What is the main purpose of a CGHS Card?

The CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) Card is a comprehensive health identity card for central government employees, pensioners, and their dependents. Its main purpose is to provide them with cashless access to medical services at CGHS Wellness Centres (dispensaries), government hospitals, and empanelled private hospitals.

Are dependent parents covered under CGHS?

Yes, parents can be included as dependents on a CGHS card, provided they are primarily dependent on the government employee and their total income from all sources does not exceed the government-stipulated amount (e.g., ₹9,000 per month + DA). They must also normally reside with the employee.

What is the difference between CGHS and Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY)?

CGHS is a contributory health scheme exclusively for central government employees, pensioners, and certain other categories. Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) is a health insurance scheme for economically weaker sections of the general population. They are two separate schemes for entirely different beneficiary groups.

Is there a monthly premium for the CGHS card?

Yes, CGHS is a contributory scheme. For serving employees, a monthly contribution is deducted from their salary based on their pay level. For pensioners, a one-time contribution for the whole year is paid at the time of making the card.

Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS): A Complete Guide for Employees (2025)

What is the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)?

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is a premier health program in India, providing comprehensive medical care to a specific group of beneficiaries. Established in 1954, it is one of the country's oldest and most extensive health schemes. Its primary objective is to offer holistic healthcare services to central government employees, pensioners, and their dependent family members through a network of dispensaries (Wellness Centres) and empanelled hospitals.

Unlike universal schemes like Ayushman Bharat, CGHS is a **contributory scheme**, meaning beneficiaries pay a nominal monthly or annual amount based on their pay grade. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the CGHS, explaining who is eligible, the benefits it offers, and how to apply for your CGHS card.

Who is Eligible for a CGHS Card?

Eligibility for the CGHS is well-defined and covers a wide range of individuals associated with the central government:

All serving Central Government employees and their dependent family members.
Pensioners of the Central Government and their dependents.
Sitting and ex-Members of Parliament (MPs).
Sitting and ex-Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Employees of certain autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings.
Accredited journalists and freedom fighters.
Dependent Family Members: This includes the spouse, dependent parents (whose income is below a prescribed limit), and children (sons up to age 25 or until they start earning, and unmarried/unemployed daughters for life).

Key Benefits of the CGHS Scheme

CGHS offers a wide spectrum of medical benefits, making it one of the most comprehensive health plans in the country.

Cashless OPD and IPD Services: It covers both Out-Patient Department (OPD) consultations and In-Patient Department (IPD) hospitalization.
Dispensary Services: Beneficiaries get free consultations and medicines from a network of CGHS Wellness Centres (dispensaries).
Multi-System Coverage: CGHS covers not only Allopathic treatment but also AYUSH systems (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy).
Cashless Hospitalization: Free and cashless treatment at a vast network of empanelled private hospitals and all government hospitals.
Reimbursement Facility: In case of medical emergencies at a non-empanelled hospital, beneficiaries can claim reimbursement for their expenses as per the prescribed CGHS rates.
Maternity and Child Health Services: Comprehensive coverage for maternity, delivery, and newborn care.

How the CGHS System Works: Wellness Centres and Referrals

The CGHS system operates primarily through its network of Wellness Centres, which act as the first point of care.

Step 1: Visit Your Designated Wellness Centre
Each CGHS beneficiary is attached to a specific Wellness Centre. For any non-emergency health issue, you must first visit the Medical Officer at your designated dispensary for consultation and medicines.
Step 2: Referral to Specialists or Hospitals
If the Medical Officer determines that you need a specialist's opinion or diagnostic tests, they will refer you to a government hospital or a CGHS-empanelled private hospital or diagnostic center.
Step 3: Cashless Hospitalization on Referral
For planned surgeries or hospitalization, a referral from your Wellness Centre is mandatory to avail the cashless facility at an empanelled private hospital. In case of a medical emergency, you can get admitted to any empanelled hospital directly without a prior referral.

How to Apply for a New CGHS Card

The application process for the CGHS card is now primarily online.

Step 1: Visit the Official CGHS Portal
Go to the official website: cghs.nic.in.
Step 2: Fill the Online Application Form
Click on 'Apply for Plastic Card' and fill out the detailed application form with your service details and the particulars of all your dependents.
Step 3: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and proof of dependency for family members.
Step 4: Submit and Print
Submit the form online and take a printout of the filled application.
Step 5: Departmental Verification
Submit the printed form and supporting documents to your administrative department for verification. Once verified, the application is forwarded to the CGHS office for the final issuance of the card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. I am a central government pensioner. Can I apply for a CGHS card?

Yes, central government pensioners are eligible for CGHS, provided they were covered under the scheme while in service or they reside in a CGHS-covered area.

Q. How much contribution is deducted for CGHS?

The monthly contribution is deducted from the salary of serving employees based on their pay level in the pay matrix. It ranges from a few hundred to over a thousand rupees per month.