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CMCHIS Explained: Tamil Nadu's Free Health Cover for Low-Income Families

This article explains the CMCHIS scheme in Tamil Nadu including its coverage, eligibility criteria and benefits. It outlines treatments covered, enrolment process, required documents and how beneficiaries can access cashless healthcare services at empanelled hospitals.

  • 05 May 2025
  • 6 min read
  • 2100 views

Updated on - 12 May 2026

The Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme is a Tamil Nadu government scheme offering cashless treatment to low-income families. It includes surgeries, diagnostics, and maternity care, and covers all age groups with a Rs 5 lakh yearly coverage.

The CM’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme aims to provide free or subsidised healthcare to eligible families in Tamil Nadu, alleviating the financial burden associated with medical expenses.

What is CM's Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS)?

The CMCHIS is a state-sponsored health insurance programme that provides cashless treatment for economically weaker sections.

Key highlights include:

  • Provides health insurance for families below a certain income threshold
  • Offers cashless treatment at recognised government and private hospitals
  • Covers major surgeries, therapies, and treatments
  • Ensures financial support during medical emergencies

What is Covered Under CMCHIS (Amma Health Insurance)?

The Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance offers broader coverage of medical services, which includes:

  • In-patient hospitalisation
  • Diagnostic procedures
  • Pre- and post-hospitalisation costs
  • Surgeries and treatments for critical illnesses
  • Maternity care and neonatal services
  • Therapy for specific chronic diseases

Features of the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme

The Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme’s key features include:

  • Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals
  • Wide hospital network across Tamil Nadu
  • High coverage amount of Rs 5 lakh per family per year
  • Covers major diseases and surgical procedures
  • Pre- and post-hospitalisation support

Benefits of Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS)

The scheme offers multiple benefits for low-income families. These include:

  • Reduces out-of-pocket expenses significantly
  • Covers expensive treatments such as cardiac surgeries, chemotherapy, and dialysis
  • Covers all age groups, including senior citizen health insurance needs within the family
  • Simple and accessible enrolment process
  • Emergency medical assistance without worrying about costs

Diseases and Treatments Covered Under CM's Health Insurance Scheme

The CM comprehensive health insurance scheme covers a wide range of conditions and procedures, such as:

  • Cardiac procedures
  • Cancer treatment
  • Neurological disorders
  • Renal failure treatments
  • Maternity care

Eligibility Criteria for CMCHIS

To qualify for the CMCHIS, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a resident of Tamil Nadu
  • Annual family income of Rs 1,20,000 or less
  • Must hold a ration card with the applicable income classification
  • Priority is given to the economically weaker sections

How to Enrol in the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme?

To apply for CMCHIS online, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official CMCHIS portal
  2. Check eligibility by entering your ration card details
  3. Fill out the application form
  4. Submit the necessary documents
  5. Receive your CMCHIS health card upon approval

Documents Required to Apply for CM's Health Insurance

Submit the following documents when applying for the card:

  • Ration card
  • Aadhaar card
  • Address proof
  • Income certificate issued by a local authority
  • Medical certificate, if applicable

Amma Kapitu Thittam Card Download

Follow these steps to download your Amma Kapitu Thittam card:

  1. Visit the official CMCHIS website
  2. Enter your Aadhaar number or ration card details
  3. Click on "Download CMCHIS Health Card"
  4. Save and print your card

How to Download the CM Health Insurance Application Form?

If you prefer an offline application, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the CMCHIS website
  2. Go to the "Forms" section
  3. Click on "Application Form"
  4. Download and print the form

How to Search CMCHIS Member ID?

To find your CMCHIS member ID:

  1. Visit the official portal
  2. Click on "Search Beneficiary"
  3. Enter your ration card or Aadhaar number
  4. Click "Search" to retrieve your details

How to Claim CMCHIS?

Claiming benefits under CMCHIS is easy. Just follow these steps:

  1. Visit an empanelled hospital with your CM health insurance card
  2. Show your member ID for verification
  3. The hospital submits the claim request to the CMCHIS office
  4. Treatment begins after approval, with no upfront payment required

CMCHIS Package List

Some of the procedures covered under the scheme include:

  • General surgery
  • Cardiology and cardiac surgery
  • Neurology and neurosurgery
  • Oncology and radiotherapy
  • Nephrology and urology

Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme Hospital List

The full list of empanelled hospitals is available on the CMCHIS website: https://www.cmchistn.com/empanelment/hospital-list

CMCHIS Toll-Free Number and Address

For queries or assistance, contact:

  • Helpline number: 1800-425-3993
  • Address: Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Conclusion

For low-income families in Tamil Nadu, this scheme removes one of the biggest barriers to healthcare, which is the cost. It takes care of a wide range of treatments, from routine procedures to complex surgeries and long-term conditions.

That said, every family's medical needs are different. Pairing this scheme with a suitable health insurance policy can help fill any gaps and offer a broader financial safety net in the long run.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for CMCHIS online?

As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, the application can be completed online through the official CMCHIS portal without having to visit any office in person.

2. How do I check my CMCHIS application status?

Simply head to the CMCHIS portal and enter your ration card number. The portal will pull up the current status of your application.

3. Is CMCHIS only for Tamil Nadu residents?

Yes, the scheme is specific to Tamil Nadu. Residents of other states are not eligible to apply.

4. Does CMCHIS cover pre-existing diseases?

Yes, it does. Pre-existing diseases are covered under the scheme, which is one of the more helpful aspects of the programme for families dealing with ongoing medical conditions.


Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure/policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.

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