Government health insurance schemes: Health is wealth- this saying is even more true in the present day whereby medical expenses are on the rise. The Government of India has introduced a number of health insurance schemes to provide low-income and even free medical services to individuals and families to make sure that all citizens of India will be able to obtain quality healthcare.
In this article we will be discussing the best government health insurance plans in India, what are the benefits, when can you join and how you can easily be eligible.
Government health insurance schemes
🇮🇳 1. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
Launched by: Government of India
Aim: To provide health coverage to poor and vulnerable families
Key Features:
- Provides 5 lakh per family per year in case of a secondary/tertiary level of hospitalization.
- Covers over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries).
- Cashless treatment available at empanelled public and private hospitals.
- Covers pre and post-hospitalization expenses.
- Includes coverage for all pre-existing diseases.
Eligibility:
Families listed in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) database are automatically eligible.
2. Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
Launched by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Beneficiaries: Central Government employees, pensioners, and their dependents
Key Benefits:
- Provides comprehensive medical care including OPD, hospitalization, and medicines.
- Treatment available at government as well as empanelled private hospitals.
- Includes wellness centers (CGHS dispensaries) for easy access to medical support.
Eligibility:
All central government employees and pensioners residing in CGHS-covered cities.
3. Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIS)
Launched by: Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)
Aim: To provide healthcare and financial protection to employees
Key Features:
- Covers employees earning below ₹21,000/month.
- Offers medical, maternity, disability, and dependent benefits.
- Free treatment for insured employees and their dependents in ESIC hospitals.
- Provides sickness benefits of up to 70% of wages for a certain period.
Eligibility:
Employees working in registered organizations with more than 10 workers.
4. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)
Launched by: Ministry of Labour and Employment
Target Group: Families below the poverty line (BPL)
Key Features:
- Provides health insurance up to ₹30,000 per family per year.
- Covers hospitalization expenses for most common diseases.
- Cashless treatment in empanelled hospitals through smart cards.
- Premium cost is mostly borne by the central and state governments.
5. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
Launched by: Government of India
Type: Accidental insurance scheme
Key Benefits:
- Offers ₹2 lakh coverage for accidental death or full disability, and ₹1 lakh for partial disability.
- Annual premium: only ₹12 per year.
- Can be easily linked with your bank account for auto-debit.
Eligibility:
Any Indian citizen aged 18 to 70 years with a bank account.
6. Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY)
Launched by: Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)
Target Group: Rural landless households
Key Features:
- Provides ₹30,000 natural death benefit and ₹75,000 for accidental death.
- Covers the head of the family or earning member aged 18 to 59 years.
- Also offers scholarship benefits to two children of the insured family.
7. Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Schemes (State-Level)
Many Indian states run their own health insurance programs to support residents:
- Tamil Nadu – CMCHIS (Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme)
- Andhra Pradesh – Dr. YSR Aarogyasri Scheme
- Maharashtra – Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana
- Kerala – Karunya Health Scheme
Each of these programs aims to provide cashless medical treatment and financial protection to state residents.
How to Apply for Government Health Insurance Schemes
You can apply for most government schemes:
- Online: Through official portals like pmjay.gov.in, esic.nic.in, or respective state health websites.
- Offline: By visiting government hospitals, CSC centers, or local panchayat offices.
Keep these documents ready:
- Aadhaar card
- Income certificate
- Ration card
- Passport-size photo
- Proof of residence
Final Thoughts
In India, health insurance schemes by the government have transformed the healthcare industry. They make sure that treatment is not given to anyone because of financial issues. You are an employee, pensioner, a household with low income, no matter, there is a government health insurance scheme that applies to you.
Make sure to check your eligibility today and get insured. After all, a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. 🇮🇳
Braj Verma is a resident of Rajgarh in Madhya Pradesh and is a content writer and freelancer by profession. He has a degree in Political Science from Barkatullah University, Bhopal. He has expertise in subjects like credit cards, banking, loan, insurance, political analysis and digital marketing.