3 Best Government Health Insurance Schemes for Families in India
Medical treatment is expensive. A single surgery or hospital stay can cost lakhs of rupees. Because of this, choosing the right government health insurance scheme is very important for Indian families.
The good news? India offers several reliable options under different government health insurance schemes in India. These plans help families reduce hospital expenses and access quality healthcare without financial stress.
This guide explains the best government health insurance schemes available, who can apply, what benefits you get and how to choose the right plan
Table of Contents
Top Government Health Insurance Schemes in India for Families
Government schemes aim to make healthcare:
• More affordable
• Easier to access
• Less stressful financially
They help families by covering:
• Hospitalization
• Surgeries
• ICU charges
• Medicines during admission
Most importantly, many treatments are cashless.
1 Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
- Website: https://nha.gov.in/PM-JAY
- Best for: Low-income and vulnerable families
Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) is India’s largest government health insurance scheme.
Key Benefits
• Coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year
• Cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals
• No limit on family size
• Covers many serious illnesses
Who Can Apply: Families listed in the SECC database
What’s Covered?
• Hospitalization
• Surgeries
• Day-care procedures
• Pre- and post-hospitalization expenses
Read: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
2 Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
- Website: Central Government Health Scheme
- Best for: Central government employees and pensioners
CGHS provides healthcare services along with insurance benefits.
Key Benefits
• Covers family members and dependents
• OPD and hospitalization support
• Access to government and private hospitals
Who Can Apply: Central government employees and Pensioners
3 Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIC)
- Website: Employees’ State Insurance Corporation
- Best for: Salaried workers
Key Benefits
• Covers employee and family
• Hospitalization and maternity care
• Low salary contribution
Who Can Apply: Employees working in ESIC-registered organizations
Top State Government Health Insurance Schemes
Many Indian states run excellent health insurance programs for families.
Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) – Maharashtra
Best for: Economically weaker families
• Covers major surgeries
• Cashless treatment
Dr. YSR Aarogyasri – Andhra Pradesh
Best for: Low-income families
• Covers expensive medical procedures
• Strong hospital network
Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) – Tamil Nadu
Best for: Low and middle-income families
• Covers hospitalization and critical care
• Good family coverage
Karunya Health Scheme – Kerala
Best for: Critical illnesses
• Focus on serious diseases
Ayushman Bharat Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana – Punjab
Best for: Eligible families in Punjab
Punjab’s version strengthens the national government health insurance scheme in India.
Key Benefits
• Coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year
• Cashless hospitalization
• Covers surgeries and critical illnesses
Who Can Apply?
• SECC beneficiaries
• Smart ration card holders
• Eligible Punjab residents
Comparison of Popular Family Health Insurance Schemes in India
| Feature | PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat) | Sarbat Sehat Bima (Punjab) | CMCHIS (Tamil Nadu) |
| Coverage Amount | ₹5 lakh per family/year | ₹5 lakh per family/year | ~₹5 lakh per family/year* |
| Cashless Treatment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Family Size Limit | No strict limit | Generally flexible | Based on scheme rules |
| Hospital Network | Large nationwide | Punjab govt + private hospitals | TN govt + private hospitals |
| Eligibility | SECC database families | SECC + ration card holders | Income-based eligibility |
| Pre-existing Diseases | Covered | Covered | Covered (as per policy) |
| Best For | Low-income families across India | Punjab residents | TN low/middle income families |
*Coverage limits may vary by treatment category.
Government Health Insurance Schemes – FAQs
How do government health insurance programs benefit low-income families?
Government health insurance programs help low-income families by reducing the financial burden of medical expenses. These schemes typically offer:
• Free or low-cost treatment
• Cashless hospitalization
• Coverage for surgeries and critical illnesses
• Access to empaneled government and private hospitals
This protection prevents families from falling into debt due to unexpected health emergencies.
How can I apply online for government health insurance schemes?
Most government schemes provide online application or eligibility check options. The general process includes:
• Visit the official scheme website (for example, PM-JAY or state portals)
• Enter Aadhaar number, mobile number, or ration card details
• Check eligibility status
• Complete eKYC if required
• Download or print the health card
Always use official government portals to avoid fraud.
What are the eligibility criteria for state-sponsored medical coverage plans?
Eligibility varies by state, but common criteria include:
• Family income limits
• Inclusion in SECC database
• Ration card category (BPL / priority households)
• State residency proof
• Specific occupational categories (in some schemes)
Each state government health insurance scheme defines its own rules.
Which government health insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions?
Many major schemes cover pre-existing diseases, especially:
• Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)
• State-expanded Ayushman schemes (such as Punjab’s Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana)
• Several state health insurance programs
Coverage terms may vary, so checking the official policy guidelines is important.
Where can I find the nearest enrollment center for public health subsidies?
You can locate enrollment centers by:
• Visiting the official scheme website
• Using the “Find Hospital” or “Locate Center” feature
• Contacting local government health offices
• Visiting Common Service Centers (CSCs)
Many districts also offer help desks at government hospitals.
What are the list government health insurance schemes that provide family coverage?
Popular family-focused schemes include:
• Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY
• Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
• Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIC)
• Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (Tamil Nadu)
• Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (Punjab)
• Aarogyasri (Andhra Pradesh / Telangana)
Family coverage rules differ by scheme.
What documents are required to apply for a national health protection scheme?
Commonly required documents:
• Aadhaar Card
• Ration Card / Family ID
• Income Certificate (if applicable)
• Residence Proof
• Mobile number
Document requirements may vary by scheme.
Read: How to Link Mobile Number with Aadhaar Card – A Step-by-Step Guide
What Do the Government Health Insurance Schemes in India Usually Cover?
Most government health insurance schemes in India include:
• Hospitalization
• Surgeries
• ICU expenses
• Medicines during hospital stay
• Day-care treatments
Some schemes also cover:
• Maternity care
• Follow-up treatment
Can I include my whole family in a government health insurance scheme in India?
Usually yes.
• PM-JAY – No family size restriction
• Punjab Scheme – Flexible coverage
• CMCHIS – As per eligibility rules
Final Thoughts
Healthcare emergencies can happen anytime. Government health insurance schemes can protect your savings and gives peace of mind.
Government health insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (Punjab), and CMCHIS (Tamil Nadu) have already helped millions of families across India.
If you qualify, enrolling in a government health insurance scheme in India is one of the smartest decisions for your family’s future.
Editor’s Note: This article uses publicly available official procedures and reflects information reviewed for accuracy to the best of our knowledge. Aadhaar update rules may change over time, so users should verify details at authorized Aadhaar centers before proceeding.
Interesting Reads
- Top 8 Government Scheme for Startups in India – Complete Guide
- Are There Government Schemes Providing Free Digital Literacy Courses in India?
- EV Subsidy in India – Which Government Schemes Offer Subsidies for Electric Vehicle Buyers in India?
- Top Government Subsidy for Solar Panels in India – Complete Guide for Homeowners
- What Are Government-Backed Home Loans for First-Time Buyers in India Complete Guide
