Sri Lanka Expands ‘Suraksha’ Student Insurance Scheme with Enhanced Medical and Welfare Benefits

Sri Lanka has expanded its Suraksha student insurance scheme, offering enhanced medical and welfare benefits to millions of schoolchildren nationwide.

The upgraded programme, implemented through a new agreement between the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited and the Ministry of Education, provides increased financial protection for students in government, government-approved private, special needs, and pirivena schools.

Under the revised plan, in-patient treatment coverage has been raised to Rs. 300,000 at both public and private hospitals, while out-patient care benefits have increased to Rs. 20,000. Critical illness coverage now starts at Rs. 1.5 million.

Accident insurance benefits include Rs. 200,000 for total permanent disability, Rs. 150,000 for partial disability, and Rs. 25,000–100,000 for temporary incapacity.

Students from families earning less than Rs. 180,000 annually—or those supported under the Aswesuma welfare scheme—are entitled to Rs. 75,000 in compensation in the event of a parent’s death. From September 2025, this income threshold will rise to Rs. 240,000.

For the first time, students on long-term medication for conditions such as epilepsy, nephrotic syndrome, lupus, and Crohn’s disease will receive up to Rs. 20,000 in benefits. Coverage now also includes up to Rs. 75,000 for wearable devices such as scoliosis braces and ENT-recommended hearing or respiratory devices.

The new benefits will apply to incidents occurring on or after September 1, 2025. Claim applications must be certified by school principals and submitted to regional branches of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation.

The Suraksha scheme continues to stand as a vital government initiative ensuring that Sri Lankan students have access to essential health and welfare support throughout their education journey.