The cost of healthcare in India is increasing rapidly. Expensive hospital bills and high treatment charges have become a major concern for common people.
In such situations, health insurance is very useful. However, private company insurance policies come with an additional 18% GST, making them even more costly.
The good news is that the government has launched several health insurance schemes for weaker sections of society.
These schemes are free from GST and provide affordable healthcare benefits. Let’s look at 5 important Government Health Insurance Schemes in India.
Major Government Health Insurance Schemes
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
This is the largest government health insurance scheme in India. Each family is provided insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year.
The scheme also covers expenses such as tests and medicines for 3 days before hospitalization and 15 days after discharge.
All pre-existing diseases are covered from day one.
This scheme is for economically weaker families, including urban workers like garbage pickers, domestic workers, hawkers, cobblers, and handcart pullers.
National Health Insurance Scheme
This plan is designed for unorganized sector workers and BPL families. It provides insurance cover of up to ₹30,000 per year for a family of up to 5 members.
Beneficiaries need to pay only ₹30 as registration/renewal fee.
States can make changes in this scheme according to their needs.
Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme
This scheme is specially made for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). It offers insurance cover of up to ₹1 lakh without requiring any pre-medical test.
Covers OPD treatment, medicines, diagnostic tests, and regular medical checkups.
OPD expenses are covered up to ₹15,000, and preventive dentistry up to ₹4,000.
Public Health Insurance Policy
This scheme is also for weaker sections of society. It provides ₹5,000 insurance cover per person for one year.
Premium for the family head (up to 46 years) is only ₹81, while for those above 66 years it is ₹162.
Pre-existing diseases are covered only after 36 months.
There is a 90-day waiting period for treatment of diabetes, blood pressure, and heart diseases.
Universal Health Insurance Scheme
Launched in 2003, this scheme benefits both APL (Above Poverty Line) and BPL (Below Poverty Line) families. Anyone between 3 months and 65 years can apply.
Premium is ₹422 per year for a single person.
For a family of 5 (husband, wife, and 3 children), the premium is only ₹633 per year.
