Health insurance schemes in India are designed to provide financial protection to individuals and families from unexpected medical costs. In India, there are several government health insurance schemes that provide coverage to people from all walks of life, including the poor and the elderly. For the benefit of its people, the government of India launched public health insurance schemes. These programmes enable people to obtain the benefits of medical insurance at a low cost.
This blog will discuss the top 7 government health insurance schemes in India that are available to citizens.
1. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)
RSBY is a government-backed healthcare insurance scheme that provides financial protection to unorganised sector workers, poor families, and below poverty line (BPL) households. The scheme provides coverage of up to ₹30,000 per family annually for hospitalisation expenses, including pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. The premium for the scheme is subsidised by the government, making it more affordable for the target population.
2. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
AB-PMJAY is a government-backed health scheme that annually provides up to ₹5 lakhs in health coverage per family for secondary and tertiary care hospital treatment. The scheme covers the cost of hospitalisation for serious illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, etc. PMJAY was established to provide free healthcare services to more than 40% of the country's population.
3. Employment State Insurance Scheme
Employment State Insurance Scheme is a multifaceted national healthcare scheme because it provides social security as well as socioeconomic protection to all Indian workers. Furthermore, it provides the same benefits to those who rely on workers protected under this scheme. Every worker's insurance coverage begins on the first day of insurable employment. They are provided with comprehensive medical insurance for themselves and their families.
4. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
PMSBY is a government-backed medical insurance scheme that provides annual life insurance coverage of up to ₹2 lakhs to people aged 18-70 years. The scheme is designed to provide financial protection to individuals and families in the event of death or disability due to accidents. The scheme also provides personal accident cover of up to ₹1 lakh for accidental death and disability.
5. Universal Health Insurance Scheme (UHIS)
PMJJBY was put in place to assist families living below the poverty line. It pays for the medical expenses of every member of the family. A cover is provided in the event of death as a result of an accident. The primary drivers of this scheme are four public sector general insurance companies that have been working to improve healthcare for the underprivileged and especially the economically disabled citizens of India.
6. Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
CGHS is a government-sponsored health scheme that provides health coverage to government employees and their dependents. The scheme provides coverage for hospitalisation expenses, including pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. The scheme also covers the cost of medicines, medical tests, and diagnostic tests.
7. Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY)
This is one of the most recent healthcare insurance schemes, having been established in October of 2007. It primarily applies to people between the ages of 18 and 59. The AABY insurance scheme is designed for all citizens who live in the upcountry and in rural areas. It also includes landless citizens who are tenants who live in both urban and rural areas. It also includes providing scholarships to deserving children.
Wrapping Up
Government health insurance programmes are intended to protect individuals and families from unforeseen medical costs. These schemes provide coverage for hospitalisation expenses, pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, as well as medical tests and medicines. Thus, these schemes are a great way for individuals and families to protect themselves from unexpected medical costs. You can buy these plans from private insurance platforms also. Insurers like Niva Bupa can help you find the best-suited health plan for yourself that fits your budget.
