ECHS Rates Explained: How Ex-Servicemen Health Scheme Reimbursement Works
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhil Singh
Last reviewed: 14 Jun 2026
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) provides medical care to ex-servicemen pensioners and their dependants. ECHS is structured on the lines of CGHS, and a common question is what rates it pays.
How ECHS Rates Work
ECHS does not maintain a separate rate card. It pays empanelled hospitals at the prevailing CGHS package rates. For emergency treatment at non-empanelled private hospitals, reimbursement is restricted to the CGHS package rate or the actual expenditure, whichever is less.
Eligibility and Referrals
ECHS covers ex-servicemen pensioners (including disability pensioners) and dependants such as spouse, eligible dependent children and wholly-dependent parents. Outpatient care is delivered through a nationwide network of ECHS polyclinics, and specialist or hospital care works on a referral model from the polyclinic to an empanelled or service hospital.
- Empanelled hospital reimbursement follows CGHS rates
- Polyclinics provide OPD care and issue referrals for specialist care
- Emergency at non-empanelled hospitals: CGHS rate or actual, whichever is less
Frequently Asked Questions
What rates does ECHS pay?
ECHS reimburses empanelled hospitals at the prevailing CGHS package rates; it does not have a separate rate list of its own.
Who is eligible for ECHS?
Ex-servicemen pensioners (including disability pensioners) and their eligible dependants such as spouse, dependent children and wholly-dependent parents.
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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.
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ECHS reimburses empanelled hospitals at the prevailing CGHS package rates; it does not have a separate rate list of its own.
Ex-servicemen pensioners (including disability pensioners) and their eligible dependants such as spouse, dependent children and wholly-dependent parents.
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Written by Dr. Nikhil Singh
Last reviewed: 14 June 2026
Medical Disclaimer
The content provided on Zospital 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 on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.