What is CGHS and who is eligible?

CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) provides healthcare to serving Central Government employees, pensioners, and their dependents in cities where CGHS dispensaries operate. Eligibility extends to the employee, spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents.

How much is the CGHS monthly contribution?

CGHS contribution depends on your basic pay: ₹250 (basic up to ₹25,000), ₹450 (₹25,001–₹50,000), ₹650 (₹50,001–₹75,000), ₹1,000 (₹75,001–₹1,50,000), ₹1,250 (above ₹1,50,000). This is deducted monthly from your salary.

What is the difference between CGHS and CSMA?

CGHS is available in cities with CGHS dispensaries (mainly X-class and major Y-class cities). Employees posted in other cities are covered under CS(MA) Rules — Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules — which provides reimbursement for treatment at government and empanelled hospitals.

Can CGHS be used in private hospitals?

Yes, but only at CGHS-empanelled private hospitals. Treatment at non-empanelled hospitals requires prior permission from CGHS and may have limited reimbursement. Emergency treatment at any hospital is covered with subsequent documentation.

Does CGHS cover pensioners?

Yes. Retired Central Government employees and their spouses continue to get CGHS coverage for life. Pensioners need to obtain a CGHS card from the nearest CGHS wellness centre by paying the applicable annual contribution.

What ward entitlement do I get under CGHS?

Ward entitlement depends on your pay level. Level 1–5: General Ward. Level 6–9: Semi-Private Ward. Level 10–13A: Private Ward. Level 14 and above: Deluxe/Suite.

Is CGHS contribution mandatory?

Yes, CGHS contribution is mandatory for all Central Government employees posted in CGHS-covered cities. It is automatically deducted from salary. Employees in non-CGHS cities are covered under CS(MA) Rules instead.

Will CGHS rates change under the 8th CPC?

CGHS contribution slabs are expected to be revised under the 8th Pay Commission as they are linked to basic pay brackets. The exact revised rates will be notified when the 8th CPC is implemented.

CGHS Guide 2026 — Benefits, Rates & Empanelled Hospitals

Complete Guide to CGHS Benefits, Eligibility, Contribution Rates, CGHS Hospital List, Online Appointment Booking, and Card Renewal for 2026

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Comprehensive

OPD & Hospitalization

💳

Cashless

For Pensioners

🏢

Wide Network

500+ Hospitals

📱

Online Renewal

Easy & Quick

CGHS Contribution Calculator

Enter your basic pay to see your contribution & ward entitlement

Basic Pay (₹ per month)

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Enter your basic pay above to see your entitlements.

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 & Ward Entitlement (2026)

CGHS contributions vary by pay level. Higher levels unlock better ward classes.

Ward Entitlement — Pay Tier Ladder

Up to ₹25,000

General

₹18,000 – ₹25,000

Monthly

₹250

Lifetime: ₹30K

₹25,001 – ₹50,000

Semi-Private

₹25,001 – ₹50,000

Monthly

₹450

Lifetime: ₹54K

₹50,001 – ₹75,000

Semi-Private

₹50,001 – ₹75,000

Monthly

₹650

Lifetime: ₹78K

₹75,001 – ₹1,50,000

Private

₹75,001 – ₹1,50,000

Monthly

₹1,000

Lifetime: ₹120K

Above ₹1,50,000

Private / Suite

₹1,50,001 & above

Monthly

₹1,250

Lifetime: ₹150K

Important Notes:

• Rates are revised periodically as per CPC recommendations
• Lifetime card for pensioners avoids future renewal payments
• Family members covered under employee's 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

CGHS City Coverage Checker

Select a city to check if CGHS operates there and what services are available

Select City

Full coverage (46 cities) Dispensary only (2 cities) Not covered (13 cities)

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CGHS Contribution Calculator

What is CGHS?

Key Benefits:

Eligibility and Enrollment

Enrollment Steps:

Contribution Rates & Ward Entitlement (2026)

Important Notes:

Empanelled Hospitals (2026)

Key Information:

Key Benefits & Online Renewal

Healthcare Coverage

Online Renewal Process

Preventive Services

Pensioner Benefits

CGHS City Coverage Checker

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CGHS — Frequently Asked Questions