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CGHS Eligibility: Who Can Get a CGHS Card in 2026

Serving Central Government employees, central civil pensioners and family pensioners, and their dependent family membersChecked against official documents on 5 Oct 2026

Short answerYou can get a CGHS card if you are a serving Central Government employee or a pensioner or family pensioner drawing pension from Central Civil Estimates. From 17 September 2026, serving employees are no longer excluded because of where they live. Your dependants can include your spouse, eligible children, and either parents or parents-in-law.

Serving Employees

Pensioners and Family Pensioners

Pay Level One year Lifetime
1 to 5 Rs 3,000 Rs 30,000
6 Rs 5,400 Rs 54,000
7 to 11 Rs 7,800 Rs 78,000
12 and above Rs 12,000 Rs 1,20,000

Which Family Members Are Covered

The CGHS definition of family includes (MoHFW OM 28.06.2024, Definition of Family, PDF p. 7):

  • Husband or wife (first wife only).
  • Either dependent parents or dependent parents-in-law.
  • Son: until he starts earning or turns 25, whichever is earlier.
  • Daughter: until she starts earning or marries, with no age limit.
  • Son or unmarried brother with a permanent disability: no age limit.
  • Dependent divorced, abandoned, separated or widowed daughters, and dependent unmarried, divorced, abandoned, separated or widowed sisters: no age limit.
  • Dependent minor brothers, and minor children of widowed or separated daughters: until majority.

A family member other than the spouse is dependent if income is less than Rs 9,000 plus DA a month, and normally lives with you (MoHFW OM 28.06.2024, Dependency, PDF p. 8).

Changes in 2025 and 2026

Where to Check

Start with the MoHFW card guidelines of 28.06.2024 (MoHFW OM 28.06.2024, PDF p. 1), then the OMs of 13.05.2026 (MoHFW OM 13.05.2026, PDF p. 1), 01.09.2026 (MoHFW OM 01.09.2026, PDF p. 1) and 17.09.2026 (MoHFW OM 17.09.2026, PDF p. 1).

Other categories such as MPs, ex-MPs, eligible autonomous institutions and accredited journalists follow their own instructions (MoHFW OM 28.06.2024, para E, PDF p. 3). If you are not a central civil employee or pensioner, for example in Railways or the armed forces, check the medical rules of your own organisation.

Related Questions

Can I get CGHS if I live in a city without a Wellness Centre?

Yes, if you are a serving employee. The 17.09.2026 OM removed the geographical criterion. If you are now under CS(MA) only for that reason, you can make a one-time option to join CGHS.

Can I cover both my parents and my parents-in-law?

No. You must choose either parents or parents-in-law. A male employee's choice is one-time and cannot be changed later (OM 13.05.2026).

Up to what age is a son covered under CGHS?

Until he starts earning or turns 25, whichever is earlier. A son with a permanent disability is covered without age limit (OM 28.06.2024).

Can a pensioner draw FMA and still use CGHS?

Only through an 'IPD only' card, by paying the full subscription. It covers indoor treatment, not OPD (OM 28.06.2024, para B(b)).

What is the income limit for a dependant under CGHS?

Income below Rs 9,000 plus DA a month, for family members other than the spouse (OM 28.06.2024).

Official Sources

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