Kerala revises the group accident insurance scheme for govt employees

The Kerala government has revised the group personal accident insurance scheme for government employees. The scheme has been renamed as the "Life Saving Scheme" and some benefits have been increased.

The death benefit for accidental death has been increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. The death benefit for non-accidental deaths remains at Rs 5 lakh. The annual premium remains unchanged at Rs 1,000.

The scheme has been revised to provide protection against disabilities and loss of limbs caused by accidents. The scheme is applicable to all employees working in semi-government, public sector, cooperative institutions, universities, and other autonomous institutions.

Key Enhancements

1. Increased Death Benefit: The compensation for accidental death has been augmented from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 15 lakhs, providing greater financial support to families in the event of an untimely loss.

2. Expanded Coverage for Non-Accidental Deaths: The scheme now extends coverage for non-accidental deaths, offering a compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs to the families of deceased employees.

3. Unchanged Annual Premium: Despite the substantial increase in benefits, the annual premium remains unchanged at Rs. 1,000, ensuring affordability for all government employees.

4. Disability Protection: The revised scheme introduces comprehensive coverage for disabilities arising from accidents, providing financial assistance based on the severity of the impairment.

5. Total Disability: In the event of complete disability, the employee or their family will receive the full death benefit of Rs. 15 lakhs.

6. Partial Disability: For partial disabilities ranging from 60% to 80%, the compensation will be 75% of the promised amount, while for disabilities between 40% and 60%, the compensation will be 50% of the promised amount.

7. Loss of Limbs: The scheme provides compensation for the loss of limbs, with varying amounts based on the specific limb and the extent of the loss.

Benefits for disabilities

• Total disability: Rs 15 lakh
• Partial disability:
  • 60% to 80% disability: 75% of the promised amount
  • 40% to 60% disability: 50% of the promised amount
• Loss of limbs:
  • Hands: 40% to 100% of the promised amount
  • Fingers: The amount of compensation will be determined based on the finger and the extent of loss
  • Feet: 10% of the promised amount

The revised scheme is effective from April 1, 2023.

The revision of the group personal accident insurance scheme for government employees is a welcome development. The increased death benefit and the new benefits for disabilities will provide much-needed financial assistance to the families of government employees who are injured or killed in accidents. The revision also ensures that the scheme is more comprehensive and provides better protection to government employees.