CGHS Radiotherapy Rate List: Radiation Levels, Brachytherapy and Iodine Therapy

CGHS does not price radiotherapy by cancer site. It prices it by treatment level — what machine is used, how the plan is made, whether image guidance is used, and how many fractions are given.

That is why two patients with the same cancer can be quoted different figures. The tables below give all six radiation therapy levels, the five brachytherapy levels and the radio-isotope therapies, in all three rate columns.

CGHS External Beam Radiation Therapy Rates by Level (effective 13 October 2025)

Radiotherapy is priced by treatment level, not by cancer site — the level depends on the machine, the planning technique and the number of fractions. These codes carry three rates: non-NABH, NABH and a higher super-speciality rate. Ask the hospital which level is written on your permission letter.

• Level 1 — 1 to 10 fractions on Cobalt, Non-NABH — Rs 12,750
• Level 1 — 1 to 10 fractions on Cobalt, NABH — Rs 15,000
• Level 1 — 1 to 10 fractions on Cobalt, Super Speciality — Rs 17,250
• Level 2 — more than 10 fractions on Cobalt, or up to 10 fractions on a linear accelerator without CT/TPS planning and without IGRT, or hemibody palliative RT, Non-NABH — Rs 23,800
• Level 2 — more than 10 fractions on Cobalt, or up to 10 fractions on a linear accelerator without CT/TPS planning and without IGRT, or hemibody palliative RT, NABH — Rs 28,000
• Level 2 — more than 10 fractions on Cobalt, or up to 10 fractions on a linear accelerator without CT/TPS planning and without IGRT, or hemibody palliative RT, Super Speciality — Rs 32,200
• Level 3 — linear accelerator 3D conformal, conventional fractionation of 2-5 Gy or weekly hypofractionation above 5 Gy, no IGRT, Non-NABH — Rs 42,500
• Level 3 — linear accelerator 3D conformal, conventional fractionation of 2-5 Gy or weekly hypofractionation above 5 Gy, no IGRT, NABH — Rs 50,000
• Level 3 — linear accelerator 3D conformal, conventional fractionation of 2-5 Gy or weekly hypofractionation above 5 Gy, no IGRT, Super Speciality — Rs 57,500
• Level 4 — linear accelerator 3D conformal with IGRT, Non-NABH — Rs 53,550
• Level 4 — linear accelerator 3D conformal with IGRT, NABH — Rs 63,000
• Level 4 — linear accelerator 3D conformal with IGRT, Super Speciality — Rs 72,450
• Level 5 — IMRT / RapidArc / VMAT under 5 Gy per fraction with fewer than 10 IGRT sessions, or Cobalt radical with linear accelerator boost, or TSET or TBI, Non-NABH — Rs 1,27,500
• Level 5 — IMRT / RapidArc / VMAT under 5 Gy per fraction with fewer than 10 IGRT sessions, or Cobalt radical with linear accelerator boost, or TSET or TBI, NABH — Rs 1,50,000
• Level 5 — IMRT / RapidArc / VMAT under 5 Gy per fraction with fewer than 10 IGRT sessions, or Cobalt radical with linear accelerator boost, or TSET or TBI, Super Speciality — Rs 1,72,500
• Level 6 — 4D, dual-energy or DIBH with 3D CRT/IMRT/RapidArc/VMAT with more than 10 IGRT sessions, or adaptive RT, or craniospinal irradiation, or multisite treatment, Non-NABH — Rs 1,53,000
• Level 6 — 4D, dual-energy or DIBH with 3D CRT/IMRT/RapidArc/VMAT with more than 10 IGRT sessions, or adaptive RT, or craniospinal irradiation, or multisite treatment, NABH — Rs 1,80,000
• Level 6 — 4D, dual-energy or DIBH with 3D CRT/IMRT/RapidArc/VMAT with more than 10 IGRT sessions, or adaptive RT, or craniospinal irradiation, or multisite treatment, Super Speciality — Rs 2,07,000

Brachytherapy Rates by Level

• Level 1 — eye plaque, SIVA or CVS brachytherapy, per insertion or application, Non-NABH — Rs 5,950
• Level 1 — eye plaque, SIVA or CVS brachytherapy, per insertion or application, NABH — Rs 7,000
• Level 1 — eye plaque, SIVA or CVS brachytherapy, per insertion or application, Super Speciality — Rs 8,050
• Level 2 — simple intracavitary application with X-ray based 2D planning, ILRT or endobiliary brachytherapy, Non-NABH — Rs 8,500
• Level 2 — simple intracavitary application with X-ray based 2D planning, ILRT or endobiliary brachytherapy, NABH — Rs 10,000
• Level 2 — simple intracavitary application with X-ray based 2D planning, ILRT or endobiliary brachytherapy, Super Speciality — Rs 11,500
• Level 3 — surface mould, radical interstitial brachytherapy, or intraoperative template or catheter insertion, Non-NABH — Rs 21,250
• Level 3 — surface mould, radical interstitial brachytherapy, or intraoperative template or catheter insertion, NABH — Rs 25,000
• Level 3 — surface mould, radical interstitial brachytherapy, or intraoperative template or catheter insertion, Super Speciality — Rs 28,750
• Level 4 — intracavitary application with CT-based planning, Non-NABH — Rs 25,500
• Level 4 — intracavitary application with CT-based planning, NABH — Rs 30,000
• Level 4 — intracavitary application with CT-based planning, Super Speciality — Rs 34,500
• Level 5 — complex intracavitary application with interstitial component and CT or MR based planning, Non-NABH — Rs 34,000
• Level 5 — complex intracavitary application with interstitial component and CT or MR based planning, NABH — Rs 40,000
• Level 5 — complex intracavitary application with interstitial component and CT or MR based planning, Super Speciality — Rs 46,000

Radio-Isotope Therapy

• Iodine-131 therapy, under 15 mCi, Non-NABH — Rs 6,299
• Iodine-131 therapy, under 15 mCi, NABH — Rs 7,410
• Iodine-131 therapy, under 15 mCi, Super Speciality — Rs 8,522
• Iodine-131 therapy, 15 to 50 mCi, Non-NABH — Rs 9,486
• Iodine-131 therapy, 15 to 50 mCi, NABH — Rs 11,160
• Iodine-131 therapy, 15 to 50 mCi, Super Speciality — Rs 12,834
• Iodine-131 therapy, 51 to 100 mCi, Non-NABH — Rs 12,172
• Iodine-131 therapy, 51 to 100 mCi, NABH — Rs 14,320
• Iodine-131 therapy, 51 to 100 mCi, Super Speciality — Rs 16,468
• Iodine-131 therapy, above 100 mCi, Non-NABH — Rs 16,809
• Iodine-131 therapy, above 100 mCi, NABH — Rs 19,775
• Iodine-131 therapy, above 100 mCi, Super Speciality — Rs 22,741
• Samarium-153 therapy for metastatic bone pain palliation, Non-NABH — Rs 17,043
• Samarium-153 therapy for metastatic bone pain palliation, NABH — Rs 20,050
• Samarium-153 therapy for metastatic bone pain palliation, Super Speciality — Rs 23,058
• Phosphorus-32 therapy for metastatic bone pain palliation, Non-NABH — Rs 12,040
• Phosphorus-32 therapy for metastatic bone pain palliation, NABH — Rs 14,165
• Phosphorus-32 therapy for metastatic bone pain palliation, Super Speciality — Rs 16,290
• Radiosynovectomy with Yttrium, Non-NABH — Rs 21,250
• Radiosynovectomy with Yttrium, NABH — Rs 25,000
• Radiosynovectomy with Yttrium, Super Speciality — Rs 28,750

Rates shown are as per the CGHS approved package rates (Office Memorandum F.No.5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024(PartI) dated 03.10.2025, effective 2025-10-13) (2025 (effective 13.10.2025)) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

Read the Level, Not the Diagnosis

Level 1 external beam radiation on a Cobalt machine is Rs 12,750 (non-NABH), while level 6 — 4D or breath-hold techniques with more than ten image-guidance sessions, adaptive radiotherapy or craniospinal irradiation — is Rs 1,53,000. The level, not the cancer, sets the figure.

Ask the radiation oncologist which level the plan falls into and check that the level on the permission letter matches the level on the bill. If the plan changes mid-course, the level can change with it.

Radiotherapy Has a Super-Speciality Rate

Radiotherapy and radio-isotope therapy are among the categories where the memorandum sets a third, higher super-speciality rate. Level 5 radiation therapy is Rs 1,27,500, Rs 1,50,000 or Rs 1,72,500 depending on the category of the treating hospital.

Iodine-131 Therapy Is Priced by Dose

Radio-iodine therapy for thyroid disease is banded by activity: under 15 mCi, 15 to 50 mCi, 51 to 100 mCi and above 100 mCi, each with its own rate. The higher doses usually need isolation admission, which the band accounts for.

How CGHS Package Rates Work

A CGHS package rate is an all-inclusive amount covering admission, surgeon and anaesthetist charges, operation theatre, nursing, routine investigations, medicines and accommodation for the standard length of stay. For an investigation, the rate is the whole charge for that test at an empanelled facility.

The 2025 memorandum lists three columns for every code: a non-NABH rate, a NABH rate that is about 15% higher, and for some categories a further super-speciality rate. Which column applies depends on the accreditation status of the hospital or laboratory you are treated at, not on your ward entitlement.

High-value implants, stents, lenses and devices are not part of the package. Where a code says the rate excludes an implant or a drug, that item is reimbursed separately against its own notified ceiling.

Referral and Prior Permission

For planned (non-emergency) procedures, a CGHS beneficiary needs a referral from the CGHS wellness centre and prior permission from the competent authority. Emergency treatment at an empanelled hospital is reimbursed up to CGHS rates without prior permission.

For investigations, the test has to be prescribed by a CGHS medical officer or by a specialist at a government or empanelled hospital for the empanelled laboratory to bill it as a cashless CGHS test.

• Carry a valid CGHS card and follow your ward entitlement (based on pay or pension)
• Use an empanelled hospital or laboratory for cashless treatment up to CGHS rates
• Obtain prior permission and a referral for planned surgery
• Ask for the OM code the hospital is billing against, and check it against the rate list

These Rates Are Revised

CGHS revises its package rates periodically, and the memorandum in force on the date of your treatment is the one that applies. The figures on this page are from the memorandum effective 13 October 2025. Before you plan a procedure, confirm the current figure for your code on the official memorandum linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CGHS rate for radiotherapy?

It depends on the treatment level. Under the rates effective 13 October 2025, level 1 (1 to 10 fractions on Cobalt) is Rs 12,750 at a non-NABH hospital, while level 6 is Rs 1,53,000. Each level also has a NABH and a super-speciality rate.

How is the radiotherapy level decided?

By the treatment technique, not the cancer site — the machine used, whether the plan is 3D conformal or IMRT/VMAT, whether image guidance is used and how many fractions are given. The radiation oncologist sets the plan and the level follows from it.

What does CGHS pay for brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is priced across five levels, from Rs 5,950 (non-NABH) for a level 1 eye plaque or similar application to Rs 34,000 for a level 5 complex intracavitary and interstitial application with CT or MR based planning.

Is iodine-131 therapy covered under CGHS?

Yes, banded by dose. Under 15 mCi is Rs 6,299 (non-NABH), 15 to 50 mCi is Rs 9,486, 51 to 100 mCi is Rs 12,172 and above 100 mCi is Rs 16,809, each with higher NABH and super-speciality rates.

Related

• CGHS cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy rates
• CGHS cancer test rate list
• CGHS rate list for common procedures

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.