Central Government Health Scheme Card (CGHS) – Eligibility, How to Download and Apply

The Central Government Health Scheme card or CGHS card is a health identity card issued to central government employees and pensioners in India. The CGHS card gives you and your family access to affordable medical care — from doctor visits and medicines to surgeries and hospital stays.

The card contains your name, registration number, and eligibility details. It acts as your official proof to receive all healthcare benefits under the scheme. Simply put, it is your health pass from the government.

Read: 3 Best Government Health Insurance Schemes for Families in India

What is the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)?

CGHS was established on 1 July 1954. It was initially introduced in Delhi as the Contributory Health Service Scheme under the Directorate General of Health Services, with 16 dispensaries catering to 53,000 government employees. Today, it has grown into one of India’s largest government healthcare programs.

Key facts at a glance:

• Launched in: 1 July 1954
• Runs under: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
• Total beneficiaries: Approximately 42 lakh across 80 cities in India
• Helpline: 1800-208-8900 (24×7, toll-free)
• Official website: www.cghs.nic.in

Who is Eligible for the Central Government Health Scheme Card – (CGHS)?

Serving Employees

• All central government employees paid from the Central Civil Estimates
• Their dependent family members residing in CGHS-covered cities
• Employees must be posted in a CGHS-covered city to be eligible

Retired Employees and Pensioners

• Central government pensioners, including family pensioners, can continue CGHS benefits even after retirement by paying an annual or lifetime subscription fee
• At retirement, pensioners must choose either CGHS benefits or Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) — not both

Other Eligible Groups

• Members of Parliament and Ex-Members of Parliament
• Sitting and former Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts
• Delhi Police personnel and their families (in Delhi only)
• CISF and CAPF personnel posted in CGHS cities
• Employees of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan at select locations
• Railway Board employees (under specific conditions)
• Work Charged and Industrial Staff working in Central Government establishments

Who Counts as a Dependent?

• Parents and parents-in-law (for female employees)
• Unmarried sons up to 25 years of age or until they start earning — whichever is earlier
• Unmarried, divorced, widowed, or separated daughters (no age limit)
• Minor siblings earning less than ₹9,000 plus Dearness Allowance per month
• Differently-abled dependents can remain on the card beyond 25 years with a valid disability certificate

Note: Railways and Armed Forces employees and pensioners are not eligible for CGHS.

What Does the CGHS Card Cover?

Central Government Health Scheme Card (CGHS) covers the below:

Outpatient (OPD) Services

• Doctor consultations at wellness centers
• Prescribed medicines — provided free at wellness centers
• Diagnostic tests and lab reports

Inpatient (Hospital) Services

• Hospitalization and room charges
• Surgery and specialist consultation costs
• Pre-operative and post-operative consultations
• Cost of implants (if required)
• Ambulance charges at empaneled hospitals

Other Covered Services

• AYUSH treatments — Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy
• Domiciliary treatment (home-based care)
• Maternity care — prenatal, delivery, and postnatal
• Artificial limbs and hearing aids (reimbursement)
• Preventive health check-ups for members above 60 years
• Emergency medical services

Important: There is no upper monetary limit for treatment at empaneled hospitals, provided it is within CGHS-approved rates.

Central Government Health Scheme Card (CGHS) – Monthly Contribution — Is CGHS Completely Free?

The Central Government Health Scheme Card (or CGHS card is not free, but it is very affordable. The amount you pay depends on your pay level as per the 7th Pay Commission (7th CPC).

For Serving Employees

• This amount is automatically deducted from your monthly salary — nothing extra to do
• If both husband and wife are central government employees, only the one with the higher salary pays the contribution

For Pensioners

Pensioners pay the same rate as the pay level they held at the time of retirement. Two payment options are available:

Option 1 — Annual Payment: Pay your contribution once a year. The card is valid for one year and must be renewed before expiry. It is advisable to submit documents and payment at least 3 months before the card expires.

Option 2 — Lifetime Payment: Pay ten years worth of contributions upfront in one go. For example, a retired employee at pay level 6 paying ₹450 per month would pay ₹54,000 as a one-time lifetime contribution. After this, there is no need to renew the card ever again — making it the smarter long-term choice.

Central Government Health Scheme Card (CGHS) Covered Cities — Is Your City on the List?

Central Government Health Scheme Card (CGHS) wellness centers are currently functioning in 80 cities across India. Here is a state-wise overview:

Note: Central government employees not residing in CGHS-covered cities are entitled to medical care under the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules instead. Always check the official CGHS website for the most updated and complete city list.

Central Government Health Scheme Card (CGHS) – Wellness Centre Timings

• Open Monday to Saturday, from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
• Emergency services available at select centres in Delhi beyond regular hours
• Centers are closed on Central Government holidays

Central Government Health Scheme Card (CGHS) – Cashless Treatment vs Reimbursement

There are two ways to use your CGHS card at hospitals:

Cashless Treatment

• Available only at CGHS-empaneled hospitals
• The hospital settles the bill directly with CGHS
• You pay nothing out of pocket at the time of treatment
• Always the preferred and recommended option

Reimbursement

• You pay the bill first, then claim the money back from CGHS
• Claims must be submitted within 3 months of treatment — any claim after this is invalid
• In emergencies, you can go to any hospital and claim reimbursement later
• Submit claims to the Additional Director of the CGHS city where your card is registered

How to Apply for a CGHS Card — Step by Step

Step 1 — Apply Online

• Visit www.cghs.nic.in
• Fill in the online application form
• Note down the temporary reference number generated

Step 2 — Take a Printout

• Print the completed application form
• Sign it and attach passport-size photographs of all family members

Step 3 — Submit to Your Department

• Hand over the signed hard copy to your department
• Your department will forward it to the Additional Director, CGHS

Step 4 — Pay the Subscription Fee

• Choose the wellness center nearest to your home
• Pay the subscription fee online through the portal

Step 5 — Collect Your Card

• Download the digital card immediately after approval
• Collect the physical plastic card from your chosen CGHS wellness center

For Pensioners: Retiring employees can apply for a pensioner CGHS card along with pension papers — ideally six months before the date of retirement — through the online portal.

What are the Documents Required for Central Government Health Scheme Card or CGHS Card

For Serving Employees

• Recent pay slip showing pay scale and CGHS deduction
• Aadhaar Card or PAN card — for yourself and all dependents
• Disability certificate for any dependent (if applicable)
• Passport-size photographs of yourself and all dependent family members

For Pensioners — Additional Documents Needed

• Self-attested PPO (Pension Payment Order) or provisional PPO
• Aadhaar or PAN card
• Bharat Kosh challan as proof of subscription payment
• Proof of Fixed Medical Allowance status (if applicable)
• Passport-size photographs of all dependents

How to Get Digital CGHS Card — Go Paperless

You no longer need to carry a physical card everywhere. The digital CGHS card is completely valid and accepted at all wellness centers and empaneled hospitals.

Access your digital card through:

• The CGHS website — using the Beneficiary Login option
• The myCGHS app — available on Android and iOS
• The DigiLocker app — available on Android and iOS

Why go digital?

• Accepted everywhere, just like the physical card
• No fee for digital renewal or reissue — saving you money
• Accessible anytime, anywhere on your phone
• No risk of losing or damaging it

What to do if you Lost or Damaged your CGHS Card?

Do not worry — the process to get a replacement is simple:

• Fill Application Form AA for a lost card or Form BB for a damaged card
• Pay a fee of ₹100 via Bharat Kosh challan
• Submit the form to the concerned Additional Director’s office
• Better option: Apply for the digital card instead — it is completely free and instantly accessible on your phone

Using Your Central Government Health Scheme Card /CGHS Card at Private Hospitals

Yes, your Central Government Health Scheme card works at private hospitals — but only at empaneled ones. Here is how it works:

• Private hospitals empaneled under CGHS offer treatment at government-approved rates
• These rates are much lower than what regular patients are charged
• Cashless treatment is available at all empaneled private hospitals
• Empaneled hospitals cannot deny admission to a CGHS beneficiary during an emergency
• Treatment covers room charges, medicines, pre- and post-operative consultations, and cost of implants

To find empaneled hospitals near you, visit the hospital search section on www.cghs.nic.in.

Key Things to Remember as a Central Government Health Scheme Card (CGHS) Cardholder

• Always inform CGHS immediately if your dependent’s eligibility status changes — benefits may be withdrawn otherwise
• File all reimbursement claims within 3 months of treatment — no exceptions
• The CGHS card is valid across all CGHS cities — you do not need a new card if you move to another covered city
• If transferred to a non-CGHS city, your family’s card remains valid for up to 6 months after transfer — provided 6 months’ contribution is paid in advance
• Link your CGHS account with your ABHA ID for a smoother healthcare experience
• Always carry your card — digital or physical — when visiting a wellness centre or hospital

Central Government Health Scheme Card (CGHS) – Quick Reference Summary

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Central Government Health Scheme Card (CGHS) – FAQs

Final Thoughts

The Central Government Health Scheme Card or CGHS card is one of the most valuable benefits available to central government employees and pensioners. It covers a wide range of medical needs — from simple OPD visits and free medicines to major surgeries — at a very affordable monthly cost.

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