IOC extends Covid insurance to 3 lakh frontline associates

NEW DELHI: India’s largest oil refiner and fuel retailer Indian Oil has extended medical insurance cover for more than three lakh frontline associates such as petrol pump attendants, cooking gas delivery boys, tanker crew, pipeline security guards and loaders etc. who put their own safety at risk to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply to common consumers and industries amid the raging pandemic.

In addition, Indian Oil will continue to provide ex-gratia Covid-19 insurance cover of Rs 5 lakhs in case of death due to Covid-19. The amount is payable to the next of kin of the deceased.

The associates are not employed by IOC but by petrol pump operators, LPG distributors and tanker fleet owners. But these are the foot soldiers on the field who have been keeping the energy lines open through the pandemic, natural disasters and other emergencies.

The medical insurance, which was renewed this month, will continue to cover the personnel along with his/her spouse and two children. Claims of up to Rs 1 lakh can be availed for expenses on hospitalization and Covid-related diseases. On accidental death of an insured, the family will be eligible for compensation of Rs 2 lakh, the company said on Thursday.

Indian Oil had extended the medical insurance to the frontline associates in March 2020 to provide a safety net to the field force who were braving the pandemic to supply fuel through the pandemic. In 2020-21 financial year, 300 cases requiring hospitalisation were provided medical assistance and financial compensation provided in case of 14 deaths.

Source: The Times of India