Karaikudi (TN) (PTI): Finance Minister P Chidambaram inaugurated the Universal Arogya Medical Insurance Scheme, saying the scheme would reach all citizens below poverty line (BPL) in the country in a phased manner.

The insurance scheme of the United India Insurance was launched for the first time in the country at Sankarapuram panchayat in Sivaganga district on Sunday.

Under the scheme, an individual would be charged Rs 300 a year as premium and Rs 545 for a family not exceeding five members, and Rs 600 for a family not exceeding seven members.

All kinds of ailments could be treated under the scheme for which the Government would also provide its share.

The age limit for the scheme had been fixed at 70 years (five years more than the present limit). The uniqueness of the scheme was that those with previous ailments also would be covered. The loss of daily wages due to sickness would also be reimbursed for both husband and wife under the scheme.

Describing the scheme as a revised one, the Finance Minister said it would play a major role in bringing almost all people in the country in the insurance net.

United India Insurance Company Chairman and Managing Director G Srinivasan said the scheme would help get reimbursement for hospital rooms and boarding expenses.