Good health and well-being are highly important in the life of any individual. However, the unpredictability and uncertainty associated with one's health are uncontrollable factors. Whether it is a viral infection, a critical illness, or an accident, we are all vulnerable to a wide gamut of risks related to health. This is one of the several reasons why it is important to have a suitable health insurance plan for yourself and your family members.
The government health insurance scheme is a central or state government backed medical scheme that is designed to offer adequate health cover benefits at a low-priced insurance cover to the people.
These types of health insurance policies are usually provided on a yearly basis.
Since access to healthcare facilities and health insurance in India is far from ideal, especially in the rural areas of the country, central and state governments have introduced and backed many health insurance policies.
- Types of government health insurance schemes
1. Ayushman Bharat Yojana
2. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
3. Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY)
4. Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
5. Employment State Insurance Scheme
6. Janshree Bima Yojana
7. Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Insurance Scheme
8. Universal Health Insurance Scheme (UHIS)
9. West Bengal Health Scheme
10. Yeshasvini Health Insurance Scheme
11. Telangana State Government - Employees and Journalists Health Scheme
- Features and benefits of government health insurance schemes
The features and advantages of government health insurance schemes are:
- Government medical insurance schemes are provided at a minimal price.
- With this policy, below poverty line (BPL) families can also avail the benefits of insurance coverage.
- Government health policy ensures coverage for unprivileged and poor people.
- The policy offers treatment in both private as well as government hospitals for better healthcare.
- What is the purpose of public health insurance schemes?
The government of India launched public health insurance schemes for the welfare of its citizens with regards to better health. These schemes help the poor section of the society avail the benefits of medical insurance at a lower cost.
- Is there an eligibility criteria to buy government health insurance schemes?
The eligibility criteria varies from scheme to scheme. You can check the list of the documents required for a particular medical scheme and then make an informed decision.
- Are there any limitations in government health insurance schemes?
Usually, insurance schemes supported by the government do not cover cosmetic procedures. Policy exceptions may vary. Hence it is suggested that one should compare different health schemes and read policy details for exclusions as well as the benefits of the scheme.
- Can government health insurance policies be purchased online?
Not all the government medical schemes are available for purchase online. Some government health schemes in India enable direct bank debit facility.
- What is the sum insured in government medical insurance schemes?
There is no fixed sum insured amount as different medical insurance schemes offer different coverage benefits. Usually, the policy coverage amount is lower as compared to private insurance companies.