Both ECHS and Ayushman Bharat offer healthcare, but they serve different purposes.
Comparison Table
| Feature | ECHS | Ayushman Bharat |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Ex-servicemen | Income-based |
| Coverage | Lifetime | ₹5 lakh/year |
| Hospitals | Defence & private | Private & govt |
| Medicines | Free | Limited |
| Dependents | Included | Family based |
Which Should Defence Families Choose?
- Serving/Retired Defence Personnel: ECHS
- Low-income civilian families: Ayushman Bharat
- Dual eligibility: Use carefully (no double claim)
👉 ECHS benefits
👉ECHS claim status
Final Verdict
For defence families, ECHS is superior in long-term medical security, while Ayushman Bharat is a strong backup option where applicable.