Can You Buy Government Health Insurance Schemes Online in India?

Government health insurance plans in India are welfare-based programmes initiated by the Central Government and state governments to ensure that quality health care is easily available to everyone at affordable prices.

They help you protect your finances from escalating medical expenses, as these schemes cover costs related to hospitalisation, surgeries, critical diseases, pregnancy, and other treatments at no or nominal cost.

These schemes focus on serving the needs of underprivileged sections of society without focusing on monetary benefits. Continue reading to know how to register for a government health insurance plan online in India, along with the best government health insurance plans.

How to Apply for a Government Health Insurance Plan Online?

Most government health insurance schemes offer a simple online application process to make enrollment quick and accessible. Applicants can visit the official portal for the respective scheme, provide basic personal details, and complete verification using their Aadhaar number and registered mobile number.

After submitting the required information and documents, eligible applicants can complete the registration online without visiting government offices. Some schemes may also allow applications through designated government centres or authorised enrollment offices for additional assistance.

Best Government Health Insurance Plans in India

Some health insurance schemes have been initiated by the Government of India to provide quality healthcare services at reasonable rates to economically weak sections of society, workers, government servants, and vulnerable families. This scheme covers hospitalisation, medical expenses, surgery, and other healthcare costs incurred by them.

Here are some of the best government healthcare schemes in India:

Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PMJAY)

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is one of the largest government-funded health insurance programs. This programme provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per annum per family for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation costs.

The PMJAY scheme helps primarily the economically weaker sections of society and covers hospitalisation charges, medicines, diagnostics, and pre and post-hospitalisation costs.

Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)

The CGHS scheme provides comprehensive healthcare services to employees of central government departments, pensioners, and their families. This scheme includes outpatient services, specialist consultations, various diagnostic tests, reimbursement of medical bills, and cashless medical treatment in empanelled hospitals located in certain Indian cities.

Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIS)

This scheme is formulated for employees in the organised sector, such as factories, shops, restaurants, and other establishments with a particular strength in workers. This scheme is sponsored jointly by employers and employees and provides medical treatment and other benefits.

Swasthya Sathi

It is an initiative launched by the West Bengal Government that provides health insurance cover to families of up to ₹5 lakh per year. The scheme provides coverage even for pre-existing illnesses and for secondary or tertiary-level treatment. The premium for Swasthya Sathi is fully funded by the state government.

In addition, some other notable government-backed health insurance plans include the Universal Health Insurance Scheme (UHIS), Yeshasvini Health Insurance Scheme, Mukhyamantri Amrutum (MA) Yojana, Dr YSR Aarogyasri Health Scheme, and so on.

Government health insurance plans are an integral part of India's healthcare system, helping ensure that medical coverage is affordable for many Indians who seek it. Government health insurance programmes have consistently worked to enhance citizens' well-being by improving financial security.

With online registration processes and various schemes, it has become easier for people to select a suitable government-backed health insurance plan.