The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) provides high-quality healthcare to ex-servicemen (ESM), pensioners and their legal dependents through a primarily cashless system in polyclinics and hospitals across India. ECHS integrates military medical facilities with nearby civilian hospitals to facilitate timely health care access for veterans that isn't reliant on their own funds.
In this article, we are going to learn about what an ECHS Smart Card is, who is eligible to obtain one, step-by-step instructions on applying online or using the ECHS Smart Card login portal, checking status, renewal, activation and much more.
Overview
A quick snapshot of the scheme so you have the essentials at a glance.
| Particular | Details |
|---|
| Scheme name | Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) |
| Started | Launched 1 April 2003 (approved Dec 2002). |
| Administered by | Central Organisation ECHS — Adjutant General’s Branch, Integrated HQ MoD (Army) |
| Who it covers | Pensioner ESM, war widows, dependents (subject to rules) |
| Primary benefit | Cashless treatment at ECHS polyclinics and empanelled hospitals |
| Smart card | 64 KB ECHS smart card mandatory (16/32 KB phased out); printing resumed Jan 2025 — fee applies. |
| Footfall/usage | Over 3.35 crore beneficiaries used ECHS services in recent years (2020–22 statistics). |
| Helpline & contact | Toll-free 1800-114-115; WhatsApp numbers on the official site. |
What Is An ECHS Smart Card?
An ECHS Smart Card is a mandatory health card issued to ex-servicemen (ESM) and their eligible dependents under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). It is a secure, chip-based ID card that stores beneficiary data and enables quick verification at ECHS polyclinics and empanelled hospitals. The card acts as the gateway for availing cashless medical treatment and other health services.
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Features And Benefits Of The ECHS Smart Card
The smart card serves as the sole point of access for nearly all administrative and clinical encounters within the ECHS framework. Some major ECHS Smart Card benefits and features include:
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Cash-less treatment at an ECHS polyclinic or empanelled hospital for covered procedures and consultations -- this greatly reduces out-of-pocket costs (capping fees at no more than the per-patient capitation per year).
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Quick verification at hospital counters with ECHS Smart Card login and chip-based details.
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The scheme has hundreds of empanelled civilian hospitals and Service medical facilities (the card scheme maintains state-wise lists of empanelled hospitals; e.g. Delhi and Maharashtra have many hundreds of HCOs).
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There is no monetary ceiling on allowed treatment through ECHS (and subject to policy and empanelment rules); critical care is not capriciously capped.
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New 64 KB cards support the ECHS Smart Card renewal process and data refresh via the Beneficiary App.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria For ECHS Smart Card?
Not every veteran or family member inherently enrols in ECHS — the requisites for eligibility are clear in this scheme. The ECHS Smart Card eligibility criteria for ex-servicemen are:
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Pensioner ESM who has contributed according to the tenure rules. Contribution slabs are typically rank-related (eg recruits to officers), with some groups, typically war widows or some retired before a certain date, might be added to the eligible members list. Check with them, if you have not already.
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Typically, eligible individuals are war widows and war disabled, with a good chance of being exempt from any contribution.
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The different people under dependents are covered in line with the entitlement rules. See the Dependent section further below for an overview of the dependents.
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Cadets / medically boarded out candidates - Recent ECHS policy or recently changed policy has opened coverage in some scope, for the upcoming wave of cadets / boarding out candidates, but be sure to confirm through the Agreement Regional Centre or ECHS Portal.
Key fact: all contribution costs will vary by rank (e.g. based on differing ranges, for some, finding between 30K to 120K at enlistment/entry for some echelon), but again, exemptions exist for those who retired before Jan 1 1996, and related, investigate/reconfirm rates with your record office. Also, you can apply via the ECHS Smart Card online application portal, and the cost and validity of ECHS Smart Card for dependents are updated regularly on the official website.
Dependents Covered Under ECHS
ECHS covers many family members, but the exact list and age limits differ by relationship. Check the bullets to confirm who typically qualifies.
| Dependent Category | Coverage Details |
|---|
| Spouse | Covered for life while married to the ESM beneficiary. |
| Children | Coverage usually extends up to a certain age; rules differ for sons, daughters, and disabled dependents. Annual validation is required for dependents above 18 years. |
| Dependent Parents | Covered if recorded as dependents in enrolment data; subject to Record Office verification. |
| War Widows & Special Categories | Covered under special provisions, often with relaxed contribution requirements. |
Documents Required For ECHS Application
Accurate paperwork speeds approval. Keep originals and scanned copies ready when you apply online or at the Record Office. When applying or during ECHS Smart Card renewal, keep the following ready:
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ESM pension paperwork/discharge document (Service records).
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Aadhaar card and identity proof for the beneficiary and dependents.
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Pension Payment Order (PPO) or proof of pension.
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Bank details (for DBT / refund adjustments, if applicable).
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Photographs (passport size) and address proof/domicile documents.
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Any medical certificates required for dependent/disabled children where special consideration applies.
The ECHS portal will have distinct login areas (beneficiary, Record Office, CSC), but if you are updating details or applying, use the beneficiary or smart-card interface. These are also the documents required for ECHS Smart Card renewal through the portal.
Also Read: 2025 Guide: Top Government Retirement Plans For Senior Citizens In India
How To Log In Into The ECHS Website?
To manage your card or check application progress, use the ECHS Smart Card login and status tracking portal.
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Visit the official ECHS website, and the useful links will include the ECHS Smart Card Online Application.
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Select the appropriate category (i.e., ESM, spouse, war widow) and enter your details and proceed to register/log in to your SSO or beneficiary account if available.
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If logging in with CSC (Common Service Centres) helps, use your CSC credentials (public CSCs will often offer assistance to veterans for the online processes).
How To Apply For An ECHS Card Online?
Wondering how to apply for ECHS Smart Card online step by step? Follow this process for the ECHS Smart Card application online:
Step 1: Navigate to the ECHS Smart Card Online Application page.
Step 2: Select your category (ESM, war widow, dependent, etc.) and then fill out the online application with your personal, service and pension details.
Step 3: Upload the requested scanned documents.
Step 4: Pay the appropriate card/printing fee online (the published fees at the time of application will apply - for example, the ECHS online application states the printing fees for the 64 KB cards in the official notices, but you will need to confirm the amount online to be sure).
Step 5: Your application will go to your Record Office / Regional Centre for verification. The card will be printed for you once verification has been completed, and distribution through your RC will be organised.
Tip: If you cannot apply through the online method, many beneficiaries are able to obtain assistance through their local Record Office, Regional Centre or Common Service Centre (CSC).
How To Check The Status Of Your ECHS Card?
After your application is submitted, you are able to track the progress through online tracking from verification through printing and distribution. Use the ECHS Smart Card status check option on the portal:
Step 1: In most cases, visit ECHS quick links → Polyclinic Card Distribution / Card Status / Record Office.
Step 2: In some regions, the URN/application number is provided upon submission; enter this information into the tracking page for the current stage.
Step 3: For claims or the status of hospital empanelment, the ECHS BPA/claim portal has the "Beneficiary Claim Submission/Claim status" interface for your use.
How To Register Through The ECHS Beneficiary App?
The ECHS Smart Card registration can also be done via mobile app: It also offers notifications and quick access to a list of empanelled hospitals.
Step 1: Download the ECHS Beneficiary App, available in the Google Play or Apple App Stores or online.
Step 2: Open the app, select New Registration, and follow the subsequent steps on the screen- enter your Service number, PPO, Aadhaar and upload photos.
Step 3: Submit the registration application and note down the application reference. You will also be able to check the status of your registration using the app, as well as find empanelled hospitals nearby and contact information for the polyclinics.
Also Read: Cashless Everywhere: Medical Bills For Health Insurance
How To Activate The Smart Card?
Once printed, the ECHS Smart Card renewal process or activation is handled at your Record Office or polyclinic:
Step 1: Collect the card from the notified polyclinic or distribution centre. The Record Office will publish details about where and how to collect your card.
Step 2: You should carefully verify the printed details on the 64 KB card; if there are mistakes, you should report this immediately to the Record Office so that it can be corrected.
Step 3: On your first visit to the polyclinic / empanelled hospital, they will scan the card; the ECHS MIS will then activate the card. You may be asked to sign that you have received it.
ECHS: A Smart Choice For Ex-Servicemen To Secure Health
The ECHS Smart Card benefits extend to millions of ex-servicemen and families annually. By moving to a single 64 KB card, the scheme modernises IT systems, supports the ECHS Smart Card renewal process, and integrates Service and civilian healthcare facilities.
Conclusion
The ECHS program provides ex-servicemen (ESM) and their families a structured and nationwide healthcare safety net. From eligibility to ECHS Smart Card application online, status tracking, and renewal, every process is now digitised. If you meet the ECHS Smart Card eligibility criteria, apply today through the portal or app, and secure cashless treatment access across India. When in doubt, contact your Record Office (the paperwork source for the request) or the ECHS helpline (1-800-114-115) for assistance!
Why Choose JB to Apply For The Government Services?
Jaagruk Bharat Services fills in the blanks for benefactors by managing the ECHS application process from step one: we check documents, walk you through the ECHS form online, help you upload the correct scans, and help track the verification with your Record Office. This decreases the number of form errors (the most common problem) and saves your time, which is especially helpful if you want guided help rather than self-service at the portal. We also explain your entitlements and help you go to the right polyclinic or empanelled hospital when you need treatment.
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