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ECHS — Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme

Eligibility, membership fee by rank, hospital empanelment, claim process, and what ECHS does NOT cover — the complete veteran's handbook.

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Why ECHS — Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme via Praarabdh

Membership is one-time, lifetime

Officers ₹30k, JCOs ₹16k, jawans ₹10k. Pay once at retirement; covers you, spouse, dependants for life. No annual premium. Best healthcare deal in the country.

Coverage map by rank

All ranks get same medical coverage. Differences are in room category at empanelled hospitals (officer = AC private, JCO = AC semi-private, jawan = general ward). We help you understand which empanelled hospital gives you officer-grade care.

Where ECHS falls short

Major critical illness in private super-speciality, dental beyond basic, alternative medicine, abroad treatment. Top up with a ₹50 L private super-top-up — usually under ₹15k/yr.

Top 3 partner options — ECHS — Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme

Officers fee

₹30,000 one-time
Lifetime coverage
Spouse + dependants

JCOs fee

₹16,000 one-time
Lifetime coverage
Spouse + dependants

PBOR fee

₹10,000 one-time
Lifetime coverage
Spouse + dependants

Indicative figures. Actual offer depends on your profile. Praarabdh is a Data Fiduciary under the DPDP Act, 2023.

ECHS — Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme — frequently asked

Who is eligible for ECHS?

All veterans drawing service pension or family pension. Reserve Liability Service personnel are eligible after fulfilling minimum service. Pre-2004 retirees got grandfathered in.

Can I include my parents?

Only if they are wholly dependent on you AND their income is below the threshold (₹9,000/month, last revised). The polyclinic verifies dependence annually.

How does the cashless claim process work?

Walk into any empanelled hospital → show ECHS card → admission proceeds cashless for listed packages. Non-listed treatments need pre-authorisation from the ECHS regional centre. Most polyclinics now offer 24x7 authorisation.

What's NOT covered?

Cosmetic surgery, infertility treatment (limited), dental beyond extraction + filling, alternative medicine, abroad treatment, ambulance for non-emergency. We recommend a ₹50 L private super-top-up to plug these gaps — under ₹15k/yr for a couple in 50s.

Recommended reading

ECHS — Hospital List, Claim Process & Tips

Cashless vs reimbursement, what's not covered, polyclinic tips veterans wish they'd known.

Read the guide →

Ready to apply for ECHS — Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme?

One short form. We compare the panel for your profile. A real Praarabdh advisor calls within 48 hours.

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