The Universal Health Insurance Scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as part of its proposed UHAM i.e. Universal Health Assurance Mission. In 2003, the Scheme was launched in India with an objective to provide health care services to the needy and the poor sections of the society. The scheme is available to both the Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Non-BPL families. Currently, its insurance reach is close to 25% of the population.
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Who would you like to insure?
The Universal Health Insurance Scheme offers coverage for all medical expenses, including personal accident cover to the primary breadwinner of the family. In this scheme, compensation is also provided if the earning member of the family passes away. Both BPL (Below Poverty Line) and APL (Above Poverty Line) families can apply for this scheme.
People in India who fall under the category of Below Poverty Line (BPL) or the Above Poverty Line (APL) are eligible to get health insurance under UHIS. Check out the details below:
Eligibility Criteria for Below Poverty Line (BPL) Families:
Eligibility Criteria for APL Families:
Mentioned below are some of the features of the Universal Health Insurance Scheme by the Government of India:
Hospital Benefits |
Criteria |
Hospital room rent and boarding charges on a daily basis |
0.5% of the SI |
Intensive Care Unit ( ICU) Costs Per Day |
1% of the SI |
Cost of Doctors, Surgeon, Nursing, Anesthetist, Consultants, Specialists |
15% of the SI per Injury/ illness |
Cost of Medicines, Oxygen, X-Ray, Blood, Surgical Appliances, Anesthesia, Chemotherapy, etc. |
15% of the SI per Injury/ illness |
Maternity Cover ( Single Child Only) |
Normal Delivery- Rs 2,500 12 Months Waiting Period) |
The main objective of this health insurance scheme is to provide financial coverage to meet the cost of healthcare services. The insured members are paid for medical expenses incurred during hospitalization for any illness, disease, or injury sustained by the insured person. Other benefits offered under the UHIS are given below:
Other benefits:
Universal health insurance scheme provides compensation of Rs 25,000 to the insured in case of the death of the head of the family (the main policyholder of the scheme). This is in the case where the main income earner of the family of the policyholder sustains injury due to a mishap that leads to death within 6 months of the incident.
An amount of Rs 50 is paid to the insured in case the policyholder or the spouse is hospitalized due to an illness or an accident. This is provided after 30 days of the waiting period i.e. from the fourth day of the hospitalization for a maximum of 15 days.
To enroll under this scheme you need to speak to the insurance company who will help in applying for the scheme.
Documents required
To apply for Universal Health Insurance Scheme you only need to furnish a Certificate of Proof that you belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) Section of the society. This certificate should be taken from either Tehsildar or B.D.O of the State Revenue Department.
Universal Health Insurance Scheme (UHIS) offers coverage to people and their families between the age group of 3 months and 65 years. Insured may renew his Policy beyond the age of 65 years provided there is no break in Insurance.
Under this policy a family comprising the policyholder and the members as given below can be insured:
No, you cannot avail of Installment Facility under the Universal Health Insurance scheme.
Yes, for both the Below Poverty line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) you can buy the Universal Health Insurance scheme that was launched in 2003. The policy can be purchased as group insurance by institutions and other groups.
Universal Health Insurance Scheme (UHIS) was launched in 2003 to ensure health cover to the poor and deprived people in India.
No. The benefit is extended only to one child under the Universal Health Insurance Scheme. Also, there is a waiting period of 12 months from the date of inception of the insurance policy.
Yes, personal accident cover is provided under the Universal Health Insurance Scheme (UHIS).
No. Naturopathy treatment is not covered under this scheme.