Access to affordable healthcare is a critical concern for millions of Indians, especially those from economically weaker sections. To address this, the Government of India has launched several healthcare schemes offering free or subsidized medical care. These schemes ensure that people, particularly poor and vulnerable groups, receive necessary medical treatment without financial burden. In this article, we explore 10 government health schemes in India that provide free or low-cost medical care and healthcare services to eligible citizens.
1. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
India’s Largest Health Insurance Program
The Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme, launched in 2018, is the largest government-funded health insurance program in the world. It provides free medical care in India to over 50 crore poor and vulnerable families.
Key Features of Ayushman Bharat PMJAY:
✅ Coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
✅ Covers over 1,500 medical conditions, including surgeries, cancer treatments, and critical illnesses.
✅ No cap on family size, age, or gender.
✅ Cashless treatment at public and empaneled private hospitals.
👉 Who is eligible? BPL families and economically weaker sections, as per the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.
2. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)
Affordable Health Insurance for BPL Families
The RSBY scheme was designed to provide health insurance to families living below the poverty line (BPL). It has now merged into PMJAY, but still operates in certain states.
Key Features of RSBY:
✅ Provides coverage of ₹30,000 per family per year.
✅ Covers hospitalization expenses, daycare procedures, and pre-existing diseases.
✅ Empaneled government and private hospitals offer cashless treatment.
👉 Who is eligible? BPL families, unorganized sector workers, and street vendors.
Also Read: Introducing a List of Government Health Insurance Schemes in India
3. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
Accidental Insurance Scheme
This low-cost health insurance plan provides financial security against accidental death or disability.
Key Features of PMSBY:
✅ Provides ₹2 lakh coverage for accidental death and full disability.
✅ Offers ₹1 lakh coverage for partial disability.
✅ Premium is just ₹12 per year—affordable for all!
👉 Who is eligible? Anyone between 18-70 years with a savings bank account.
4. Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) – Tamil Nadu
State-Sponsored Healthcare for TN Residents
This Tamil Nadu government scheme provides free treatment for critical diseases at empaneled hospitals.
Key Features Of CMCHIS:
✅ Provides coverage up to ₹5 lakh per year.
✅ Covers 1,027 medical procedures, including heart surgery and cancer treatment.
✅ Available for residents of Tamil Nadu with an annual income of less than ₹72,000.
👉 Who is eligible? Low-income families in Tamil Nadu.
5. Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY)
Health and Life Insurance for Rural India
This scheme is designed for landless rural households and provides financial assistance in case of death or disability.
Key Features of AABY:
✅ ₹30,000 coverage for natural death and ₹75,000 for accidental death.
✅ Covers hospitalization costs for select diseases.
✅ Low annual premium of just ₹200 per year, with 50% paid by the Government.
👉 Who is eligible? Rural landless laborers and their families.
6. Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana (MA) – Gujarat
Health Coverage for Below Poverty Line Families
This Gujarat government scheme offers cashless treatment for low-income families.
Key Features of Gujarat Government Health Insurance Scheme:
✅ Coverage up to ₹3 lakh per family for hospitalization.
✅ Covers bypass surgeries, kidney transplants, and cancer treatments.
✅ Available at government and private hospitals.
👉 Who is eligible? BPL families in Gujarat.
7. Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK)
Free Medical Care for Delhi Residents
DAK is a Delhi government scheme providing free treatment to economically weaker sections in Delhi’s government hospitals.
Key Features:
✅ Covers costly medical treatments, including heart surgeries and dialysis.
✅ No income limit for emergency treatments.
✅ Covers both indoor and outdoor patient services.
👉 Who is eligible? Delhi residents with annual family income below ₹3 lakh.
8. Karunya Health Scheme – Kerala
Financial Assistance for Critical Illness
This Kerala government scheme provides financial aid for severe health conditions like cancer, kidney diseases, and heart ailments.
Key Features:
✅ Provides ₹2 lakh coverage per family.
✅ Covers cancer treatment, dialysis, heart surgeries, and neurosurgeries.
✅ Works in conjunction with PMJAY.
👉 Who is eligible? Low-income families in Kerala.
9. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) – Maharashtra
Free Medical Treatment for Maharashtra Residents
Earlier known as Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Arogya Yojana, this Maharashtra government scheme – Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana provides free medical care for poor and economically weaker sections.
Key Features of Maharashtra Government Health Schemes in India:
✅ Coverage up to ₹1.5 lakh per family per year.
✅ Covers over 900 medical procedures, including cardiac surgeries and cancer treatment.
✅ Free treatment at empaneled hospitals across Maharashtra.
👉 Who is eligible? Families with an annual income below ₹1 lakh in Maharashtra.
10. Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIS)
Health Insurance for Workers
ESIS provides affordable healthcare to organized sector employees and their families.
Key Features:
✅ Free medical care in India for employees and dependents.
✅ Covers hospitalization, maternity benefits, and occupational injuries.
✅ Available at ESIS hospitals and empaneled private hospitals.
👉 Who is eligible? Employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month.
Government Health Schemes in India
India has a strong network of government health schemes to ensure that no one is deprived of medical care due to financial constraints. Whether you are a low-income individual, senior citizen, worker, or accident victim, there is a healthcare program designed for you.
If you or someone you know needs free or low-cost medical care, check eligibility and apply for these schemes today!
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