The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has adopted the latest CGHS Package Rate List covering thousands of medical procedures, surgeries, laboratory investigations, radiology tests, cancer treatments, cardiac procedures, orthopaedic surgeries, dialysis, ICU care, and many other healthcare services.
The revised package rates help ensure cashless treatment for ECHS beneficiaries at empanelled hospitals while maintaining transparency in hospital billing and reimbursement.
What is the Utility of this Revised Rate List for Exservicemen ?
It has been observed that many Ex-Servicemen and ECHS beneficiaries approach empanelled diagnostic centres or hospitals directly to avoid delays that may occur while obtaining a referral from an ECHS Polyclinic. In many such cases, empanelled hospitals, healthcare centres, and diagnostic laboratories are willing to provide the required investigations or treatment at the ECHS/CGHS approved package rates, which are generally much lower than the prevailing charges in the open private healthcare market. Therefore, knowing the approved ECHS/CGHS rate for a particular diagnostic test, procedure, or treatment in advance can help beneficiaries make informed decisions, plan their medical expenses effectively, and potentially save a significant amount on healthcare costs.
If you are an Ex-Serviceman, widow, dependent, or ECHS beneficiary, understanding the latest ECHS rate list can help you know:
- treatment charges approved under ECHS
- surgery package rates
- diagnostic investigation charges
- reimbursement eligibility
- ward entitlement calculations
- rules applicable for multiple surgeries
Download ECHS Rate List PDF
👉 Download Complete ECHS Rate List PDF Here
Do you know the Utility of Dependent I card for Family members of Exservicemen ? To knw the detailed information you may visit here – Dependent I card for ESM Families
What is Included in the ECHS Rate List?
The latest rate list contains package rates for more than thousands of medical procedures across multiple specialties.
It includes:
- OPD consultation
- Specialist consultation
- Laboratory investigations
- Pathology tests
- Radiology investigations
- MRI
- CT Scan
- PET Scan
- Ultrasound
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Orthopaedics
- Urology
- Gastroenterology
- Nephrology
- Dialysis
- ICU Procedures
- General Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- ENT
- Ophthalmology
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Dental Procedures
- Organ-related investigations
- Day Care Procedures
- Major Surgeries
- Cancer Procedures
- Nuclear Medicine
- Interventional Radiology
The package rates are based on CGHS approved rates and are applicable to ECHS empanelled hospitals subject to the terms and conditions of empanelment.
Cities Covered Under Tier-I Rates
The package rates are categorised city-wise.
Tier-I cities include:
- Delhi
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Ahmedabad
- Pune
Separate rate schedules are provided for Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Ward Entitlement Rules
The package rates published in the rate list are Semi-Private Ward rates.
The payable amount changes according to the patient’s entitled ward.
| Ward | Payable Rate |
| General Ward | 5% less than package rate |
| Semi-Private | Base package rate |
| Private Ward | 5% higher than package rate |
For example:
If a surgery package is ₹1,00,000
General Ward
₹95,000
Semi-Private
₹1,00,000
Private
₹1,05,000
However, investigations, radiotherapy and minor procedures generally remain the same irrespective of ward entitlement.
Multiple Surgery Reimbursement Rules
ECHS follows specific reimbursement rules when more than one surgery is performed during the same operation theatre session.
The payment pattern is:
- First (Primary) Surgery – 100%
- Second Surgery – 50%
- Third and subsequent surgeries – 25%
Example
Primary Surgery
₹80,000
Second Surgery
₹40,000 package
Reimbursement = ₹20,000
Third Surgery
₹20,000 package
Reimbursement = ₹5,000
Total admissible reimbursement
₹1,05,000
This rule avoids duplication of common hospital expenses.
Bilateral Surgery Rule
If the same surgery is performed on both sides of the body during the same sitting, reimbursement is calculated as:
- First side = 100%
- Second side = 50%
Example
Both Knee Replacement
Package rate per knee
₹1,50,000
Total payable
₹2,25,000
instead of ₹3,00,000.
Procedure During Package Period
Sometimes another procedure becomes necessary within the package period of an earlier surgery.
In such cases,
The second procedure is generally reimbursed at 75% of its package rate, provided it falls within the applicable package period.
Maximum Package Duration
The package includes hospital stay up to:
| Treatment | Maximum Duration |
| Super Speciality | 12 Days |
| Major Surgery | 7 Days |
| Laparoscopic Surgery | 3 Days |
| Angioplasty | 3 Days |
| Normal Delivery | 3 Days |
| Day Care Surgery | 1 Day |
Beyond these periods, reimbursement depends on ECHS rules and approval.
Major Categories Covered in the Rate List
The document contains detailed rates for:
Laboratory Tests
Including
- CBC
- Blood Sugar
- Liver Function Test
- Kidney Function Test
- Lipid Profile
- Thyroid Profile
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- PSA
- Cancer Markers
- Hormone Tests
- Autoimmune Tests
- TB Tests
- COVID Antibody
- Dengue Tests
- PCR Tests
Radiology
Including
- X-Ray
- Ultrasound
- Colour Doppler
- Mammography
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Dexa Scan
- Cardiac CT
- PET CT
Cardiology
- Echocardiography
- Stress Echo
- CT Coronary Angiography
- Cardiac MRI
Pulmonology
- Spirometry
- Bronchoscopy
- Lung Scan
Nuclear Medicine
- PET CT
- Bone Scan
- Thyroid Scan
- PSMA PET
- Whole Body Scan
Oncology
Hundreds of cancer-related molecular investigations and genetic tests have also been included in the revised package list.
Benefits of Standardized ECHS Package Rates
The revised rates provide several advantages:
- Uniform treatment charges across empanelled hospitals
- Transparent billing
- Faster reimbursement
- Reduced disputes between hospitals and beneficiaries
- Better financial planning
- Standardized package system across India
Important Points for ECHS Beneficiaries
Before undergoing treatment:
- Verify whether the hospital is ECHS empanelled.
- Confirm whether the treatment is covered under ECHS.
- Ask the hospital to quote the ECHS package.
- Keep referral documents ready.
- Preserve discharge summary and medical records.
- Obtain approval wherever required for listed procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the ECHS Rate List applicable throughout India?
Yes. The package list is applicable to ECHS empanelled hospitals, with rates structured according to Tier-I, Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Are all surgeries cashless?
Cashless treatment is available only in empanelled hospitals and subject to ECHS rules, referral procedures and necessary approvals.
Are MRI and CT Scan rates included?
Yes. The package includes detailed rates for MRI, CT Scan, PET Scan, Ultrasound and many other diagnostic investigations.
Does ward entitlement affect package rates?
Yes. General ward rates are generally reduced by 5%, while private ward rates are increased by 5% over the base semi-private package rate.
Can I download the complete rate list?
Yes. The complete official PDF can be downloaded using the button provided above.
Final Words
The ECHS Rate List 2025 is an important reference document for every ECHS beneficiary. It provides standardized package rates for thousands of treatments, surgeries, diagnostic investigations, and medical procedures, ensuring transparency and uniformity across empanelled hospitals.
Before planning any treatment, beneficiaries should verify the applicable package rate, ward entitlement, and referral requirements. Keeping a copy of the latest rate list can help avoid confusion regarding admissible charges and reimbursement.
Download the complete ECHS Rate List PDF using the button above and keep it handy for future reference.

