Table of Contents
- What is CGHS?
- Key Benefits of CGHS
- Who is Eligible for CGHS?
- How the CGHS Healthcare System Works
- CGHS Treatment Process
- CGHS Medicine Policy
- CGHS Coverage for Cancer Treatment
- CGHS Benefits at a Glance
- Services Available at CGHS Wellness Centres
- Important Things to Know
- CGHS Support at Onco-Life
- Compare CGHS with Other Government Schemes
- Contact Details
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is a government-funded healthcare programme managed by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, offering comprehensive medical care to Central Government employees, pensioners and other eligible beneficiaries. Among the Government Health Insurance Schemes available in India, CGHS provides outpatient (OPD) care through CGHS Wellness Centres, along with hospitalization, medicines, preventive healthcare and specialist treatment through empanelled hospitals across 80+ cities.
CGHS also covers advanced treatments, including cancer surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diagnostics and long-term follow-up care. At Onco-Life, our dedicated CGHS support team assists eligible patients with eligibility verification, referrals, pre-authorization, hospital admission and end-to-end cancer treatment coordination.
What is CGHS?
The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is a comprehensive healthcare programme launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. It provides affordable healthcare services to Central Government employees, pensioners and other eligible beneficiaries.
Unlike many government health schemes that focus only on hospitalization, CGHS offers both outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) healthcare services, making it one of India’s most comprehensive healthcare programmes.
The scheme operates through 300+ CGHS Wellness Centres and a network of empanelled government and private hospitals across 80+ cities in India.
Key Benefits of CGHS
| Benefit | Description |
| OPD & Hospitalization Care | OPD services are available through CGHS Wellness Centres. Specialist consultation and hospitalization at empanelled hospitals are available according to applicable referral, authorization, entitlement and cashless-credit guidelines. |
| Free & Subsidized Medicines | Essential medicines are provided free through CGHS Wellness Centre pharmacies. |
| Preventive Healthcare | Regular health check-ups, screenings, vaccinations and wellness programmes are included. |
| AYUSH Services | Access to Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy treatment through approved centres. |
| Specialist Care | Referral-based access to specialists and advanced treatment at empanelled hospitals. Beneficiaries aged 70 years and above are permitted direct specialist consultation under current provisions. |
| Cancer Treatment Coverage | Covers surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diagnostics and follow-up care as per CGHS guidelines and approved rates. |
| Nationwide Network | Healthcare services available through 300+ Wellness Centres and empanelled hospitals in 80+ cities. |
Who is Eligible for CGHS?
Eligible Beneficiaries
| Category | Eligibility |
| Central Government Employees | Employees working in Central Government ministries and departments. |
| Central Government Pensioners | Pensioners and their eligible family members. |
| Members of Parliament (MPs) | Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members. |
| Judges | Supreme Court and High Court Judges. |
| Freedom Fighters | Eligible freedom fighters receiving government pension. |
| Accredited Journalists | Journalists recognized under the Press Information Bureau (PIB). |
| Other Eligible Categories | Certain PSU employees and Railway Board officials as notified by the Government. |
Family Members Covered
| Dependent | Coverage |
| Spouse | Covered under the CGHS family membership. |
| Children | Covered as dependents subject to the age, income, marital-status and dependency conditions prescribed under current CGHS rules. |
| Dependent Parents / In-laws | Covered if they meet the financial dependency criteria specified by CGHS. |
| Other Eligible Dependents | Certain dependent relatives, including specified categories of dependent daughters and sisters, may be covered under applicable CGHS provisions. |
Dependent eligibility: Dependent family-member eligibility varies according to relationship, age, marital status, income and dependency conditions prescribed under current CGHS rules. A dependent son is generally eligible until he starts earning or reaches 25 years, whichever occurs first, while permanently disabled dependent sons may remain eligible irrespective of age. A dependent daughter is generally eligible until she starts earning or marries, whichever occurs first. Separate provisions apply to widowed, divorced, separated or abandoned dependent daughters and sisters. Please confirm your family’s current status with CGHS at the time of registration.
Documents Required
- Service Certificate (for serving employees)
- Pension Payment Order (PPO) for pensioners
- CGHS Card
- Government-issued Photo ID
Our Arogya Mitra team at Onco-Life can help verify your eligibility and guide you through the admission process.
How the CGHS Healthcare System Works
CGHS follows a two-tier healthcare model.
1. CGHS Wellness Centres (Primary Care)
Patients receive:
- General physician consultations
- Routine health check-ups
- Basic diagnostic tests
- X-rays
- Free or subsidized medicines
- Preventive healthcare services
- Specialist referrals
2. Empanelled Hospitals (Specialist Care)
Patients requiring advanced treatment can access:
- Specialist consultations
- Hospital admission
- Major surgeries
- Advanced diagnostics (CT Scan, MRI, PET-CT)
- Cancer treatment
- Organ transplants
- ICU care
Access to these services is subject to referral or authorization, beneficiary entitlement, CGHS-approved rates and the empanelled specialties of the treating hospital.
3. Government Hospitals
CGHS beneficiaries can also receive treatment at:
- Government Medical College Hospitals
- District Hospitals
- Tertiary Care Hospitals
CGHS Treatment Process
Step 1 – Visit a CGHS Wellness Centre
Consult a doctor at your assigned Wellness Centre.
The doctor may:
- Treat your condition
- Prescribe medicines
- Recommend investigations
- Refer you to a specialist
Step 2 – Obtain a Specialist Referral
For specialized treatment such as surgery or cancer care, obtain a referral from your Wellness Centre doctor. Beneficiaries aged 70 years and above are permitted direct specialist consultation under current provisions.
Step 3 – Hospital Admission
Visit an empanelled hospital with:
- CGHS Card
- Referral Letter
- Photo ID
The hospital submits your admission request for CGHS approval. Approval timelines vary depending on beneficiary type, departmental authorization, referral, supporting documentation and portal processing.
Step 4 – Receive Approved Treatment
Approved treatment is provided on a cashless or credit basis for eligible beneficiary categories, within CGHS-approved rates, ward entitlement, authorized treatment and empanelled specialties.
Coverage includes:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- ICU
- Medicines
- Diagnostics
- Doctor fees
Non-approved medicines, ward or room upgrades beyond entitlement, non-package procedures and charges outside CGHS rules are not covered by the scheme and remain the beneficiary’s responsibility.
Step 5 – Follow-up Care
After discharge, your CGHS Wellness Centre manages:
- Follow-up consultations
- Long-term medications
- Health monitoring
CGHS Medicine Policy
One of the biggest advantages of CGHS is its medicine coverage.
| Medicine Category | Coverage |
| Essential Medicines | Provided free through CGHS pharmacies. |
| Branded Medicines | Available at subsidized or nominal cost, where applicable. |
| Post-Discharge Medicines | Provided as per the discharge advice and applicable CGHS provisions, with continued supply available through your CGHS Wellness Centre. |
| Chronic Disease Medicines | Long-term medicines are available through CGHS Wellness Centres. |
| Non-CGHS Medicines | Medicines outside the approved CGHS list are generally paid for by the patient. |
This significantly reduces out-of-pocket expenses for patients managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
CGHS Coverage for Cancer Treatment
CGHS provides comprehensive cancer care, including:
- Oncology consultations
- Cancer surgeries
- Tumour removal procedures
- Reconstructive surgeries
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy (EBRT, IMRT, Brachytherapy)
- PET-CT Scan
- MRI and CT Scan
- Laboratory investigations
- Pain management
- Supportive medications
- Long-term follow-up care
Investigations and advanced imaging are covered when supported by a valid referral or authorization and approved under applicable CGHS rates and rules.
At Onco-Life, our oncology specialists coordinate treatment according to CGHS guidelines, ensuring eligible patients receive quality cancer care.
CGHS Benefits at a Glance
| Feature | Benefit |
| OPD Consultations | OPD consultations at your assigned CGHS Wellness Centre as required. |
| Medicine Coverage | Free or subsidized medicines. |
| Preventive Healthcare | Health check-ups and wellness programmes. |
| Coverage Area | Available in 80+ cities across India. |
| Family Benefits | Covers spouse and eligible dependent family members as per CGHS rules. |
| AYUSH Services | Access to alternative systems of medicine. |
| Specialist Care | Referral-based consultations at empanelled hospitals, with direct specialist consultation permitted for beneficiaries aged 70 years and above. |
| Cancer Treatment | Comprehensive coverage for cancer diagnosis and treatment as per CGHS guidelines. |
Services Available at CGHS Wellness Centres
CGHS Wellness Centres provide:
- General physician consultations
- Preventive health check-ups
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Vaccination services
- Medicine dispensing
- Diagnostic investigations
- Specialist referrals
Important Things to Know
| Feature | Details |
| No Annual Treatment Limit | There is no yearly cap on treatment expenses under CGHS. |
| Referral Requirement | Referrals from a CGHS Wellness Centre are generally required for specialist consultations and planned hospitalization. Beneficiaries aged 70 years and above are permitted direct specialist consultation under current provisions. |
| Scope of Cashless Cover | Cashless or credit treatment at empanelled hospitals depends on beneficiary category, referral or authorization, ward entitlement and empanelment terms. Charges outside CGHS-approved rates and authorized treatment are not covered. |
| Contribution | Serving employees and pensioners contribute a nominal amount based on pay level or pension. |
| Coverage Area | CGHS services are available in 80+ notified cities. Outside these cities, reimbursement provisions may apply. |
| Family Coverage | Eligible family members receive benefits under the same CGHS membership, as per prescribed dependency conditions. |
CGHS Support at Onco-Life
Our coordinators assist CGHS beneficiaries with:
- Eligibility verification
- Referral coordination
- Hospital pre-authorization
- Cancer treatment planning
- Admission support
- Hospital billing assistance
- Post-treatment follow-up
Compare CGHS with Other Government Schemes
| Scheme | Coverage | Eligible Beneficiaries | Learn More |
| MJPJAY | ₹1.5–2.5 Lakh | Eligible families in Maharashtra | Explore MJPJAY |
| PM-JAY | ₹5 Lakh per Family per Year | Eligible beneficiaries across India | Explore PM-JAY |
| ECHS | Unlimited (No Annual Cap) | Ex-servicemen and their eligible dependents | Explore ECHS |
| MPKAY | Unlimited (No Annual Cap) | Maharashtra Police personnel and their eligible family members | Explore MPKAY |
Contact Details
| Location | Contact Numbers |
| Satara | 02162-350063 7769004343 7030362222 |
| Talegaon | 8128124067 8128123067 |
| Chiplun | 7378958000 9404240762 |
| Wagholi | 8128124067 8128123067 |
Frequently Asked Questions
CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme)
Is CGHS Completely Free?
Serving employees and pensioners contribute a nominal amount based on their pay level or pension. Eligible medical services are then provided on a cashless or credit basis within CGHS-approved rates, ward entitlement and authorized treatment. Charges outside CGHS rules remain the beneficiary's responsibility.
Are Medicines Free Under CGHS?
Yes. Essential medicines are provided free through CGHS Wellness Centres, while some branded medicines may be available at a nominal cost. Medicines outside the approved CGHS list are generally paid for by the patient.
Does CGHS Cover Cancer Treatment?
Yes. CGHS covers cancer surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diagnostics, hospitalization and follow-up care according to CGHS guidelines and approved rates.
Do I Need A Referral From A CGHS Wellness Centre?
For planned hospitalization and specialist consultations, a referral from a CGHS Wellness Centre is generally required. Beneficiaries aged 70 years and above are permitted direct specialist consultation under current provisions.
Who Is Covered As A Dependent Under CGHS?
Dependent family-member eligibility varies according to relationship, age, marital status, income and dependency conditions prescribed under current CGHS rules. Our team can help you confirm your family's status.
Can I Use CGHS Outside CGHS-Covered Cities?
CGHS primarily operates in 80+ notified cities. If treatment is received outside CGHS-covered areas, reimbursement may be available as per applicable CGHS rules.
