Introduction The Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), popularly known as Kalaignar Kaappittu Thittam, is a flagship health protection scheme of the Government of Tamil Nadu. It provides cashless medical treatment to eligible families through a wide network of empanelled government and private hospitals across the state. The scheme aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent families from accessing quality healthcare. Launched in 2009 and currently integrated with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), the scheme offers coverage for a large number of surgeries, medical procedures, diagnostics, medicines, hospitalisation expenses, and follow-up treatments. Eligible beneficiaries can receive treatment without paying any upfront amount at empanelled hospitals. At present, eligible families can avail annual health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh. The Tamil Nadu Government has also announced a proposal to enhance the coverage limit up to ₹25 lakh per family, which will be implemented after the issuance of official guidelines. Residents holding a valid Family Ration Card and meeting the prescribed income criteria can enrol under the scheme. Various notified special categories such as transgender persons, differently-abled individuals, journalists, Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, pensioners, orphaned children, and other eligible groups are also covered under the scheme. Beneficiaries can apply online through the official portal or visit authorised enrollment centres for registration. After successful verification, members receive a CMCHIS e-card, which can be used to avail cashless treatment at empanelled healthcare facilities. Benefits Cashless treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals. Health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. Coverage enhancement up to ₹25 lakh announced by the State Government (subject to official implementation). Covers more than 1,900 approved medical procedures and surgeries. Includes hospitalisation, medicines, diagnostics, surgery expenses, and follow-up treatment. Coverage available for eligible pre-existing diseases as per scheme norms. Benefits extend to eligible family members included in the ration card. No upfront payment required for approved treatments. Financial protection against high medical expenses. Eligibility Applicant must be a resident of Tamil Nadu. Annual family income should not exceed ₹1,20,000. Must possess a valid Tamil Nadu Family Ration Card. Aadhaar details of eligible family members should be available. Spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents listed in the ration card are eligible for coverage. Special Categories Covered Differently Abled Welfare Board members. Recognised journalists and media personnel. Handloom and Silk Weaving Welfare Board members. Sri Lankan Tamil refugees. Residents of recognized old age homes. Orphans and children in child care institutions. Transgender persons. Institute of Mental Health inmates. COVID-19 orphans. Old-age and widow pension beneficiaries registered with the State Pensioners Board. Documents Tamil Nadu Family Ration Card. Aadhaar Card of all eligible family members. Income Certificate. Passport-size Photograph. Mobile Number. Category-specific ID card or certificate (if applicable). Any additional document requested during verification. Process to Apply Eligible families can register under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) through both online and offline modes. After successful verification, beneficiaries receive enrollment under the scheme and can avail cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across Tamil Nadu. Online Application Process Visit the official CMCHIS portal. Select the beneficiary enrollment option. Choose the applicable beneficiary category. Enter the Family Ration Card number or eligible category ID details. Verify the displayed beneficiary information. Fill in personal, family, and address details. Upload Aadhaar and other required supporting documents. Review the application and submit it online. After verification, enrollment will be approved under the scheme. Offline Application Process Visit the nearest authorized CMCHIS enrollment centre, Government Hospital, District Hospital, or Medical College Hospital. Collect the application form from the enrollment centre. Fill in all required applicant and family details. Attach supporting documents such as Ration Card, Aadhaar Card, Income Certificate, and category-specific certificates (if applicable). Submit the completed application form to the enrollment officer. The submitted details and documents will be verified by officials. Upon successful verification, the family will be enrolled under CMCHIS. CMCHIS Health Card Download Process Open the beneficiary search facility on the CMCHIS portal. Enter the Smart Ration Card Number, registered mobile number, or enrollment reference number. Search and view beneficiary policy details. Select the policy record and verify family member information. Choose the "Generate E-Card" option. Download the CMCHIS e-card after generation. Keep a printed copy of the card for future medical use. Important Links CMCHIS Official Portal Online Enrollment Beneficiary Search & E-Card Download Enrollment Guidelines Empanelled Hospital List CMCHIS FAQs Contact Helpline Number: 1800 425 3993 (24x7) Additional Support: 9384020947, 9384020948 Alternate Contact Numbers: 7373004399, 7373004267, 7373002566, 9884004437 Helpdesk Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Email: tnhealthinsurance@gmail.com FAQs Q1. What is the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS)?CMCHIS is a state-sponsored health insurance scheme that provides cashless treatment to eligible families through empanelled government and private hospitals in Tamil Nadu. Q2. How much health insurance coverage is available under CMCHIS?Eligible families currently receive cashless coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year. The Tamil Nadu Government has also announced a proposal to enhance the coverage limit up to ₹25 lakh. Q3. Who can apply for CMCHIS?Permanent residents of Tamil Nadu having a valid Family Ration Card and annual family income not exceeding ₹1.20 lakh can apply, subject to scheme conditions. Q4. Can special category beneficiaries enroll under the scheme?Yes. Differently-abled persons, transgender persons, journalists, welfare board members, Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, pension beneficiaries, orphans, and certain other notified categories are eligible. Q5. Is treatment provided free of cost under CMCHIS?Yes. Approved treatments are provided on a cashless basis at empanelled hospitals without any upfront payment from beneficiaries. Q6. What documents are required for enrollment?Applicants generally need a Family Ration Card, Aadhaar Card, Income Certificate, photograph, mobile number, and category-specific certificates wherever applicable. Q7. Can beneficiaries apply online?Yes. Eligible applicants can complete the enrollment process through the official CMCHIS portal. Q8. Is offline enrollment also available?Yes. Applications can be submitted at authorized CMCHIS enrollment centres, Government Hospitals, District Hospitals, and Medical College Hospitals. Q9. How can I download my CMCHIS Health Card?Beneficiaries can search their policy details online and generate the e-card through the CMCHIS beneficiary portal. Q10. Which family members are covered under the scheme?The scheme generally covers the applicant, spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents whose names are included in the Family Ration Card. Q11. How many medical procedures are covered under CMCHIS?The scheme covers more than 1,900 approved medical procedures, including major surgeries and specialized treatments. Q12. What is the CMCHIS helpline number?Beneficiaries can contact the toll-free helpline at 1800 425 3993 for scheme-related assistance.