February 23, 2022: In a first of its kind facilitation, tourists to the 60 ecotourism centres maintained by the Kerala Forest Department will be covered by an insurance policy.
The department has entered into an agreement with the United India Insurance to provide insurance cover for one year and will pay a premium of Rs 225 per person. A coverage of Rs 5 lakhs will be offered in case of death and total permanent disability, and Rs 2.5 lakhs for permanent partial disabilities if it happens in an ecotourism destination. A maximum of 50 people totalling Rs 2.5 crores can avail of the cover in the year.
The coverage will be only for visitors who have taken tickets to ecotourism centres, and the scheme is applicable for only Indian citizens. The loss of valuables will not be covered under the insurance package. The initiative is expected to boost the state’s touristfriendly image and increase confidence among travellers.
Thekkady, Eravikulm National Park, Chinnar, PeriyarParambikulam Tiger Reserve, Neyyar, Ponmudi, Palaruvi, Silent Valley, Thenmala, Konni Elephant Centre and Thommankuthu are among the ecotourism centres that will be covered under the insurance scheme. Link for ecotourism destinations in Kerala.