ESIC Card Apply & Download: Employee Insurance Guide

The ESIC e-Pehchan Card is the digital identity card for employees registered under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme. It allows insured persons and their dependents to avail medical benefits at ESIC hospitals and dispensaries across India. This guide covers how to apply for, download, and use your ESIC card.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.

What is the ESIC e-Pehchan Card?

The e-Pehchan card is the biometric smart card issued by ESIC to insured persons (IPs) and their family members. It replaces the old paper-based Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) and provides:

• Identification at ESIC hospitals and dispensaries
• Access to cashless treatment at ESIC and empanelled hospitals
• Family coverage — spouse, children, and dependent parents
• Portability — Can be used at any ESIC facility across India

Who is Eligible for ESIC?

• Employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month (₹25,000 for persons with disability)
• Working in establishments with 10 or more employees (in some states, 20+)
• Both permanent and contract workers
• Coverage extends to family members — spouse, children (up to 25 years), and dependent parents

Understanding Your ESIC IP Number

Your IP Number (Insurance Person Number) is a unique 17-digit number assigned when your employer registers you with ESIC. It consists of:

• Region code + Office code + Employee number
• This number is used for all ESIC services — hospital visits, claims, and online access

How to Find Your IP Number

1. Check your salary slip — It's usually mentioned
2. Ask your HR department/employer
3. Visit esic.gov.in → "Know Your IP" using Aadhaar number

Documents Required

For Employee Registration (by employer)

• Aadhaar card of the employee
• Bank account details with IFSC code
• Passport-size photo of the employee
• Family details — name, relation, DOB, Aadhaar of dependents
• Mobile number and email ID
• Date of joining and wage details

For e-Pehchan Card

• Family photo (employee with all family members) — JPEG, max 500 KB
• Individual photos of employee and each family member
• Aadhaar of employee (mandatory) and family members (recommended)

How Employer Registers Employees on ESIC Portal

1. Log in to the ESIC employer portal at esic.gov.in
2. Navigate to "Employee Registration" section
3. Enter employee details — name, father's name, DOB, gender, marital status
4. Enter Aadhaar number, mobile number, bank details
5. Add family members — spouse, children, parents
6. Upload employee photo and family photos
7. Submit the registration
8. IP number is generated and assigned to the employee

How to Apply for ESIC e-Pehchan Card

Step-by-Step Process

1. Visit esic.gov.in and go to the "e-Pehchaan" section
2. Log in using your IP number and password (or register first)
3. Verify your personal details — name, DOB, address
4. Upload family photo — A group photo of the insured person with all family members
5. Upload individual photos of each family member
6. Verify Aadhaar details for the insured person
7. Submit the application
8. Download the e-Pehchan card once approved

Family Photo Requirements

• Format: JPEG/JPG
• Size: Maximum 500 KB
• Content: All registered family members should be visible
• Background: Plain white or light-coloured background
• Quality: Clear and recent photograph

How to Download ESIC e-Pehchan Card

1. Visit esic.gov.in
2. Click on "e-Pehchaan" from the services menu
3. Log in with your IP number and password
4. Go to "Download e-Pehchan" section
5. Select family members to include on the card
6. Click "Download" — Card is generated as a PDF
7. Print the card on regular paper or save digitally

Tip: You can also access your e-Pehchan card through the UMANG app.

How to Use ESIC Card at Hospitals

1. Visit any ESIC hospital, dispensary, or empanelled hospital
2. Show your e-Pehchan card at the registration counter
3. Get treated — Services are cashless for insured persons and family
4. For empanelled private hospitals, get a referral from the ESIC dispensary first

Services Covered Under ESIC

• Outpatient treatment (OPD)
• Inpatient treatment (IPD)
• Specialist consultations
• Surgery and hospitalisation
• Maternity benefits
• Diagnostic tests and medicines
• Artificial limbs and aids

ESIC Contribution Rates

Employees earning less than ₹176/day are exempt from their share of contribution.

Fees

Processing Time

Important Tips

1. Get registered early — Ask your employer to register you within 10 days of joining
2. Upload clear family photos — Blurry or incorrectly sized photos cause rejection
3. Link Aadhaar with your ESIC account for seamless services
4. Carry e-Pehchan card whenever visiting any ESIC or empanelled hospital
5. Check contribution status regularly — Ensure your employer is depositing ESIC contributions

Related Guides

• ESIC Hospital List — Find nearest ESIC hospital or dispensary
• EPFO Unified Portal Guide — PF services for employees
• UAN Activate Online — EPF UAN activation guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between IP number and ESIC number?

They are the same. IP (Insured Person) number is the unique identification number assigned by ESIC to each registered employee.

2. Can my family use ESIC benefits?

Yes, your spouse, children (up to 25 years), and dependent parents are covered under ESIC. They need to be registered and their photos uploaded for the e-Pehchan card.

3. How long does ESIC coverage last after leaving a job?

Medical benefits continue for 78 days (about 2.5 months) after the last contribution is paid, provided you were insured for at least 78 days in the relevant contribution period.

4. Can I use ESIC card at private hospitals?

Only at ESIC-empanelled private hospitals, and typically you need a referral from an ESIC dispensary. For the list of empanelled hospitals, see our ESIC Hospital List guide.

5. What if my employer is not registering me for ESIC?

If your establishment is covered under the ESI Act and your salary is within the limit, your employer is legally bound to register you. You can file a complaint at the nearest ESIC branch office or on the ESIC portal.

6. Can I download e-Pehchan card on mobile?

Yes, you can download it through the ESIC website on a mobile browser or use the UMANG app. The card is generated as a PDF that can be saved on your phone.

7. Is ESIC applicable to all employees?

ESIC is applicable to employees earning up to ₹21,000/month (₹25,000 for persons with disability) in establishments with 10 or more employees. Some states have the threshold at 20 employees.

8. What benefits does ESIC provide besides medical treatment?

ESIC provides sickness benefit (70% wages), maternity benefit (100% wages for 26 weeks), disability benefit, dependent benefit (in case of death), funeral expenses, and unemployment allowance (Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana).