ECHS

What is ECHS?

Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), approved on 30 December 2002 and launched on 1 April 2003, provides comprehensive medical care to all retired Armed Forces personnel drawing pension and their dependents through a network of 427+ ECHS polyclinics, service medical facilities, government hospitals, and empanelled civil hospitals across India. ECHS members are issued a 64 KB Smart Card containing personal details, dependents, and medical history. The scheme covers OPD consultation, hospitalization, diagnostics, surgeries, medicines, and specialist care — at no cost to the veteran. Eligible beneficiaries include the ESM pensioner, spouse, dependent unemployed/unmarried/divorced/widowed daughters, dependent unmarried sons up to 25 years, handicapped children, and dependent parents. As of 2026, CSD Smart Cards no longer require annual renewal — they are valid for 10 years until expiry. The scheme is administered by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare under the Ministry of Defence.

Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive Free OPD + hospitalization + medicines + diagnostics at 427+ polyclinics & empanelled hospitals. The scheme was launched in 2003 and is implemented by the Government of India.

Who is Eligible for ECHS?

• ✓Ex-Servicemen (ESM) drawing pension/family pension/disability pension from any Armed Force
• ✓Spouse of ESM pensioner (continues after death of ESM under family pension)
• ✓Dependent unmarried/divorced/widowed daughters of ESM — no age limit if unemployed
• ✓Dependent unmarried sons up to 25 years (or any age if permanently disabled)
• ✓Dependent parents whose income is less than the prescribed limit
• ✓Pre-Mature Retirement (PMR) personnel after specified conditions

Documents Required for ECHS

How to Apply for ECHS Online?

1. 1Visit the official ECHS portal echs.sourceinfosys.com (or echs.gov.in) — register with mobile number and create password
2. 2Fill the online application form — personal details, service details (PPO number), unit, dependents details
3. 3Upload scanned copies: photograph, signature, PPO, Aadhaar, discharge book, dependent documents
4. 4Pay the one-time membership fee online — rank-based contribution as per ECHS guidelines
5. 5Submit application — receive temporary slip for immediate use at any ECHS Polyclinic
6. 6Smart Card delivered to your address within 7–20 days via India Post / Speed Post
7. 7Activate the Smart Card at any ECHS Polyclinic on first visit — biometric verification
8. 8Use Smart Card at any of 427+ ECHS Polyclinics, empanelled hospitals, and diagnostic centres — production of card is MANDATORY for treatment

Frequently Asked Questions — ECHS