Defence pensioners are entitled to multiple government benefits beyond monthly pension. These benefits cover healthcare, travel, housing, education, and financial security.
1. Defence Pension & Family Pension
Regular pension via PCDA
Dearness Relief (DR)
Family pension for widows
2. Healthcare Benefits (ECHS)
Lifetime medical coverage
Dependents included
Emergency reimbursement
👉 Internal link:ECHS login 👉 Internal link:ECHS claim status
3. Travel Benefits
Railway concessions
MCO quota train reservations
Priority defence travel support
4. CSD (Canteen Stores Department)
Discounted groceries
Vehicles at subsidised prices
Medicines at reduced rates
5. Housing & Welfare Schemes
AWHO housing projects
State welfare housing assistance
One-rank-one-pension related support
Conclusion
Government benefits significantly reduce post-retirement financial burden for defence pensioners. Awareness is key to fully utilising these schemes.
Healthcare is one of the most important concerns for ex-servicemen and their families after retirement. To honour their service, the Government of India offers several free and subsidised health schemes for ex-servicemen, ensuring long-term medical security.
This updated 2026 guide explains all major free health schemes available to ex-servicemen, eligibility, and how to apply.
1. Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)
ECHS is the primary healthcare scheme for retired defence personnel.
Ex-servicemen families who meet income criteria can also benefit from Ayushman Bharat.
Highlights
₹5 lakh annual coverage per family
Cashless treatment in empanelled hospitals
Covers major surgeries and hospitalisation
⚠️ Note: You cannot claim both ECHS and Ayushman Bharat for the same treatment.
3. Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
Some defence pensioners posted in civil services or eligible under special categories may access CGHS.
4. State Government Health Schemes
Many states provide additional free healthcare schemes:
Rajasthan RGHS
Tamil Nadu CMCHIS
Delhi Arogya Kosh
5. Free Treatment in Military Hospitals
In emergencies, ex-servicemen can receive treatment in:
Military Hospitals
Service hospitals (subject to availability)
Conclusion
For most ex-servicemen, ECHS remains the most comprehensive and reliable healthcare scheme. Understanding eligibility and benefits ensures you receive timely medical care without financial stress.
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is India’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme. While it is primarily designed for economically vulnerable families, some ex-servicemen and their dependents may also qualify under specific income and eligibility criteria.
This detailed guide explains how Ayushman Bharat works for ex-servicemen, its benefits, eligibility, and how it compares with ECHS.
What Is Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)?
Ayushman Bharat is a centrally sponsored health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India to provide cashless hospitalisation coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
The scheme focuses on:
Secondary and tertiary healthcare
Hospitalisation expenses
Financial protection against major medical costs
Can Ex-Servicemen Use Ayushman Bharat?
Yes — but only if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Ayushman Bharat eligibility is not based on service background, but on:
Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data
Income and deprivation criteria
State-specific inclusion rules
Some ex-servicemen families, especially those:
Without ECHS membership
Belonging to lower income groups
Living in rural or economically weaker urban households
may be covered under PM-JAY.
Ayushman Bharat Benefits for Ex-Servicemen Families
1️⃣ ₹5 Lakh Annual Health Cover
Coverage up to ₹5,00,000 per family per year
No cap on individual member expenses
Covers pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation costs
2️⃣ Cashless Treatment Across India
Cashless treatment at PM-JAY empanelled hospitals
Valid across states (portability enabled)
No need to pay upfront hospital bills
3️⃣ Covers Major Surgeries & Hospitalisation
Ayushman Bharat includes treatment for:
Cardiac surgeries
Cancer treatment
Orthopaedic procedures
ICU care
Critical illnesses
This makes it highly useful during high-cost medical emergencies.
4️⃣ No Premium, No Enrollment Fee
Fully funded by the Government of India
No annual premium
No renewal charges
Once eligible, beneficiaries can access services without ongoing payments.
What Ayushman Bharat Does NOT Cover
Understanding limitations is important:
OPD consultations (generally not covered)
Routine medicines outside hospitalisation
Long-term outpatient treatment
Defence-specific medical facilities
This is where ECHS is far more comprehensive for ex-servicemen.
Ayushman Bharat vs ECHS – Key Difference for Ex-Servicemen
Feature
Ayushman Bharat
ECHS
Coverage Type
Insurance-based
Service-based
Annual Limit
₹5 lakh per year
No fixed annual limit
OPD & Medicines
❌ Limited
✅ Free
Eligibility
Income-based
Defence service
Dependents
Family unit
Defined dependents
Long-term Care
❌ Limited
✅ Strong
⚠️ Important Note (Very Important) You cannot claim both ECHS and Ayushman Bharat for the same treatment.
If you are an ECHS member:
You must use ECHS facilities first
Ayushman Bharat cannot be used as a parallel claim system
Using both for the same treatment can lead to:
Claim rejection
Recovery of medical expenses
Administrative action
When Ayushman Bharat Makes Sense for Ex-Servicemen
Ayushman Bharat may be useful if:
You are not enrolled in ECHS
ECHS facilities are unavailable nearby
You qualify under SECC / state eligibility
You need emergency hospitalisation in a PM-JAY hospital
However, once enrolled in ECHS, ECHS should always be your primary healthcare scheme.
How to Check Ayushman Bharat Eligibility
You can check eligibility by:
Visiting the official PM-JAY beneficiary portal
Searching using mobile number, ration card, or Aadhaar
Checking eligibility through state health authorities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can an ECHS member use Ayushman Bharat?
Only if ECHS facilities are not used for that specific treatment and eligibility criteria are met.
Is Ayushman Bharat better than ECHS?
For ex-servicemen, ECHS is superior due to lifelong OPD, medicines, and defence-specific coverage.
Can dependents use Ayushman Bharat?
Yes, if they meet PM-JAY eligibility and are not claiming ECHS for the same treatment.
Final Verdict
Ayushman Bharat is a powerful safety net for economically weaker families, including some ex-servicemen households. However, for defence veterans, ECHS remains the most reliable and complete healthcare system.
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) provides cashless medical facilities to eligible ex-servicemen and their dependents. To avail ECHS benefits, obtaining an ECHS Smart Card is mandatory.
This guide explains the complete ECHS Smart Card application process in a simple step-by-step manner.
What Is an ECHS Smart Card?
The ECHS Smart Card is a biometric-enabled health card used to access medical services at ECHS polyclinics and empanelled hospitals across India.
Who Can Apply for an ECHS Smart Card?
Ex-servicemen drawing pension
Family pensioners
War widows / NOK
Disabled soldiers
Eligible dependents
⚠️ Ex-servicemen not drawing pension are NOT eligible
Categories of Applicants
You must select the correct category while applying:
Future Retiree
Temporary Slip Holder
Old Smart Card Holder (16KB / 32KB)
Pensioners retired between 01 Apr 1996 – 31 Mar 2003
Healthcare expenses are one of the biggest concerns for retired defence personnel and their families. After years of service to the nation, ex-servicemen in India are entitled to multiple free or subsidised health schemes, many of which are still unknown or underutilised.
This 2026 updated guide explains all major free health schemes available to ex-servicemen, eligibility criteria, and how to use them effectively.
🇮🇳 Why Special Health Schemes Exist for Ex-Servicemen
Ex-servicemen often:
Retire at an early age
Face long-term medical conditions
Have dependent family members
Require frequent medical care
To support them, the Government of India has introduced dedicated healthcare schemes, the most important being ECHS, along with other central and state-level benefits.
🏥 1️⃣ Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)
⭐ Primary & Most Important Scheme
ECHS provides comprehensive medical care to ex-servicemen and their dependents through:
ECHS polyclinics
Empanelled private hospitals
Government hospitals
Key Benefits:
✔ Free OPD consultation ✔ Free medicines ✔ Cashless hospitalisation ✔ Medical reimbursement ✔ Coverage for chronic diseases ✔ Emergency treatment support
👥 Who Is Eligible?
Ex-servicemen
Widows
Dependents listed on ECHS smart card
📌 ECHS is the backbone of medical support for veterans.
👉 Related reading: ECHS Login – Official Portal & Steps How to Get Medicines from ECHS Polyclinic
🏥 2️⃣ Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) – Limited Cases
In certain situations, CGHS facilities may be used by defence pensioners, especially:
In cities where ECHS services are limited
For referrals and specialised treatments
📌 CGHS rates are often used as a benchmark for ECHS reimbursement calculations.
🚑 3️⃣ Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) Support
Some ex-servicemen can access:
Military hospitals
Service hospitals
Base hospitals
This usually applies to:
Specific regions
Emergency situations
Referred cases
Availability depends on local station policy.
🏥 4️⃣ State Government Health Schemes (Additional Support)
Many Indian states offer free or subsidised healthcare schemes that ex-servicemen can also use.
Examples include:
Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)
State-specific senior citizen schemes
Free diagnostic & medicine schemes
📌 These schemes can be used alongside ECHS, not as replacements.
💊 5️⃣ Free Medicine Schemes for Ex-Servicemen
Apart from ECHS pharmacies, ex-servicemen can benefit from:
State free medicine programmes
Government generic medicine stores
Hospital-based dispensaries
⚠️ Important: For ECHS reimbursement, medicines must be:
Prescribed by ECHS doctor
Supported with NA Certificate (if bought outside)
🧾 6️⃣ Medical Reimbursement Facilities
If free treatment is not available:
Emergency treatment at private hospitals is allowed
Widows and dependents are entitled to: ✔ OPD treatment ✔ Medicines ✔ Hospitalisation ✔ Reimbursement
📋 Comparison: Free Health Schemes at a Glance
Scheme
Free Treatment
Medicines
Hospitalisation
ECHS
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
CGHS
Limited
Limited
Limited
State Schemes
Partial
Partial
Partial
AFMS
Region-based
Yes
Emergency
❌ Common Mistakes Veterans Make
❌ Not renewing ECHS card ❌ Using private doctor prescriptions directly ❌ Missing NA certificate for medicine claims ❌ Ignoring state-level benefits ❌ Late claim submission
Avoiding these mistakes saves time, money, and stress.
❓ FAQs – Free Health Schemes for Ex-Servicemen
Is ECHS completely free?
Yes, most services are free, except for non-covered items.
Can I use ECHS and Ayushman together?
Yes, depending on eligibility and treatment situation.
Are chronic diseases covered?
Yes, including diabetes, BP, cancer, kidney & heart conditions.
Is ECHS mandatory?
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended.
✅ Final Thoughts
India offers strong healthcare support for ex-servicemen, but awareness is key. By combining ECHS, government schemes, and smart planning, veterans can reduce medical expenses significantly.
📌 Bookmark this guide 📌 Share with fellow veterans 📌 Use official channels for verification
Getting medicines through the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is one of the most important benefits for ex-servicemen and their dependents. However, many beneficiaries are confused about where to collect medicines, what documents are required, and what to do if medicines are not available.
This 2026 updated guide explains everything step-by-step so you can get your medicines smoothly from an ECHS polyclinic without delays or rejection issues.
✅ What Is an ECHS Polyclinic Pharmacy?
An ECHS Polyclinic Pharmacy is the authorized medicine dispensing unit attached to an ECHS polyclinic. It provides free medicines to eligible ECHS beneficiaries as per approved prescriptions.
Medicines are issued based on:
Doctor’s prescription from ECHS polyclinic
Availability in stock
Approved ECHS / CGHS medicine list
👥 Who Can Get Medicines from ECHS Polyclinic?
The following beneficiaries are eligible:
Ex-servicemen registered under ECHS
Dependents listed on the ECHS smart card
Widows of ex-servicemen
Disabled dependents covered under ECHS
📌 Your ECHS Smart Card must be valid at the time of medicine issue.
📝 Documents Required to Get Medicines from ECHS Polyclinic
Carry these documents every time you visit:
✔ Original ECHS Smart Card ✔ Prescription issued by ECHS doctor ✔ OPD slip (if issued) ✔ Identity proof (if asked)
📌 Prescriptions from private doctors are not accepted unless routed through ECHS.
🏥 Step-by-Step: How to Get Medicines from ECHS Polyclinic
Step 1: Visit ECHS Polyclinic OPD
Consult the ECHS Medical Officer or specialist.
Explain your medical condition.
Get a computer-generated prescription.
Step 2: Submit Prescription at Pharmacy Counter
Go to the ECHS pharmacy inside the polyclinic.
Submit the prescription along with ECHS card.
Pharmacy staff verifies medicine availability.
Step 3: Collect Medicines
If medicines are available, they are issued immediately.
Quantity is usually for 30 days (or as per condition).
For chronic diseases, longer duration may be allowed.
🚫 What If Medicines Are Not Available in ECHS Polyclinic?
This is a common issue, and ECHS has a clear solution.
Option 1: Authorized Local Chemist (ALC)
Polyclinic forwards the prescription to an ALC.
Medicines are arranged within 48–72 hours.
You will be informed when to collect them.
Option 2: Non-Availability (NA) Certificate
If medicines are not available even through ALC:
✔ Polyclinic issues an NA Certificate ✔ You are allowed to buy medicines from outside ✔ Bills can be claimed for reimbursement
⚠️ Without NA Certificate, reimbursement is NOT allowed.
💊 Buying Medicines from Outside Pharmacy – Rules
You can buy medicines outside only if:
NA Certificate is issued
Prescription is from ECHS doctor
Bills are GST-compliant
Pharmacy bill has stamp & signature
💰 How to Claim Reimbursement for Medicines Bought Outside
You can submit a medicine reimbursement claim if:
Medicines were unavailable at ECHS
NA Certificate is attached
Required Documents:
✔ ECHS Card copy ✔ Prescription ✔ Original medicine bills ✔ NA Certificate ✔ Cancelled cheque
Claims can be submitted online or at polyclinic, depending on current SOP.
⏳ How Often Can Medicines Be Collected?
Usually once per month
Chronic patients may receive longer duration
Early refills require doctor’s approval
🚑 Emergency Medicine Purchase Rules
In emergencies:
Medicines can be bought immediately from outside
Emergency justification is required
Reimbursement subject to scrutiny
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using private doctor prescription ❌ Buying medicines without NA Certificate ❌ Submitting handwritten bills ❌ Missing GST details on bill ❌ Claiming medicines not prescribed
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get medicines without visiting ECHS doctor?
No. Medicines are issued only against ECHS prescriptions.
Are branded medicines allowed under ECHS?
Equivalent generic medicines are preferred as per availability.
Can dependents collect medicines?
Yes, if they are listed on the ECHS card.
Is there a limit on medicine cost?
Yes. Claims are processed as per approved rates.
✅ Final Words
Getting medicines from an ECHS polyclinic is simple if you follow the correct process. Always ensure:
Valid ECHS prescription
NA Certificate when required
Proper bills for reimbursement
This will help you avoid claim rejection and delays.
