Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Guide
Complete Guide to CGHS Benefits, Eligibility, Contribution Rates, Empanelled Hospitals, and Online Renewal for 2026
Comprehensive
OPD & Hospitalization
Cashless
For Pensioners
Wide Network
500+ Hospitals
Online Renewal
Easy & Quick
What is CGHS?
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. It offers affordable and quality treatment, cashless hospitalization, preventive medical services, and a wide network of empanelled hospitals nationwide.
Key Benefits:
- Coverage of OPD, hospitalization, medicines, and diagnostic tests
- Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals for pensioners
- Specialist care and preventive health services
- Wide network of wellness centers and dispensaries in major cities
Eligibility and Enrollment
CGHS is available to central government employees, pensioners, family pensioners, and certain other categories residing in CGHS cities.
| 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, journalists, police |
Enrollment Steps:
- Apply through prescribed CGHS form with ID, pay slips, family details, and proof of residence
- Pensioners deposit 10 years contribution for lifetime card at retirement
- Plastic CGHS card issued after verification and renewed online as needed
Contribution Rates (2026)
CGHS contributions vary by pay level (7th CPC). Pensioners get lifetime cards by making a one-time contribution.
| Pay Level | Monthly Contribution | Lifetime Card (Pensioner) | Ward Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 to 5 | 250 per month | 30000 one-time | General Ward |
| Level 6 | 450 per month | 54000 one-time | Semi-private Ward |
| Level 7 to 11 | 650 per month | 78000 one-time | Private Ward |
| Level 12 and above | 1000 per month | 120000 one-time | Private/Suite |
Important Notes:
- • Rates are revised periodically as per CPC recommendations
- • Lifetime card for pensioners avoids future renewal payments
- • Family members covered under employee contribution
Empanelled Hospitals (2026)
CGHS has partnerships with 500+ hospitals across India offering multi-specialty services. Here are some major empanelled hospitals:
| Hospital | Location | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Max Super Speciality | Delhi NCR | Multi-specialty, Cancer, Cardiology |
| Moolchand Hospital | Delhi | Cardiology, Orthopedics, Oncology, Surgery |
| Yashoda Superspeciality | Ghaziabad | Cancer, General Specialist |
| Apollo Hospitals | Pan India | All Specialties, Super Specialty |
| Narendra Mohan Hospital | Ghaziabad | General, Cardiac, Neuro Surgery |
Key Information:
- • Hundreds of diagnostic centers and multi-specialty hospitals across India
- • Cashless treatment for pensioners, reimbursement for others
- • Check CGHS portal for full city-wise hospital list and accreditation status
Key Benefits & Online Renewal
Healthcare Coverage
- ✓ Free OPD consultations
- ✓ Medicines and diagnostics
- ✓ Hospitalization benefits
- ✓ Specialist consultations
Online Renewal Process
- ✓ Apply via CGHS portal
- ✓ Submit updated documents
- ✓ Pay renewal contribution
- ✓ Auto-renewed plastic card
Preventive Services
- ✓ Wellness check-ups
- ✓ Health screening camps
- ✓ Immunization programs
- ✓ Fitness counseling
Pensioner Benefits
- ✓ Lifetime card option
- ✓ Cashless hospitalization
- ✓ No future contributions
- ✓ Priority at empanelled centers
Questions About CGHS? 🏥
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