival in Kerala, airport pick-up and drop for health check up, special discount for holiday in India and services for air ticketing and travel arrangements.

The customised treatment plan for various procedures, including cosmetic and knee surgeries, would be worked out on individual basis. Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences has been receiving patients from over 16 countries including European nations and there is a steady increase in the number of patients, mainly for complex surgical procedures. The

hospital has also initiated a dedicated International Healthcare Service team, which will take care of the patient right from arrival till their departure coordinating all aspects of medical treatment.

Intersight director said that the health care scheme would reduce the logistic load on non-resident Indians during emergency associated with travel, hospitalisation, convalescence and return. Such customers would get priority in hospital services.

For more information about Health & Holiday Card, please contact [email protected]