C-Section CGHS Rates: Package, Eligibility & Documents

Quick answer

For a C-section under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), the package rate for a Caesarean section (LSCS) is ₹53,000 at a National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) accredited hospital in a metro city. For a non-NABH hospital, the rate is ₹45,050. These rates are effective from October 13, 2025, and cover services from admission to discharge. Central government employees, pensioners, and their dependents in CGHS-covered cities are generally eligible. For planned procedures, a referral and prior permission are needed. In emergencies, treatment can be sought at an empanelled hospital without prior permission, with reimbursement up to CGHS rates. Required documents include a valid CGHS card, a request letter, and specialist advice. For self-pay patients, government hospitals are generally more affordable than private hospitals, where costs vary widely.

CGHS C-Section Package Rates

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) provides medical care to central government employees, pensioners, and their eligible dependents. For a C-section (Caesarean section or LSCS), CGHS has defined all-inclusive package rates.

As of October 13, 2025, the CGHS package rates for a C-section, which may include sterilisation, are:

• NABH Accredited Hospitals (Metro Cities): ₹53,000
• Non-NABH Accredited Hospitals (Metro Cities): ₹45,050

These rates apply to a semi-private ward entitlement. The package covers accommodation, admission, anaesthesia, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, operation theatre charges, nursing care, routine investigations, medicines, consumables, doctor/consultant visits, dressing charges, ICU/ICCU charges (if applicable), injection charges, monitoring charges, and routine newborn care.

High-Risk Pregnancy C-Section Rates

For a C-section involving a high-risk pregnancy, the CGHS package rate for a NABH accredited hospital in a metro city is ₹63,000. High-risk conditions include pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), cardiac, vascular, renal, pulmonary conditions, twin pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), IVF conception, or severe anaemia.

Eligibility for CGHS Benefits

CGHS is available to Central Government employees, pensioners, their dependent family members, Members of Parliament, freedom fighters, and other specified categories. To avail benefits, individuals must register at a CGHS wellness centre and obtain a CGHS card.

Referral and Permission Steps

For planned C-sections, a referral from your CGHS wellness centre and prior permission are generally required. This involves obtaining specialist advice from a Government, Municipal, or CGHS hospital or clinic, submitting a request letter from the beneficiary, and receiving a permission letter from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) In-charge of the dispensary. This permission is usually valid for one month.

In an emergency, treatment can be sought at an empanelled hospital without prior permission. However, documents like an emergency certificate and a detailed breakup of charges must be submitted later for reimbursement.

Required Documents

When seeking CGHS treatment, you will typically need:

• A valid CGHS card.
• A request letter from the beneficiary.
• A photocopy of the specialist's advice or opinion.
• A discharge summary, if applicable, for reimbursement claims.
• A doctor's prescription for treatment.

For pensioners, a credit form authorised by the CMO In-charge is required for cashless hospitalisation at CGHS-recognized hospitals.

Exclusions

CGHS generally excludes non-essential or cosmetic procedures. Personal items like special diets (beyond the standard patient's diet), telephone charges, cosmetics, and TV charges are typically not covered. Re-use of disposable items is not permitted. Home visits or consultations are generally not admissible.

Self-Pay Options (Government and Private)

If not eligible for CGHS or choosing treatment outside the scheme, you will be a self-pay patient. Rates in government and private hospitals differ significantly from CGHS rates.

Government hospitals are generally more affordable than private hospitals, with costs varying by hospital and city. Private hospital costs vary widely based on reputation, facilities, location, and doctor. Private hospitals also have different room categories with varying charges.

To get an accurate cost estimate as a self-pay patient, contact the hospital directly for a detailed written estimate. Inquire about package deals and understand what the quoted price covers to avoid unexpected charges.

How CGHS Package Rates are Calculated

CGHS package rates vary based on several factors:

• City Tier: Metro cities (Tier X) have the base rate. Tier Y cities have rates 10% lower, and Tier Z cities have rates 20% lower.
• Hospital Accreditation: NABH accredited hospitals serve as the base rate. Non-NABH hospitals are paid 15% less, while super-speciality hospitals may be paid 15% more for specific specialities.
• Ward Entitlement: Published rates are for semi-private wards. A general ward entitlement is 5% lower, and a private ward entitlement is 5% higher.

Related guides

• C-Section Cost in India: CGHS, Govt, Private & Insurance

Sources

• CGHS Maternity Rates: Normal Delivery and Caesarean (C-Section) Charges - Zospital
• Caesarean Section(CS) with or without… · CGHS Rate