Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) Kerala: A Guide

The Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) is the flagship health insurance scheme of the Government of Kerala. Launched in its current form in 2019, KASP integrates several previous state and central health schemes into a single, comprehensive program. These include the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), the Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS), the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS), and the Karunya Benevolent Fund (KBF).

KASP is implemented in convergence with the national Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), and is often referred to as KASP-PMJAY. The scheme aims to provide financial protection to vulnerable families against high medical expenses. Since July 1, 2020, it has been managed directly by the State Health Agency (SHA), Kerala, under a 'trust mode' of implementation.

KASP Kerala at a Glance

Information is based on data available from the State Health Agency, Kerala.

• Health Cover Amount — ₹5 lakh per family per year
• Launch Year (Current Form) — 2019
• Implementing Agency — State Health Agency (SHA), Kerala
• Toll-Free Helplines — 1056, 104
• Other Helpline — 0471 2551056

Rates shown are as per the State Health Agency (SHA), Kerala (2025) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

What Does KASP Cover?

The Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi provides a significant health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year. This cover operates on a family floater basis, which means the entire sum can be used by a single member or shared among multiple members of the family for their healthcare needs within the policy year.

The scheme is designed to cover secondary and tertiary care hospitalization expenses. It includes a wide range of treatments, with approximately 1,667 treatment packages available to beneficiaries. Importantly, the coverage also includes costs related to the hospitalization event:

Another key feature is that pre-existing diseases are covered from day one of enrolment, ensuring that beneficiaries receive necessary care without a waiting period. However, it is important to note that outpatient (OPD) visits are generally not covered under the KASP scheme.

• Up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization expenses, such as diagnostics and consultations.
• Up to 15 days of post-hospitalization expenses, including medicines and follow-up care.

Who is Eligible for KASP?

KASP is targeted towards the poor and vulnerable sections of the population in Kerala. The scheme aims to cover over 42 lakh families, which represents the bottom 40% of the state's population.

Eligibility is primarily determined based on the deprivation and occupational criteria laid out in the Socio-Economic Caste Census of 2011 (SECC 2011) for both rural and urban areas. This is the standard framework used for identifying beneficiaries under the national PM-JAY scheme.

A notable aspect of the scheme in Kerala is its expanded beneficiary base. While PM-JAY provides central assistance for a specific number of families identified through SECC data, the Government of Kerala has extended KASP benefits to all families who were previously enrolled in state schemes like RSBY-CHIS. This makes the total number of eligible families in Kerala larger than the national PM-JAY mandate. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on family size, age, or gender, making the scheme inclusive for all members of an eligible household.

How to Enrol and Get the KASP-PMJAY Card

There are a couple of ways for eligible individuals to enrol in the KASP scheme. Enrolment can be completed at designated kiosks located within KASP-empanelled hospitals across the state. This allows for in-person assistance and verification.

An online application process is also available. Individuals can visit the official government portal managed by the State Health Agency, fill out the required application form, and upload the necessary documents. To complete the enrolment process, applicants typically need to provide the following documents:

Once enrolled, beneficiaries receive a co-branded KASP/Ayushman Card. This is an e-card that contains the beneficiary's details and can be downloaded from the official national and state portals. This card is the key to accessing cashless services at empanelled hospitals.

• Aadhaar Card
• Ration Card
• Income Certificate
• Residential Proof
• Passport-sized photographs

KASP's Integration with Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)

KASP is the state's implementation of the national Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). The Government of Kerala signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Authority (NHA) on October 31, 2018, to formalize this integration. As a result, the scheme is often referred to as KASP-PMJAY, and beneficiaries receive a co-branded card.

This convergence allows for a joint funding model. For the portion of beneficiary families who are eligible as per the national PM-JAY criteria (based on SECC 2011 data), the premium cost is shared between the Central and State Governments. For the additional families that Kerala has included in the scheme (extending beyond the central list), the State Government bears the full premium cost. This approach ensures a wider safety net for the state's population while leveraging the framework of the national scheme.

Using KASP at Government and Private Hospitals

The primary benefit of KASP is the provision of cashless healthcare services at the point of delivery. This means a beneficiary does not need to pay any money for covered procedures at an empanelled hospital. The hospital provides the treatment and claims the expenses directly from the State Health Agency.

Services under KASP can be availed at a wide network of both government and private hospitals that are empanelled under the scheme. According to data from early 2025, this network in Kerala included:

A major advantage of the scheme's integration with PM-JAY is its portability. A KASP beneficiary from Kerala can avail cashless treatment at any PM-JAY empanelled public or private hospital anywhere in India, not just within the state.

• 197 Government Hospitals
• 4 Central Government Hospitals
• 364 Private Hospitals

Recent Developments and Initiatives

The Government of Kerala continues to strengthen the KASP scheme. The state has periodically sanctioned additional funds to support its implementation, such as an additional ₹200 crore in January 2023 and another ₹250 crore in October 2025, indicating its high priority.

In a move to improve beneficiary experience, the State Health Agency is also piloting an interactive AI-enabled KIOSK at an empanelled hospital. This kiosk is designed to provide information and guidance to beneficiaries about the scheme in both Malayalam and English, making it easier for people to understand their benefits and navigate the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of KASP?

KASP stands for Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi. It is the flagship health insurance scheme of Kerala, integrated with the national PM-JAY scheme.

How much does a beneficiary have to pay at the hospital under KASP?

The KASP scheme provides cashless access to healthcare for covered procedures at empanelled hospitals. This means the beneficiary does not have to make any payment for the treatment.

Are pre-existing diseases covered by the KASP Kerala scheme?

Yes, one of the key features of the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi is that it covers pre-existing diseases from day one of enrolment.

Is there a limit on the family size to be eligible for KASP?

No, there are no restrictions on family size, age, or gender for an eligible family to receive benefits under the KASP scheme.

Can I use my Kerala KASP card in another state?

Yes, due to its integration with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, the scheme is portable. Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment at any PM-JAY empanelled hospital across India.

What documents are required for KASP enrolment?

To enrol in KASP, you will generally need your Aadhaar card, ration card, an income certificate, residential proof, and passport-sized photographs.

Related

• Government hospital OPD guides in Kerala
• How to find an Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) hospital near you
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY eligibility check
• Government health schemes in India: a guide

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.