Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Handbook – 2026
CGHS Overview & Objectives
The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is a comprehensive medical care scheme that provides healthcare access to central government employees, pensioners, and their dependents in designated cities across India. Its objectives are to offer affordable and quality treatment, cashless hospitalization, and preventive medical services nationwide[web:128][web:133].
- Coverage of OPD, hospitalization, medicines, diagnostic tests, and specialist care
- Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals for pensioners
- Wide network of wellness centers and dispensaries in major cities
Eligibility & Enrollment Rules
| Eligible Group | Details |
|---|---|
| Central Govt Employees | Serving staff drawing salary from central civil estimates |
| Pensioners & Family Pensioners | Retired and family pensioners residing in CGHS cities |
| Others | Ex-MPs, judges, freedom fighters, railway board, accredited journalists, police of Delhi, autonomous body employees (in select locations)[web:122][web:125] |
- Apply through prescribed CGHS form, submit IDs, pay slips, family details, proof of residence, and photographs
- Pensioners deposit 10 years’ contribution for lifetime card at retirement
- Plastic CGHS cards issued after verification—renewed online as needed
Contribution Rates 2026
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Monthly Contribution | One-Time for Lifetime Card (Pensioner) | Ward Entitlement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1–5 | ₹250 | ₹30,000 | General |
| Level 6 | ₹450 | ₹54,000 | Semi-private |
| Level 7–11 | ₹650 | ₹78,000 | Private |
| Level 12+ | ₹1,000 | ₹1,20,000 | Private/Single suite |
- Rates are revised periodically as per CPC recommendations
- Lifetime card for pensioners avoids future renewals
Empanelled Hospitals (2026)
| Hospital Name | City / Region | Services / Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Max Super Speciality | Delhi NCR | Multi-speciality & Cancer |
| Moolchand Hospital | Delhi | Cardiology, Orthopaedics, Oncology, Surgery |
| Yashoda Superspeciality | Ghaziabad | Cancer, General Specialist |
| Apollo | Pan India | All Specialities |
| Narendra Mohan Hospital | Ghaziabad | General, Cardiac, Neuro |
Hundreds of multi-speciality and diagnostic centers are empanelled across India. Visit the official CGHS portal for the full city-wise list and check each hospital’s accreditation status for the applicable rates[web:124][web:126][web:129].
- Rates and facilities vary based on city tier and NABH accreditation status
- Cashless treatment for pensioners/beneficiaries, reimbursement for others
Benefits & Online Renewal Process
| Feature | Details / Steps |
|---|---|
| OPD Facilities | Free consultation, medicines, and minor procedures |
| Hospitalization | Cashless (pensioners), reimbursement process (others) |
| Diagnostics | Approved tests and imaging at CGHS centers/hospitals |
| Online Renewal | Apply via official CGHS portal, submit updated docs, pay renewed contribution |
- Plastic CGHS card is auto-renewed online, both for serving and retired staff
- Check for latest rates and rules before renewal at https://cghs.mohfw.gov.in
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