What is ESIC? Who can avail of treatment under the health scheme? New rule introduced..
The Union Ministry of Labour runs a health scheme for low-income private-sector employees known as the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) scheme. This scheme helps alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses for employees and their families. Benefits under the ESIC scheme are available to employees working in private-sector companies and factories; an ESIC card is issued for this purpose. A new rule has now been implemented under Section 142 of the Code on Social Security, 2020, making Aadhaar seeding mandatory for the ESIC identity card—meaning the ESIC card must be linked to the Aadhaar card.
Under the ESIC scheme, employees receive free medical treatment and medicines by visiting ESIC dispensaries or hospitals. Employees can register using their ESIC card and documents provided by their company to avail of treatment and obtain free medication.
What is ESIC, and how can one avail of its benefits?
ESIC is a health insurance scheme run by the Central Government, designed specifically for private-sector employees. It provides medical benefits in the event of an unforeseen accident or illness. Coverage extends not only to the employees themselves but also to their families. The scheme aims to assist workers and temporary employees during health-related emergencies.
However, the scheme does not apply to all private-sector employees. Eligibility is generally restricted to employees with a monthly basic salary of up to ₹21,000. An exception is made for employees with disabilities, for whom the basic salary limit is set at ₹25,000.
Benefits available under the ESIC scheme include sickness benefits, maternity benefits, pension benefits, dependent benefits, and disablement benefits. Free treatment is provided at ESI hospitals, as well as at affiliated or referred major hospitals.
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