ECHS EXPLAINED: EVERYTHING YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT IN 2026

A:  ECHS full form is Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme. 

A: Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme is a social welfare scheme initiated in 2003 by the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare under the Ministry of Defence. It provides medical care to ex-servicemen pensioners and their dependents through a network of polyclinics, service hospitals, government hospitals, and empanelled private hospitals.    

A: All ex-servicemen drawing pension or family pension from the Defence Budget and their eligible dependents, including spouse, parents, children, and unmarried siblings, are eligible for ECHS membership.   

A: Ex-servicemen can apply for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme membership by filling out an online application form available on the ECHS website. The completed form, along with the required documents and contribution fee, should be submitted to the nearest Station Headquarters (Stn HQ). Details about the fee structure and required documents can be found on the ECHS website.  

 A: Ex-Servicemen contributary health members can enjoy various benefits, including outpatient and inpatient treatment, investigations, diagnostic tests, prescribed medicines, dental treatment, physiotherapy, rehabilitation services, and AYUSH treatment. Emergency treatment at any hospital is also available, subject to reimbursement as per ECHS rules.   

A: To avail Ex-Servicemen contributary health services, members need to visit the nearest ECHS polyclinic with their ECHS smart card and identity proof. The polyclinic will provide necessary consultations, investigations, medicines, and referrals. Members can also visit service hospitals directly if they are within the polyclinic’s catchment area. For treatment at Empanelled private hospitals, a referral from the ECHS polyclinic or service hospital, along with the ECHS smart card and identity proof, is required. Empanelled hospitals will provide cashless treatment as per approved rates and procedures.

A: For ECHS Login , visit the official website and locate the log-in section at the top right corner. Enter your registered username and password, then click on the “Log In” button to access your account dashboard. If you encounter any issues with logging in, use the provided options on the website to reset your password or recover your username. For more information and access to the ECHS website, please visit https://echs.sourceinfosys.com/. Always remember to log out, especially when using shared or public computers, to ensure the security of your ECHS account.

A : Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme Card is a smart card that enables ex-servicemen and their dependents to avail medical benefits under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme.

A: To check your Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme card status, you can follow these steps:
Visit the official Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme website and click on the “Online Application” or “ECHS Card Status” section.
Enter your service number, card number, and captcha code in the fields provided and click on the “Submit” button.
You will see your card status on the screen. You will also receive SMS notifications on your registered mobile number regarding your card generation and dispatch.
you can also check your Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme card status on the ECHS mobile app. You can download the app from the Google Play Store and enter your registered mobile number or ECHS application number to view your card status

 A: The contribution fee for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme membership depends on the rank and the type of membership (one-time or lifetime) of the ex-servicemen. The fee ranges from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1,20,000.The contribution fee is a one-time payment that entitles you to lifelong medical benefits under the ECHS scheme. The fee is revised from time to time by the Government of India based on the cost of medical care and inflation.