The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is a health insurance plan offering medical treatment across various disciplines of medicine. CGHS benefits include outpatient treatment and medication, inpatient care, diagnostic tests at government and CGHS-affiliated hospitals, child health services, family welfare services, medical consultations, and the distribution of AYUSH medicines.
You can download the CGHS application form from the central government’s official website. Once enrolled, you will receive a CGHS card that will serve as your identification to access these benefits.
Eligibility for hospital wards in CGHS-affiliated private hospitals is determined by the individual’s pay scale.
Here are other details of the scheme.
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Who Can Benefit From CGHS: Individuals falling under certain categories are eligible to become beneficiaries of CGHS. They are as follows.
§ Employees receiving salaries from the central civil estimates
§ Family members of beneficiaries receiving salaries from central civil estimates
§ Dependents of families residing in areas covered by CGHS
§ Retired central government pensioners
§ Members of Parliament
§ Former Vice Presidents
§ Former and serving Lieutenant Governors
§ Current or retired judges of the Supreme Court and the high courts
§ Employees of the post and telegraph department
§ Delhi Police personnel
§ Freedom fighters
§ Journalists from the Press Information Bureau
§ Employees of the railway board
How To Apply For CGHS Card: The CGHS enrolment process involves the following steps.
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§ Confirm eligibility for enrolment under CGHS.
§ Apply online via the official website or visit a CGHS wellness centre.
§ Since online applications cannot be fully completed on the website, document verification is required at a wellness centre. Print the online application and submit it along with supporting documents at a wellness centre.
§ Wellness centres are open from Monday to Saturday from 7:30 am to 2 am (closed on central government holidays).
§ Submit the necessary documents, including a photograph, proof of residence, proof of dependents, age proof, and, for pensioners, the Pension Payment Order (PPO) or provisional PPO/last pay certificate.
§ Eligible dependents include parents, parents-in-law (for female employees), unmarried children up to age 25, unmarried/divorced/separated daughters, and minor siblings with a monthly income below Rs 9,000 plus dearness allowance.
Upon verification, you will receive a photo ID plastic card containing policy details and a unique beneficiary number.
The card is valid until the primary insured’s retirement. After their demise, dependents will need to obtain a new card.
Benefits Of CGHS
Being enrolled in the CGHS offers numerous advantages. These include:
Comprehensive Medical Care: CGHS provides extensive medical care facilities, covering hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, consultations, and more.
Affordable Treatment: Medical services under CGHS are available at highly subsidised rates, thus making healthcare accessible.
Cashless Services: Beneficiaries enjoy cashless services, as medical bills are directly submitted to the relevant department for settlement.
Preventive Healthcare: CGHS includes preventive health services, such as regular check-ups, immunisations, and dental care.
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Emergency Medical Care: CGHS ensures emergency services, offering 24/7 medical assistance, ambulance services, and critical care options.
