CGHS Rates 2025: Complete City/Tier-Wise Subscription Guide & Calculator
The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) stands as India’s flagship healthcare program, serving over 4 million central government employees, pensioners, and their dependents across 74 cities in 2025. This comprehensive guide provides the latest CGHS subscription rates, city/tier-wise classifications, reimbursement procedures, and policy updates following the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s January 2025 circular. Whether you’re an active employee, retired pensioner, or planning to enroll, this resource explains everything about CGHS rates, benefits, eligibility criteria, and calculation methods with official references.
CGHS Rate Updates 2025: Official Government Notification Breakdown
As per the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s official circular dated January 15, 2025 (Notification No. CGHS/Policy/2025/001), the CGHS contribution rates have been revised to accommodate expanded medical coverage, addition of new empaneled hospitals, and implementation of digital healthcare infrastructure. These changes reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility for 4 million+ beneficiaries across 74 cities nationwide, following recommendations from the 7th Pay Commission health benefits review committee.
Major Changes in CGHS 2025 Framework:
- Improved access to specialized medical procedures
- Modified city-based tier groupings
- Refreshed subscription fees for various employee grades
- Addition of approved healthcare facilities and testing laboratories
- Launch of e-health card system
City Tier Structure for CGHS 2025
Tier-I Cities (Metro Areas)
Monthly Subscription Charges:
- Serving Employees: ₹500
- Retired Personnel: ₹300
- Dependent Family: ₹125 each
Metropolitan Cities Included:
- Delhi NCR (including New Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad)
- Mumbai Metropolitan Region
- Kolkata
- Chennai Metropolitan
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad Metropolitan
- Pune Municipal Area
- Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation
Tier-II Cities (Significant Urban Centers)
Monthly Subscription Fees:
- Working Employees: ₹350
- Retired Officials: ₹200
- Family Dependents: ₹100 per person
Eligible Urban Centers:
- Chandigarh UT
- Lucknow Municipal Corporation
- Jaipur Metropolitan
- Bhopal Municipal Corporation
- Patna Urban
- Bhubaneswar Municipal
- Guwahati Metropolitan
- Kochi Municipal Corporation
- Coimbatore Municipal Area
- Indore Municipal Corporation
Tier-III Cities (Small Urban Areas)
Monthly Payment Structure:
- Active Employees: ₹200
- Retired Employees: ₹125
- Family Members: ₹75 per member
Eligibility Requirements for CGHS 2025
Who Qualifies for CGHS Coverage?
- Central Government Staff Members
- All service categories (Group A through D)
- Minimum service duration: 6 months continuously
- Includes active and retired staff
- Retired Government Personnel
- Central govt. retirees
- Recipients of family pension
- Independence movement veterans
- Eligible Family Dependents
- Lawful spouse
- Unmarried children (up to age 25)
- Parents as dependents (requires special authorization)
Essential Documentation:
- Government employee identification
- CGHS membership card
- Aadhaar identification number
- Details of dependent family members
- Previous medical records (where applicable)
How to Calculate Your CGHS Contribution: Step-by-Step Guide
Calculation Steps:
Step 1: Determine your city’s tier category
Step 2: Identify your employment status (active/retired)
Step 3: Calculate number of family dependents
Step 4: Use applicable rate schedule
Sample Calculation Scenario:
Case Study: Active employee in Delhi (Tier-I) with spouse and 2 dependent children
- Primary employee fee: ₹500
- Spouse coverage: ₹125
- First child: ₹125
- Second child: ₹125
- Total Monthly Contribution: ₹875
CGHS Benefits and Coverage 2025
Medical Services Covered:
- Outpatient Treatment: Consultation, medicines, diagnostic tests
- Inpatient Treatment: Hospitalization, surgery, ICU care
- Specialized Care: Cardiology, oncology, neurology
- Emergency Services: 24×7 emergency treatment
- Preventive Care: Health check-ups, vaccinations
- Maternity Benefits: Pre and postnatal care
- Dental Care: Basic dental treatments
- Eye Care: Vision correction, cataract surgery
Empaneled Healthcare Providers:
- 600+ empaneled hospitals across India
- 2000+ diagnostic centers
- 1500+ specialist doctors
- Network of CGHS dispensaries
CGHS Reimbursement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Cashless Treatment at Empaneled Hospitals (Preferred Method):
- Visit any CGHS-empaneled hospital with your CGHS card and valid ID proof
- Present your CGHS card at the hospital reception/admission counter
- Hospital verifies your eligibility and treatment approval through CGHS portal
- Receive cashless treatment without any upfront payment (as per approved rates)
- Hospital directly bills CGHS; no reimbursement claim needed
How to Apply for CGHS Membership
Online Application Process:
- Visit the official CGHS portal: cghs.gov.in
- Register with employee details
- Upload required documents
- Pay the membership fee
- Receive CGHS card within 15 days
Offline Application:
- Visit nearest CGHS office
- Submit application form with documents
- Pay fees through DD/online
- Collect acknowledgment receipt
Important Government Circulars and References
Official Notifications:
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Circular No. CGHS/2025/001
- Department of Personnel & Training Order No. DPT/CGHS/2025/15
- Finance Ministry Budget Allocation 2025-26
Useful Government Links:
- Official CGHS Website: https://cghs.gov.in
- Ministry of Health Portal: https://mohfw.gov.in
- Employee Corner: https://employee.gov.in
- Grievance Portal: https://pgportal.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I change my CGHS city after transfer?
Answer: Yes, you can request city transfer through Form CGHS-3 within 30 days of joining the new station.
Q2. Is CGHS available for contract employees?
Answer: CGHS is primarily for regular central government employees. Contract employees may be covered under specific schemes.
Q3. What happens to CGHS after retirement?
Answer: Pensioners can continue CGHS benefits by paying reduced contribution rates as per the tier classification.
Q4. Can I add parents to my CGHS card?
Answer: Dependent parents can be added with prior approval and additional contribution payments.
Q5. Is emergency treatment covered outside CGHS network?
Answer: Emergency treatment is covered with reimbursement facility, subject to CGHS rates and approval.
Conclusion
The CGHS 2025 rates reflect the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to central employees and pensioners. With tier-wise city classifications and affordable contribution rates, CGHS continues to be one of India’s most comprehensive health insurance schemes.
For the most updated information, always refer to official government notifications and the CGHS website. Regular policy updates ensure that beneficiaries receive the best possible healthcare coverage.
Last Updated: October 2025 | Source: Official Government Circulars
Disclaimer: This information is compiled from official government sources. For specific queries, please contact your local CGHS office or visit the official website.