CGHS — Central Government Health Scheme: Complete 2026 Guide

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is the largest publicly funded healthcare programme for central government employees, pensioners and their dependents. Administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, CGHS covers OPD and IPD treatment, diagnostics, medicines and dental care across 80+ cities through wellness centres and empanelled hospitals.

Who is eligible for CGHS?

• Serving central government employees (civilian)
• Central government pensioners and family pensioners
• Members of Parliament, sitting and former
• Supreme Court and High Court judges (retired)
• Freedom fighters and dependents
• Accredited journalists in Delhi
• Railway Board employees and former Railway Board employees
• Employees of select autonomous bodies (e.g., AIIMS, CSIR labs) on subscription

How to enrol in CGHS

Employees are enrolled at the time of joining the Central Government. Pensioners must apply within one month of retirement at the nearest CGHS Additional Director's office. The application form is available on cghs.gov.in and requires Aadhaar, PPO copy, residential proof, photographs and a one-time CGHS contribution.

CGHS contribution rates (2026)

• Level 1–5 (Group D/C lower) — ₹250 per month / ₹30,000 lifetime
• Level 6 — ₹450 per month / ₹54,000 lifetime
• Level 7–11 — ₹650 per month / ₹78,000 lifetime
• Level 12 and above — ₹1,000 per month / ₹1,20,000 lifetime

Services covered

• OPD consultation at CGHS wellness centres (free)
• Medicines including chronic disease maintenance (free)
• Diagnostic tests at CGHS labs or empanelled centres
• Specialist referrals and consultations
• Hospitalisation at empanelled private hospitals (cashless)
• Dental treatment including dentures and root canals
• AYUSH treatments at designated centres
• Maternity and emergency care

Empanelled hospitals

CGHS empanels major private hospitals in every CGHS city — Max, Fortis, Apollo, Medanta, AIIMS, Tata Memorial, Manipal, BLK, and dozens of state-specific chains. The current list is available on the CGHS portal under "Empanelled Hospitals". Cashless treatment is available at empanelled hospitals on presentation of the CGHS card.

Reimbursement for emergency treatment

For emergency treatment at non-empanelled hospitals, submit Form Med 97, original bills, emergency medical certificate, discharge summary, and prescriptions within three months of discharge. Processing takes 4–6 weeks. Reimbursement is at CGHS rates or actual rates depending on the emergency category.

CGHS Plastic Card and HMIS portal

Every beneficiary receives a CGHS Plastic Card with photo, dependents and beneficiary ID. The HMIS portal (cghs.nic.in) allows online appointment booking, prescription history, ePrescription downloads, and address change requests.