Kalaignar Kapitu Thittam

Initially launched as Kalaignar Kaappittu Thittam in July 2009, CMCHIS is now administered by United India Insurance Company. As of 2024, the scheme covers around 1.48 crore families and is set to continue through 2027.

The scheme offers cashless coverage for specified surgeries and procedures at empanelled government and private hospitals, helping reduce the financial burden of major hospitalization expenses for eligible beneficiaries. The scheme uses third-party administrators (TPA) like Vidal Health to process claims, ensuring cashless treatment and streamlined services for beneficiaries

Key Features of Kalaignar Kapitu Thittam

• The Kalaignar Kapitu Thittam treatment list covers 1,090 treatment procedures, including pediatric procedures.
• It includes 8 follow-up treatment packages and 52 diagnostic procedures.
• Covers all pre-existing diseases from day one, with no waiting period (as per the approved procedure list).
• Includes hospitalization, major surgeries, diagnostic tests, follow-up care, maternity and newborn treatment, cancer and cardiac procedures, other critical illnesses, plus ambulance and transport expenses.
• Treatment is available across 800 government and 900 private empanelled hospitals.

Take Note: In Tamil Nadu, PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat) is implemented in convergence with CMCHIS under an integrated model. However, this does not double the coverage. The total annual cover remains ₹5 lakh per family, not ₹10 lakh, even if both schemes apply (given that Ayushman Bharat also covers the same amount).

Take Note: The list of covered procedures under the scheme is detailed and updated periodically. Beneficiaries should always check the official CMCHIS website for the latest list of approved diseases, treatments, and package rates before seeking care.

Eligibility and Application Process for Kalaignar Kapitu Thittam

Kalaignar Kapitu Thittam Eligibility Criteria

• You must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
• Your family’s annual income should be below ₹1,20,000, certified by the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) or Revenue Authorities.
• Your name must be listed on the family ration card used for enrollment

Note: The scheme includes you, your legal spouse, children, and dependent parents, and their names should be included in the family card.

How to Apply for Kalaignar Kapitu Thittam?

If you wish to enroll in the scheme, you must fill out the enrollment form. After filling in the form, follow these simple steps to apply for the scheme:

Step 1: Visit the official website.   

Step 2: Click on the enrollment tab, then select CMCHIS – PMJAY Apply Now.

Step 3: Next, choose your enrollment category.

Step 4: Type the captcha text you see and hit Verify.

Step 5: Enter your Ration Card number.

Note: If you are eligible for the scheme, your family details will pop up automatically. For further assistance, you can go through the application guide.

Documents Required To Apply For  Kalaignar Kapitu Thittam

• Ration Card (original and photocopy)
• Aadhaar card and PAN card
• Proof of Identity and Address (any government-issued ID like Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License)
• Income certificate issued by the VAO 

Kalaignar Kapitu Thittam Vs Private Insurance: Is It Enough on Its Own?

Kalaignar Kapitu Thittam offers cashless treatment at no cost, which helps reduce the burden of major hospital expenses. However, public healthcare infrastructure in India may have capacity constraints in certain areas and does not guarantee continuity, which can limit hospital options.

For example, if someone undergoes a major heart surgery like bypass surgery in a private metro hospital, the total bill can range between ₹6–₹8 lakh. If the cover is limited to ₹5 lakh, the remaining amount must be paid out of pocket.

In contrast, private health insurers like HDFC Ergo provide comprehensive coverage and continuity independent of government policy changes. 

Why Choose Ditto for Your Health Insurance?

At Ditto, we’ve assisted over 8,00,000 customers with choosing the right insurance policy. Here’s why customers like Abhinav love us:

• No Spam & No Salesmen
• Rated 4.9/5 on Google Reviews by 15,000+ happy customers
• Backed by Zerodha
• 100% Free Consultation

You can book a FREE consultation. Slots are running out, so make sure you book a call now or chat on WhatsApp with our expert IRDAI-certified advisors.

Conclusion

Kalaignar Kapitu Thittam, now known as Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, improves healthcare access for low-income families in Tamil Nadu with cashless treatment, a wide hospital network, and coverage for many high-cost procedures. 

Having said that, government schemes depend heavily on political will, public funding, and predefined limits. This results in fixed coverage limits and predefined procedure lists, which means middle-income families may face out-of-pocket expenses for uncovered treatments, consumables, or extended hospital stays.

If you are looking for a health plan from insurers with established track records, we recommend comprehensive plans, which align with your long-term goals.

Note: Ditto has no affiliation with this scheme. Our assessment here is completely independent and based solely on publicly available data and the evaluation framework we use for all insurers. If you want to understand how Ditto reviews insurers across claims, complaints, business strength, and product suitability, you can read our methodology here. The information provided is for general awareness and should not be used for financial or legal decisions. Please refer to the official website of the Kalaignar Kapitu Thittam scheme for the latest details.