CMCHIS

A Guide to the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), Tamil Nadu

Across Tamil Nadu, families make impossible choices every day: Skip a medical test to pay school fees. Delay surgery to manage a loan. Postpone care until it becomes an emergency.

This isn’t about lack of hospitals, it’s about access.

And often, it’s because health insurance still feels confusing, costly, or out of reach.

But here’s the good news: That’s changing. In 2025, Tamil Nadu offers a stronger ecosystem than ever — from the free CMCHIS scheme to affordable private policies that now cover everything from childbirth to cancer care.

The problem? Most people are unfamiliar with how to navigate it.

This guide is built to fix that.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, someone switching policies, or simply trying to understand what CMCHIS covers, this blog cuts through the noise.

What this scheme offers
Who can get it
How to apply
Which hospitals accept it
What treatments are included

We’ve kept the language simple. No jargon. Just facts, stories, and support, because this scheme is for people like you.

What is the CM Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS)?

The CMCHIS is a completely free health insurance scheme run by the Government of Tamil Nadu. It helps families get high-quality treatment, without spending money out of their pocket.

Under this scheme:

Each family can get ₹5 lakh worth of treatment per year
At over 1000+ hospitals (both government and private)
For more than 1100 types of diseases and surgeries
With no need to pay in cash, everything is handled between the hospital and the government

In simple words: You show your smart card. You get treated. You don’t pay. It’s not just a policy, it’s protection.

Who Can Get This Insurance?

This scheme is specially created for low-income and working-class families, including people in informal jobs, women-headed households, and marginalised groups.

You are eligible if:

You are a resident of Tamil Nadu
Your family income is ₹1.2 lakh per year or less
You have a smart ration card (white/green with QR code)

Also included, even if you don’t have income proof:

Single women (widows, separated, unmarried)
People with disabilities
Transgender individuals
Migrant workers (registered in Tamil Nadu)
Auto drivers, construction workers, street vendors
Families living in slums or rural areas without stable jobs

This scheme doesn’t just look at salary, it looks at life circumstances. It’s designed to lift people up, not leave them behind.

How to Apply for CMCHIS (Step-by-Step)

The process is designed to be simple, free, and accessible.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Go to www.cmchistn.com → Click “Am I Eligible?”

Enter your smart ration card number and see the result instantly.

Step 2: Visit Enrollment Camp or Center

If you’re eligible, go to your:

Nearest government hospital
e-Seva center
Or special CMCHIS enrollment camp (often held at PHCs)

Step 3: Carry These Documents:

Smart Ration Card
Aadhaar cards (all family members)
Passport-size photos
Income certificate (if applicable)

Step 4: Fingerprint & Photo

The staff will:

Take fingerprints and photographs
Generate your CMCHIS card (physical or digital)

That’s it! You are now covered.

No fees, no middlemen, no tension.

Where Can You Get Treatment?

You can go to any empanelled hospital — a hospital officially approved by the government to provide cashless treatment under CMCHIS.

Government Hospitals

District Headquarters Hospitals
Government Medical Colleges
Taluk and Block Hospitals
Urban Health Centres
Primary Health Centres (for check-ups, diagnostics, follow-ups)

Private Hospitals

Many reputed private hospitals are also part of this scheme. Some examples:

Apollo Hospitals (select branches)
Meenakshi Mission Hospital, Madurai
KMCH, Coimbatore
Global Hospital, Chennai
PSG Hospital, Coimbatore

Just ask the hospital: “Do you accept CMCHIS card?” before admission.

To check the list of empanelled hospitals:

Visit Hospital List
Select your district
View phone numbers, specialties, and address

What Treatments Are Covered?

This scheme is not just for minor illnesses; it’s built to support serious and life-threatening conditions.

Health Area	What’s Included
Heart	Bypass surgery, Angioplasty
Brain	Stroke management, Brain tumor surgeries
Cancer	Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, Cancer surgery
Bones	Hip replacement, Fracture treatment
Women’s Health	C-section (Delivery), Uterus removal surgeries
Children	Treatment for heart defects, Paediatric cancer
Kidneys	Dialysis, Kidney transplant
Accidents	Emergency trauma care, Head injury treatment
Burns	Skin grafting, ICU support for burns

Also includes:

Diagnostic scans (CT, MRI, blood tests)
Follow-up treatments in many cases
ICU care, ventilators, NICU for babies

This is especially helpful for people who:

Can’t afford health insurance
Live in areas with limited government hospitals
Have ongoing medical conditions

What Can You Do?

If you’re reading this, you are now better informed than most people around you.

So, here’s what you can do:

Check if you or your loved ones are eligible
Share this blog with teachers, neighbours, and community groups
Visit http://www.cmchistn.com and bookmark it

Need Help?

Here’s where to go:

CMCHIS Helpline: 1800-425-3993 (Toll-free, 24×7)
Official Website: www.cmchistn.com
Nearest Government Hospital or e-Sevai Center

Quick Links

Check eligibility Click here
Hospital list Search by district
Call for help: 1800-425-3993
Tamil Nadu Health Dept tnhealth.tn.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CMCHIS

1. What is CMCHIS?

CMCHIS stands for Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. It provides free hospital treatment to low-income families in Tamil Nadu.

2. Who launched CMCHIS and when?

It was launched by the Tamil Nadu Government in 2012 and is currently managed by the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project (TNHSP).

3. Is CMCHIS free for everyone?

Yes, for those who are eligible, there is no premium or registration fee to pay.

4. What is the maximum coverage amount?

Each family can receive up to ₹5 lakhs per year for treatments, surgeries, diagnostics, and hospital care.

5. Who is eligible to apply?

Families with:

Annual income below ₹1.2 lakh
Smart Ration Card (green/white QR code)
Tamil Nadu residency

Also, certain groups like transgender persons, construction workers, street vendors, and destitute women are eligible even without income proof.

6. Is Aadhaar mandatory?

Yes. Aadhaar card is required for every family member while enrolling.

7. Where can I apply for the CMCHIS card?

Nearby Government Hospitals
e-Sevai Centres
CMCHIS enrollment camps (held in PHCs, community halls)

8. What documents do I need to apply?

Smart Ration Card
Aadhaar Cards (for all family members)
Passport-size photos
Income certificate (if required)
Disability or widow certificate (if applicable)

9. How long does it take to get the card?

Usually 1–2 weeks, depending on the enrollment location. Some receive temporary approval on the spot.

10. Can I check eligibility online?

Yes. Go to http://www.cmchistn.com and click on “Am I Eligible”. Enter your Ration Card number.

11. How do I know if a hospital accepts CMCHIS?

Ask at the hospital’s front desk or search the empanelled hospital list on http://www.cmchistn.com.

12. Do private hospitals accept CMCHIS?

Yes, many private hospitals (Apollo, PSG, KMCH, Meenakshi Mission, etc.) are empanelled under CMCHIS.

13. What treatments are covered?

Over 1100 procedures including:

Heart surgery
Cancer care
Dialysis
Brain surgeries
Maternity and C-sections
Accidents and trauma care
Burns, fractures, ICU, and more

14. Are medicines and tests also free?

Yes. If you’re admitted under CMCHIS, investigations, medicine, food, and follow-up are all covered.

15. Can I use it for outpatient treatment?

No. CMCHIS covers only inpatient care, when you’re admitted to the hospital.

16. How many times can I use the card in a year?

As long as your treatments don’t exceed the ₹5 lakh family limit, you can use it multiple times.

17. Can I use the card in a different district or city?

Yes. You can get treated anywhere in Tamil Nadu, regardless of where you live.

18. What if my card is lost or damaged?

Visit your enrollment center or government hospital to reissue your card.

19. Is surgery for children included?

Yes. Paediatric surgeries (including heart, cancer, hernia, etc.) are covered for children from newborn to age 18.

20. Is COVID-19 treatment included?

Yes. COVID-19 treatment and ICU are covered in empanelled hospitals during pandemic-related periods.

21. Can migrant or interstate workers apply?

If they have Tamil Nadu residency proof and meet income criteria, yes. Interstate migrant workers may need to check with local authorities.

22. Can I get treatment without the physical card?

Yes, if you’re registered, hospitals can verify using your Ration Card or Aadhaar number.

23. Does this scheme cover health checkups?

No, general health checkups or outpatient consultations are not covered.

24. Who can I contact for help or complaints?

Call the CMCHIS helpline: 1800-425-3993 (Toll-free)

Or visit http://www.cmchistn.com

25. How is CMCHIS different from Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY)?

CMCHIS is Tamil Nadu’s state-level scheme.

Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) is a central scheme, but in Tamil Nadu, CMCHIS is the primary health insurance model used.