Healthcare costs can become a major financial burden, especially when a person needs hospitalization, surgery, long-term treatment, expensive diagnostic tests, or treatment for a serious illness. To improve access to healthcare and reduce the financial burden on eligible residents, the Government of NCT of Delhi operates several health insurance, medical assistance, and financial support programmes.
In 2026, Delhi residents may benefit from different healthcare initiatives depending on their income, residence, medical condition, hospital, and eligibility category. Important programmes include Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK), assistance for specified diagnostic services and surgeries, and financial assistance programmes for certain vulnerable groups.
These schemes are designed to improve access to affordable healthcare and reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses. However, each programme has its own eligibility conditions, coverage rules, documents, and application process.
This guide explains the major Delhi Health Insurance & Financial Assistance Schemes 2026, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, documents required, application process, and frequently asked questions.
Delhi Health Schemes 2026: Overview
| Scheme | Major Benefit | Main Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY | Health assurance/cashless treatment as per eligibility | Eligible beneficiaries |
| Delhi Arogya Kosh | Financial assistance up to ₹5 lakh | Eligible needy patients |
| DAK Diagnostic Assistance | Assistance for specified diagnostic services | Eligible patients |
| DAK Surgery Assistance | Assistance for specified surgeries | Eligible patients |
| HIV/AIDS Financial Assistance | Financial support under applicable guidelines | Eligible beneficiaries |
| Delhi Government Hospitals | Government healthcare services | Eligible patients and residents |
What is Delhi Arogya Kosh?
Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) is an important financial assistance initiative of the Delhi Government for eligible patients who require medical treatment but may not be able to afford the associated expenses.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services, eligible needy patients can receive financial assistance of up to ₹5 lakh for treatment in eligible government hospitals, subject to the prescribed conditions and approval process.
The scheme can support treatment provided through eligible hospitals and institutions associated with:
- Delhi Government
- Central Government
- Local bodies
- AIIMS
- Eligible autonomous hospitals and institutions
The assistance is intended to help patients meet expenses for approved medical treatment and procedures.
Delhi Arogya Kosh Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements depend on the particular assistance being requested. For the relevant treatment assistance under Delhi Arogya Kosh, the current Delhi Government information specifies conditions including:
- Annual family income of up to ₹3 lakh.
- The patient should generally be a bona fide resident of Delhi.
- The patient should have been residing in Delhi for at least three years before submitting the application.
- Treatment should be required at an eligible government hospital.
- The applicant must satisfy the medical and documentation requirements of the scheme.
Applicants should verify the latest requirements before applying because eligibility can differ between DAK services.
Delhi Arogya Kosh Financial Assistance
The maximum assistance available under the relevant DAK treatment provision is ₹5 lakh, subject to eligibility and approval.
The approval process can vary according to the amount requested. The Delhi DGHS specifies different approval levels for different assistance amounts.
| Assistance Amount | Approval Process |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹25,000 | Approval at the prescribed DGHS level |
| Above ₹25,000 to ₹1.5 lakh | Approval as prescribed, including Finance Department approval |
| Above ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh | Approval by the competent DAK authority |
The sanctioned assistance is issued to the concerned government hospital according to the applicable procedure.
Documents Required for Delhi Arogya Kosh
Applicants may need to submit documents such as:
- Aadhaar Card
- Delhi residence proof
- Income Certificate issued by the concerned SDM
- Voter ID
- Ration Card
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Electoral Roll extract
- Medical records
- Medical estimate from the treating doctor
- Patient’s photograph
- Bank-related documents, where required
For children or minors, additional documents such as a birth certificate and the parent’s residence or domicile proof may be required.
Applicants should keep original documents available for verification whenever required.
How to Apply for Delhi Arogya Kosh
The application process generally starts through the government hospital where the patient is receiving or requires treatment.
Step 1: Visit the Government Hospital
Visit the eligible government hospital where treatment is being provided or recommended.
Step 2: Obtain the Application Form
Ask the concerned department or hospital authorities for the prescribed Delhi Arogya Kosh application form.
Step 3: Get the Medical Estimate
The treating doctor prepares the required medical estimate for the proposed treatment.
Step 4: Obtain Hospital Certification
The medical estimate and relevant documents are certified by the appropriate hospital authority as required.
Step 5: Attach Documents
Submit income proof, Delhi residence proof, identity documents, medical records, and other required documents.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application through the prescribed hospital or departmental channel.
Step 7: Verification and Approval
The application is examined by the concerned authorities according to the amount and nature of assistance requested.
Step 8: Treatment Assistance
Once approved, the sanctioned amount is issued to the concerned government hospital according to the applicable guidelines.
Free Diagnostic Services Under Delhi Arogya Kosh
Delhi Arogya Kosh also supports selected diagnostic and imaging services for eligible patients under applicable conditions.
Services may include:
- Ultrasound
- Doppler studies
- Mammography
- EEG
- EMG
- TMT
- ECHO
The programme also includes arrangements for certain PET and radionuclide scans through specified hospitals and facilities.
These services can be particularly useful for patients who require expensive investigations during diagnosis or treatment.
Free Surgery Assistance
Eligible patients can also receive assistance for certain specified surgeries under Delhi Arogya Kosh arrangements.
Under the applicable programme, patients can be referred to empanelled hospitals for specified procedures when the required conditions are satisfied. This can help patients access treatment without having to bear the full cost themselves.
The availability of a particular surgery depends on the current approved list, eligibility requirements, hospital arrangements, and applicable guidelines.
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY in Delhi
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a government-funded health assurance programme that provides financial protection for eligible beneficiaries.
Delhi’s health programmes and budget documents include provisions for the State Health Agency under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, including insurance and applicable state-level components.
Eligible beneficiaries can receive treatment through participating hospitals under the applicable PM-JAY packages.
Major Benefits
Depending on the beneficiary’s eligibility and applicable package, PM-JAY can provide:
- Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals.
- Hospitalization-related financial protection.
- Treatment under approved medical packages.
- Surgical treatment under eligible packages.
- Reduced out-of-pocket expenditure.
Eligibility should be checked through the official beneficiary verification system rather than assumed solely on the basis of income or Delhi residence.
HIV/AIDS Financial Assistance
Delhi also operates financial assistance provisions for eligible people affected by HIV/AIDS.
Delhi Government planning documents list financial assistance for HIV/AIDS-affected persons among its welfare and health-related programmes.
The assistance is intended for beneficiaries who meet the conditions prescribed by the concerned department. Applicants should verify the current eligibility criteria, assistance amount, documents, and application procedure before applying.
Delhi Government Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Apart from financial assistance and insurance schemes, Delhi residents can access healthcare through government-run healthcare facilities.
These include:
- Government hospitals
- Polyclinics
- Dispensaries
- Health and Wellness Centres
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
- Specialty hospitals
- Super-specialty hospitals
Government healthcare facilities play an important role in providing affordable medical services to residents, particularly people who may not be able to afford private healthcare.
Delhi’s budget documents also include provisions for strengthening health infrastructure and health and wellness facilities.
Who Can Benefit from Delhi Health Schemes?
Depending on the individual programme, beneficiaries may include:
- Low-income families
- Eligible PM-JAY beneficiaries
- Delhi residents requiring costly medical treatment
- Patients receiving treatment at eligible government hospitals
- Patients requiring specified surgeries
- Patients requiring specified diagnostic tests
- Eligible HIV/AIDS-affected persons
- Other vulnerable groups covered under specific government programmes
Because eligibility differs from one scheme to another, applicants should always check the individual scheme guidelines.
Delhi Arogya Kosh vs PM-JAY
Delhi Arogya Kosh and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY are not the same scheme.
PM-JAY is a health assurance programme for eligible beneficiaries, providing treatment according to its approved packages and eligibility rules.
Delhi Arogya Kosh is a separate Delhi Government financial assistance mechanism for eligible needy patients requiring specified medical treatment and services.
A patient should therefore first determine whether they are covered under PM-JAY and whether the proposed treatment is included in the relevant package. If not, they can check whether another Delhi Government assistance programme is applicable.
Major Benefits of Delhi Health Assistance Schemes
These schemes can help eligible residents through:
- Financial support for medical treatment
- Cashless treatment under applicable insurance programmes
- Assistance for expensive procedures
- Free or supported diagnostic services
- Assistance for specified surgeries
- Access to government healthcare facilities
- Reduced medical expenses
- Better access to specialized healthcare
- Support for economically weaker families
Common Reasons for Application Delays or Rejection
An application may face problems because of:
- Incomplete documents
- Incorrect income information
- Invalid residence proof
- Incomplete medical estimate
- Treatment not covered under the selected programme
- Hospital not covered under the applicable scheme
- Missing medical records
- Incorrect personal information
- Failure to meet eligibility requirements
Applicants should carefully check their documents before submitting an application.
Tips for Applicants
To make the process easier, applicants should:
- Check the eligibility criteria before applying.
- Confirm that the hospital is covered under the relevant programme.
- Keep income and residence documents updated.
- Obtain the required medical estimate.
- Keep copies of medical reports and treatment records.
- Provide accurate information.
- Ask the hospital’s concerned help desk about the applicable assistance.
- Keep copies of the submitted application.
- Check the latest government guidelines before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Delhi Arogya Kosh?
Delhi Arogya Kosh is a Delhi Government financial assistance programme for eligible needy patients requiring specified medical treatment and services in eligible government hospitals.
How much financial assistance is available under Delhi Arogya Kosh?
Eligible patients can receive financial assistance of up to ₹5 lakh, subject to the scheme’s eligibility requirements and approval process.
What is the income limit for Delhi Arogya Kosh?
The current Delhi DGHS information specifies an annual family income limit of up to ₹3 lakh for the relevant treatment assistance provision.
Is Delhi residence required?
Yes. For the relevant DAK treatment assistance, the patient should generally be a bona fide Delhi resident and have completed at least three years of residence before applying.
Can Delhi Arogya Kosh help with diagnostic tests?
Yes. Selected diagnostic and imaging services are covered under applicable DAK provisions for eligible patients.
Can I receive surgery assistance?
Eligible patients may receive assistance for specified surgeries through the applicable DAK programme and empanelled hospitals.
Is PM-JAY available in Delhi?
Delhi has implemented health assurance arrangements under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY through the State Health Agency, subject to beneficiary eligibility and applicable programme rules.
Where should I apply for medical financial assistance?
For Delhi Arogya Kosh, applicants generally begin the process through the concerned eligible government hospital and follow the prescribed application procedure.
Conclusion
The Delhi Health Insurance & Financial Assistance Schemes 2026 provide important healthcare support to eligible residents who may otherwise struggle to meet medical expenses. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY provides health assurance to eligible beneficiaries, while Delhi Arogya Kosh can provide financial assistance of up to ₹5 lakh for eligible medical treatment. Delhi also provides support for selected diagnostic services and surgeries under applicable guidelines.
These programmes can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with serious illnesses, hospitalization, diagnostic investigations, and specialized treatment. However, each scheme has different eligibility requirements, coverage conditions, and documentation rules. Applicants should therefore verify the latest official guidelines and consult the concerned government hospital or department before submitting an application.
