Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme — Kerala UDF Government ₹25 Lakh Health Coverage

The Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme is a flagship welfare initiative of the Kerala United Democratic Front (UDF) government that came to power in the 2026 assembly elections, winning a historic 102-seat mandate — the alliance's best performance since 1977.

Named in memory of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, the scheme provides ₹25 lakh health insurance coverage per family to eligible residents of Kerala, significantly expanding on existing health coverage programmes.

Key Features

What the ₹25 Lakh Covers

• Major surgeries and hospitalisation
• Cancer treatment
• Organ transplants
• Critical illnesses
• ICU / specialist care
• Accident-related treatment
• Dialysis for kidney patients

Note: Exact list of covered procedures and empanelled hospitals will be published in the official scheme notification at arogyakeralam.gov.in.

Eligibility Criteria

• Kerala resident with valid residence proof
• Family below or at the income threshold specified in the scheme notification
• Priority for families with no existing health coverage (not already under ESIC or government employee health scheme)
• Ration card holders (especially priority/non-priority ration card categories) get preference

Documents Required

• Ration card (to establish family unit)
• Aadhaar cards of all family members
• Kerala residence proof (voter ID, utility bill)
• Income certificate from Village Officer (if income limit applies)
• Passport-size photographs

How to Apply

Step 1: Collect the Form

• Visit your nearest Akshaya Centre, Village Office, or Taluk Office
• Or download the application form from arogyakeralam.gov.in when published

Step 2: Submit Documents

• Fill the form with all family member details
• Attach self-attested photocopies of documents listed above
• Submit at the Village Office or designated enrolment centre

Step 3: Get the Health Card

• Upon verification, a health card is issued to the family
• The card is used to avail cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals

Using the Scheme for Treatment

• Show the health card at any empanelled hospital
• Hospital directly processes the claim with the insurer
• No upfront payment needed for covered treatments

How This Compares to Existing Kerala Health Schemes

The Oommen Chandy scheme significantly enhances coverage — families that previously had ₹5 lakh coverage may get ₹25 lakh under this new scheme.

Other Key UDF 2026 Schemes

Alongside the health insurance scheme, the UDF government announced:

• Free KSRTC travel for women — all women can travel free on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses
• Social welfare pension raised to ₹3,000/month — benefiting elderly, widows, and disabled
• Youth business loan ₹5 lakh — interest-free loans for youth starting businesses
• Indira Canteen expansion — low-cost meals at ₹1-₹5 across urban Kerala
• Monthly college student assistance ₹1,000 — for college students' daily expenses

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this separate from Ayushman Bharat? A: Yes. Oommen Chandy Health Insurance is a Kerala state scheme with a ₹25 lakh limit, separate from Ayushman Bharat (₹5 lakh, central government). Eligible families may use both — state scheme for higher-cost treatments.

Q: If I already have KASP card, do I need to apply again? A: Likely yes — the new scheme is a separate programme with different coverage limits. Check with your village office for the transition process.

Q: Which hospitals are empanelled? A: Empanelled hospital list will be published at arogyakeralam.gov.in. Government hospitals, medical colleges, and selected private hospitals are expected to be included.

Q: When will the scheme be fully operational? A: The scheme was announced post-election (May 2026). Full operational rollout is expected within 3–6 months. Check arogyakeralam.gov.in for the official launch date.

Official Links

• Kerala Government: kerala.gov.in
• Arogya Kerala (Health Department): arogyakeralam.gov.in