What is the Central Government​​ Health Scheme (CGHS)?

A CGHS card is an identity card issued to all beneficiaries under the Central Government Health Scheme. It contains all the necessary information about the beneficiary, including the registration number, name, eligibility details and more. It acts as valid proof of eligibility to receive the necessary benefits under the scheme.

No, the Central Government Health Scheme is not free. You will need to pay a subscription fee, which is deducted from the beneficiaries’ salaries or pension amounts. The fee is calculated based on the employee's pay grade.

To find CGHS-empanelled hospitals near you, you can visit the official CGHS website or contact the local office.

Yes, you can enjoy cashless hospitalisation under the Central Government Health Scheme. With this facility, you do not have to pay hefty upfront medical expenses after treatment, as the bills are settled directly between CGHS and the hospital.

Yes, you can apply for the Central Govt Health Insurance Scheme online. However, the process may be limited to certain cities and regions. Thus, you must check with the local CGHS for availability before applying.

You can transfer your CGHS card from one wellness centre to another by contacting the new wellness centre’s authorities and informing them about your requirement to shift your card to their centre. Once you do so, they will guide you through the entire process.

It is the subscription fee every beneficiary needs to pay to claim services under this initiative. The contribution amount is decided based on the employee's pay grade.

The colour of the CGHS card is white with a top strip of a different colour. The different colour of the top strip highlights the status of the cardholder within the central government. The colour scheme is as follows -

• Red - Parliament members
• Blue - Existing government employees
• Green - Freedom fighters, ex-MPs and retired employees
• Yellow - Journalists and other beneficiaries from authorised organisations.

The medical benefits of retired employees are the same as those of existing employees. This includes diagnostic tests, emergency care, hospitalisation expenses, medicine supplies, etc.

The maximum coverage limit under the Central Government Health Scheme depends on the employee's title and pay scale.

Spouses, dependent or unmarried children, and parents are among the family members eligible for coverage under the Central Government Health Scheme.

The standard age limit for dependents is typically up to 25 years. However, there is no age limit for a girl child. She is covered until she is married or employed.

Pensioners need to submit their CGHS card at any of the authorised hospitals or clinics to receive the required healthcare services.

Yes, you need to submit and claim your medical bills under the Central Government Health Scheme within a maximum of 3 months. Failure to do so will result in no coverage, as you will not be eligible.

In most cases, dependent in-laws cannot be included under family members for the CGHS. However, for exceptions, you must get in touch with the authorities. However, female government officials have a choice to choose either their parents or in-laws to cover under this scheme.

The physical plastic CGHS card takes approximately 3 weeks to arrive at your residential address. However, you can get the online card almost instantly. Log in to your beneficiary account and select “Print CGHS Card” to download a copy.

If you have lost your card, you must first report it to the police station by filing an FIR and then inform the CGHS authorities. Next, you need to fill out an application form and submit it along with ₹50 fine to the AD’s office to get a duplicate card.

If your CGHS card contains incorrect information, you must bring the incorrect and correct details to the attention of the –

• Director/Joint Director of the concerned CGHS City or
• Joint Directorat CGHS building, RK Puram Sector-12, New Delhi​

You can complain online by logging on to the Grievance Portal. Once you log in, you can file a complaint and wait for a response. To file a grievance, you must ensure your mobile number and email address are registered with your CGHS account.

Yes, in case the CGHS card holder dies in the hospital, the cardholder's main claimant (living s​pouse) is eligible for reimbursement of the medical bills. However, it is advised to get the family pensioner card issued beforehand for faster settlements.

Yes, ambulance charges are covered under the Central Government Health Scheme. However, coverage might be limited to only the CGHS-approved hospitals and clinics, so check before filing any claims.

During the 56th GST Council Meeting in New Delhi, the Indian Government revealed a groundbreaking decision to exempt all health insurance policies from GST, starting September 22, 2025. The GST rate on health insurance premiums has been lowered to zero. Previously, premiums faced an 18% GST, which greatly raised the total cost.With this exemption, only the base premium is charged - making health insurance more affordable and accessible for individuals.

With Zero GST, your premium is now reduced by up to 18% compared to before.You won't have to pay tax on health insurance policies anymore.This change is effective for new purchases and renewals starting September 22, 2025.

Example: A policy that earlier cost ₹15,000 (including ₹2,288 GST) will now cost approximately ₹12,712 - saving you nearly ₹2,300

Yes, renewals made on or after September 22, 2025 will benefit from Zero GST.If your policy was issued before this date, GST still applies.The exemption is tied to the policy issuance and renewal date, not just payment.Future renewals will reflect the GST-free pricing, reducing your premium cost.

Yes, policies purchased or issued before September 22, 2025 still include 18% GST.The Zero GST exemption applies only to policies issued or renewed on or after that date.Future renewals will reflect the GST-free pricing.