Choose your application route

  • Serving employee: ask your administration section for its current process and certification requirements. An official serving-employee form is available; confirm the accepted version before submission.
  • Retiree using Bhavishya: check whether CGHS card services are enabled for your case. The official integration note identifies retirees opting for CGHS whose PPO is issued or whose case is at PAO level.
  • Other pensioner or case not enabled there: obtain the current route from the relevant CGHS Additional Director's office. Do not create duplicate applications because a menu is unavailable.

Bhavishya CGHS card workflow

The official Bhavishya FAQ describes these steps:

  1. Sign in and open Services → CGHS Card Services, then choose the login/application option.
  2. Review the details passed to CGHS, make permitted corrections and submit.
  3. After Additional Director approval, use the payment link and integrated BharatKosh process.
  4. Download the generated card through CGHS Card Services or the CGHS portal.

The FAQ distinguishes CGHS-area and non-CGHS-area coverage choices, including the relationship between outpatient coverage and Fixed Medical Allowance. Confirm the choice applicable to your case; do not assume all coverage and allowance options can be combined.

Prepare a record-check sheet

Before filling a form, write down the principal beneficiary's name, date of birth, retirement details where relevant, contact details and each proposed family member's relationship. Compare these with official records. This sheet is a personal preparation aid, not a replacement for prescribed documents.

For each family member, identify the evidence supporting eligibility under current CGHS rules. Inclusion in a family record alone does not establish CGHS dependency. Ask about any income, age, disability or relationship condition relevant to that person.

Before payment

  • Confirm you are in the official application flow and the beneficiary details are yours.
  • Check whether the contribution is for your intended period and category.
  • Save the acknowledgement and payment reference together. If the bank records a debit but the application does not, keep the evidence and contact official support before paying again.

BenefitDesk does not collect card fees, process contributions or access your CGHS account.

After downloading the e-card

Check every beneficiary's name, date of birth, relationship and ID against the approved application. Check validity and entitlement where displayed. Keep the current electronic copy accessible; an older screenshot may not reflect corrections.

If a field is wrong, record the incorrect entry, correct value and supporting evidence. Quote the application or beneficiary reference when seeking correction through your department or CGHS, as applicable. Do not edit the card image as a workaround.

Common situations

No CGHS option in Bhavishya: check the pension-case stage and enabled services with support. A missing menu does not determine eligibility.

A dependent is missing: compare the submitted application and approval before assuming the download failed. Ask whether additional evidence or an addition request is needed.

Treatment access is unclear: card generation and treatment authorisation are separate. Read the wellness-centre guide and hospital guide for the next stage.