Who CGHS mainly covers
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare describes CGHS as a health scheme mainly for serving and retired Central Government employees and their dependent family members. Other specifically notified categories can also be covered under separate Government instructions.
Do not assume every Central Government employee is automatically covered
Eligibility can depend on whether CGHS is available for the place/category concerned and on the rules governing the employee or pensioner. Confirm the category before paying contribution or applying for a card.
Family members
A family member must satisfy the applicable CGHS dependency and relationship conditions. Do not add a person only because the relationship exists; check the current dependency rule and documentary requirement for that category.
Serving employee versus pensioner
The application route and contribution handling are not always identical. Serving employees generally deal through their office/department, while pensioners may use the pensioner CGHS card process and prescribed contribution route.
What to keep ready
Keep proof of identity, service/pension status, relationship and dependency records where applicable, photographs and the documents required by the current CGHS card process.
If eligibility is unclear
Ask the concerned CGHS office or your department to identify the rule/category under which coverage is claimed. Keep the written response if there is a dispute.
Related CGHS guides
CGHS Hub · CGHS Card · Wellness Centre · Empanelled Hospitals
Official sources
Source review: 10 September 2026.