CGHS — Central Government Health Scheme Guide
In this guide
Step-by-step Process
Check Eligibility for CGHS
CGHS is available to: (a) serving central government employees in 89 cities; (b) central government pensioners; (c) MPs, ex-MPs, and their dependents; (d) freedom fighters; (e) certain autonomous body employees. It covers the employee, spouse, dependent children (up to 25 years), and dependent parents. Check cities covered at cghs.gov.in.
Register and Get CGHS Card
Apply online at cghs.gov.in or through your office's administrative department. Submit: service/pension proof, family details, Aadhaar of all beneficiaries, and a passport photo of each member. Annual subscription: varies by pay band (₹250–₹1,000/month deducted from salary; pensioners pay lump sum). The CGHS card is issued with a unique beneficiary ID.
Use CGHS Wellness Centres (OPD)
Visit your assigned CGHS Wellness Centre for OPD consultations (free). Show your CGHS card + Aadhaar. Medicines prescribed by CGHS doctor are dispensed free from the wellness centre pharmacy. For specialist consultations, get a referral from the CGHS CMO (Chief Medical Officer) — you can then visit empanelled private hospitals.
Cashless or Reimbursement for Hospitalization
At empanelled hospitals: show CGHS card for cashless treatment. For non-empanelled hospitals (emergency or when CMO approves): pay bills yourself and submit for reimbursement within 6 months. Submit: CMO referral, original bills, discharge summary, and investigation reports to your CGHS regional office or online at cghs.gov.in.
Documents Required
- ✓CGHS card (with beneficiary ID)
- ✓Aadhaar card
- ✓Service book / pension certificate
- ✓CMO referral (for specialist or hospital treatment)
- ✓Original bills and discharge summary (for reimbursement)
Official Government Portals
Common Questions
Can I use CGHS if I am posted in a non-CGHS city?
If posted to a non-CGHS city, central government employees are covered under CS(MA) Rules — reimbursement-based scheme. You can avail treatment from any government or private hospital and claim reimbursement from your department. Show your CGHS card at the nearest CGHS city for treatment when traveling.
Is CGHS available for pensioners living outside CGHS cities?
Pensioners residing outside CGHS cities can opt for a fixed medical allowance (FMA) instead of CGHS. FMA is a flat ₹1,000/month added to pension. Alternatively, they can retain CGHS membership and get reimbursement for treatment taken at any government hospital near their residence.
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