Overview of ECHS Eligibilty

The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a welfare initiative by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, designed to provide comprehensive, cashless, and quality medical care to Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their dependents through a network of ECHS Polyclinics, Empanelled Hospitals, and Military Medical Facilities across India.

Eligibility Criteria:

The following categories of individuals are eligible to become ECHS members:

1. Ex-Servicemen (ESM):

   • All retired personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force who are in receipt of a pension from the Defence Services (including disability or family pensioners).

   • Territorial Army pensioners and NCC whole-time commissioned officers receiving a Defence pension are also eligible.

   • Short Service Commissioned Officers (SSCOs) who have completed their terms and are entitled to pension qualify for membership.

2. Dependents of ESM:

   • Spouse (wife/husband).

   • Dependent children (unemployed sons below 25 years and unmarried/unemployed daughters).

   • Dependent parents who are fully reliant on the ESM.

   • Mentally or physically challenged dependents, irrespective of age, provided they are dependent on the ESM.

3. Ineligible Persons:

   • Personnel not drawing a Defence pension (e.g., discharged before minimum pensionable service without pension) are not eligible.

   • Dependents with independent income above the prescribed limit are not eligible.

Documents Required for ECHS Membership:

To apply for an ECHS Smart Card, the following documents must be submitted along with the application (online or through the respective Station HQ):

1. For Ex-Servicemen (Primary Member):

   • Copy of Discharge Book / Service Book.

   • PPO (Pension Payment Order).

   • Aadhaar Card and PAN Card.

   • Photograph (passport size, latest).

   • Proof of Address (as per Aadhaar or other valid ID).

   • Bank Account details (Cancelled cheque or passbook copy).

2. For Dependents:

   • Aadhaar Card of each dependent.

   • Passport size photographs of each dependent.

   • Birth Certificate / School Certificate for children.

   • Dependency Certificate for parents issued by competent authority.

   • Disability Certificate (if applicable).

   • Marriage Certificate (for spouse).