What is ESIC Number? Meaning, Benefits & IP Guide

Overview

The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) assigns eligible workers a permanent identification number for accessing medical and cash benefits. Employees can view their details through the ESIC Insured Person Portal.

Key Details

IP Number (Employees): Each insured worker receives a unique 10-digit Insured Person (IP) number, which remains unchanged when switching employers, even across different states in India.
Employer Code: Registered establishments receive a separate 17-digit code used to identify the employer.
How to Find Your Number: Check your salary slip, e-Pehchan card, or payroll records. You can also use the Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) app, access the ESIC Insured Person Portal, or ask your human resources department.
Helpline Numbers: For general assistance, call 1800-11-2526. For medical assistance and hospital-related questions, call 1800-11-3839. You can also visit an ESIC branch office with your identification documents if you cannot retrieve your number online.

Have you ever noticed an ESIC deduction on your salary slip and wondered what it's for? Or spotted a 10-digit number next to it without knowing what it means?

Well, that number is your Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) number. And it's more useful than you think.

If you work for an ESIC-covered employer and meet the eligibility requirements, this number helps you access government-backed healthcare, sickness benefits, maternity benefits, and financial support during disability. Your eligible family members can also receive medical benefits.

The interesting part? Your ESIC number stays the same even when you switch jobs. You don't need to register for a new number every time you change employers.

In this guide, we'll explain what an ESIC number is, who qualifies for it, how to find or download it, and the benefits you can access.

Here’s a snapshot for a sample payslip with ESIC number:

Sample employee salary slip for August 2023 highlighting the ESIC number under employee details, alongside earnings and deductions.

However, not many are aware that the extended benefits of ESIC coverage is limited to empanelled hospital tie-ups and the wage limit. For a comprehensive protection with wider cashless network hospitals and uninterrupted cover, a personal health plan works best.

What Is ESIC Number?

The ESIC number (also known as the Insurance Number/IP Number) uniquely identifies an individual within the ESI system. The ESIC registration is ideally done by an employer for all eligible employees on day one of their job.

Once the 10-digit ESIC number is generated, one has to login and download their e-Pehchan card. From that point on, the card helps an employee and the dependents avail ESI services (comprising cash and medical benefits).

The old e-Pehchan card (front and back) looked something like this:

Front and back views of an ESIC Pehchan Card displaying the insured person's identification details, photograph, and card information.

And this is how the front and back side of the new e-Pehchan card looks like:

ESIC e-Pehchan Card displaying the insured person's registration details, employer information, family members, and nominee details.

New e-Pehchan Card (Front)

ESIC e-Pehchan Card form showing spaces for employee signature, family photograph, employer attestation, and instructions for claiming benefits.

New e-Pehchan Card (Back)

What’s The Eligibility Criteria for ESIC Coverage?

If your company is under ESIC and your pay is within the limit, you’re covered. However, employees need to fulfill all the following conditions:

Your current monthly wages are within the ceiling, i.e., ≤ ₹21,000 for most employees and ≤ ₹25,000 for a person with disability.
An employee should be on the payroll of a non-seasonal factory with ≥10 employees, or an establishment (shop/hotel/transport, etc.) within an ESIC-implemented district in a particular state.
Many states have reduced the threshold for establishments to 10 employees. While most states have reduced the threshold to 10 employees, some states still maintain a threshold of 20 employees.
Employees pay 0.75% of wages and employers pay 3.25% towards ESIC contribution (applicable since 1 July 2019).

However, there are a few exceptions:

If an employee’s salary crosses the ESIC limit, he/she stays covered until the current 6-month cycle ends. Remember, the contributions are determined based on your actual salary, so there’s no option to drop out mid-year.
Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 aren’t covered under ESIC.
If an establishment unit or organization is not located in an ESIC-implemented district, the coverage is not available for employees, even if the headcount and wage ceiling conditions satisfy.

How To Download Your ESIC e-Pehchan Card (Online)?

There are two ways to download your ESIC e-Pechan card online; through the official ESIC IP Portal and through UMANG app.

Steps to download ESIC e-Pechan card from the official ESIC IP Portal:

Go to Insured Person / Beneficiary Login. (New users must sign up)

Enter your Insurance Number, Date of Birth, and registered mobile.
Verify the OTP and set a password.
Log in and open the e-Pehchan Card.
Download the e-Pehchan Card as PDF.
Take a printout and paste photos of the employee and dependants.
Get your employer’s stamp/signature.

Steps to download ESIC e-Pechan card through UMANG app using a smartphone:

Install UMANG app on your smartphone.
Open and tap Login/Register.
Enter your mobile number and verify the OTP.
Set an MPIN (for first-time users
Search for “ESIC” on the app and select the Download e-Pehchan Card option.
Enter your ESIC Insurance (IP) Number and the registered mobile linked to your ESIC profile.
Once more, verify the OTP and download your e-Pehchan card.

Note:

The ESIC e-Pehcan card will only be available to download if your employer has registered you and the contributions are made live. If your registered mobile number is outdated, ask HR to update it on the ESIC portal.

If you face any issues when downloading your ESIC e-pehchan card, you can always contact at the following toll-free numbers and email ids:

General Helpline: 1800-11-2526
Medical Helpline: 1800-11-3839
IT issues (employer/IP portal): 011-27552237 or email at itcare@esic.nic.in

To lodge a grievance, drop a mail at pg-hqrs@esic.in or use the grievance form.

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What Are The Uses of ESIC Numbers?

ESIC ID (or IP number) is permanent and once generated stays valid across all applicable employers (even when switching jobs) and states across India.

Employees can use their ESIC ID to log into the ESIC Insured Person portal to view contributions, update basic details, and access online services (e-Pehchan, etc.).

The ESIC number is also needed when you visit either ESIC or ESIS (Employees' State Insurance Scheme) dispensaries and hospitals, and to avail any ESIC cash or medical benefits due to sickness, maternity, and disability.

How to Find Your ESIC Insurance Number?

1.) Check your salary slip (look for “ESIC/ESI” or “IP No.”).

2.) Check your e-Pehchan card where it's printed on top (Use UMANG app to download your e-Pehchan card under ESIC services).

3.) Ask your HR to retrieve the same from ESIC employer portal.

4.) Visit an ESIC Branch Office with ID (Aadhaar/PAN) or call the toll-free general helpline at 1800-11-2526.

What Are The Benefits Of ESIC?

ESIC provides both medical and cash support to all employees registered under the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme. It covers everything, from prolonged illnesses and maternity care to wage replacement during sickness, disablement benefits, and dependents’ pensions in the event of death while in service.

Medical Benefits:

From day one of employment, ESIC entitles you to treatment at ESIC/ESIS dispensaries and hospitals, covering primary, secondary, and tertiary care through its network and referral system.

Sickness Benefit:

70% of average daily wages for up to 91 days in two consecutive benefit periods is allotted as sickness benefit under ESIC. Extended sickness benefits (for specified long-term diseases) can go up to 730 days @ 80% of average daily wages. For enhanced sicknesses, it can be 100% of daily wages.

Maternity Benefit:

ESIC offers up to 100% of average daily wages during the employee pregnancy period. However, statutory conditions like ongoing contributions and employer compliance apply. If you’re specifically looking for maternity coverage, we recommend checking out our detailed guide on Pregnancy Insurance Plans in India.

Disablement Benefit:

Temporary disablement provides 90% of your wages while you cannot work. For permanent disablement, the payout depends on the medical board’s assessment. To learn about disability coverage beyond ESIC’s workplace focus, see our guide on long-term disability insurance.

Dependents' Benefit:

90% of wages are paid as a periodic pension to eligible dependents, only if death is due to employment injury/occupational disease.

Funeral Expenses:

₹15,000 lump sum is payable from day one of insurable employment. However, the insured person’s death should be due to an employment-related injury or occupational disease, not for all causes of death.

A Quick Look at Some of the Recent Upgrades Across ESIC/ESIS Hospitals:

1) Electronic Health Records (EHR): Hospitals are digitising IP records (Dhanwantri module) for easy fetching and tracking of prescriptions/reports online.

2) Operation Indradhanush (VIBGYOR Linen): Daily bedsheet changes implemented using a colour code to enforce top-notch hygiene.

3) 24×7 Medical Helpline: 1800-11-3839 is the number you need to dial anytime of the day for any help regarding ESIC hospital casualty/emergency.

4) Special OPDs: Dedicated counters/OPDs to help seniors and persons with disabilities. Some hospitals also run evening OPD slots.

5) Diagnostics via PPP: Pathology, X-ray, and advanced imaging are increasingly delivered through public–private tie-ups reducing patient wait time.

6) Drug Quality Controls: Tighter checks implemented on medicines dispensed through ESIC facilities.

7) Oversight & Service Upgrades: ESIC has enforced regular inspections, queue-management systems, staff behaviour training, AYUSH/Yoga availability, mother-and-child care units, and “May I Help You” desks.

8) New Specialties Added: Expansion of ICU, CT/MRI, dialysis, and cath-lab services within the ESIC network.

Note: The availability of services varies by hospital and state. In case, a particular service isn’t visible at your end, you may call the helpline number at 1800-11-3839 or check with your regional ESIC hospital.

ESIC Vs. Personal Health Insurance : Ditto’s Take

ESIC is a job-linked cash and medical cover for individuals with a limited wage per month. And while it promises good benefits, you will always need more than what’s offered, say for a critical illness or a wider choice of network hospitals. That’s where personal health insurance comes in with limited capping or sub-limits for certain illnesses.

The best part? You will never have to worry about switching jobs and losing cover. So, while you’ve already got ESIC, get a personal health plan on the side for absolute peace of mind.

Here’s a clear comparison between ESIC and personal health insurance across different aspects:

ESIC vs. Personal Health Insurance: Quick Comparison

Aspects	ESIC Gives You	Personal Health Plan Gives You
Eligibility	Employees on payroll earning ≤₹21,000/month (≤₹25,000 for PwD) in notified districts.	Available to anyone regardless of wage or location restrictions
Hospital access	ESIC/ESIS cashless care at empanelled hospitals and referrals for higher care.	Cashless facility across all network hospitals, without any referral.
Continuity	Job-linked cover tied to 6-month contribution cycles and mid-cycle limits are honored.	Private cover continues with premium payments, unaffected by job changes.
Cover & room type	ESIC entitlements follow public-system norms with no choice of room or sum insured.	Private plans let you choose sum insured, room category, and add riders.
Pre-existing disease credit when switching	Not applicable since ESIC offers social security benefits and is not a retail contract).	IRDAI allows health insurance portability with waiting-period credits.
Tax angle	Section 80D recognizes medical insurance premiums, but ESIC contributions are excluded.	Premiums qualify for 80D benefits under old regime (limited by age & who’s covered).
Cash benefits	ESIC cash benefits include sickness, maternity, disablement, and dependents’ pensions.	Primarily pays hospital bills while some plans also offer fixed daily cash add-ons.

What Should You Do Next As An Employee Under ESIC Coverage:

1) Find your ESIC number on your payslip or download the e-Pehchan card (through the web portal/UMANG app).

2) Confirm whether your and dependant’s mobile numbers are updated.

3) Confirm your dispensary/hospital mapping and keep a PDF handy.

4) Add a right-sized personal health insurance to close the gaps like choice of hospitals, room, sum insured, portability, and 80D benefits.

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Conclusion

A 10-digit ESIC number is your ticket to unlock social security benefits (both cash and medical).

However, the coverage is only good as long as your employer keeps the contributions live or you stay on job. ESIC, undoubtedly is a solid health base but heavily job-linked, wage-capped, and limited to its own network and referrals. For more coverage and flexibility, you will always need personal health insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ESIC number, and why is it important?

An Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) number is a unique 10-digit identification number assigned to employees registered under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme. Also called the Insured Person (IP) number, it helps workers access medical care and eligible cash benefits for sickness, maternity, and employment-related disabilities. The number remains valid throughout an employee's lifetime, even when they change employers or move to another state.

How can I find my ESIC number if I have forgotten it?

You can find your ESIC number on your e-Pehchan card, salary slip, or previous registration documents. If these records are unavailable, contact your employer's human resources or payroll department to retrieve your number from the ESIC employer portal. You can also visit an ESIC branch office with valid identification documents for assistance. Your existing insurance number remains valid, so you do not need a new registration.

Can I check my ESIC number using my Aadhaar or mobile number?

Your Aadhaar number and registered mobile number help verify your identity when accessing certain ESIC services. However, Aadhaar or mobile verification should not be confused with a dedicated public search facility for retrieving forgotten insurance numbers. If you cannot access your account, check your e-Pehchan card or contact your employer. You can also approach an ESIC branch office for assistance with recovering your registered details.

How do I download my ESIC e-Pehchan card online?

You can download your ESIC e-Pehchan card through the official Insured Person Portal or supported ESIC services on the Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG). Log in using the required credentials, complete the verification process, and select the e-Pehchan card download option. Save the document as a PDF for future reference. If your details are missing or incorrect, contact your employer to update your ESIC registration.

Is the ESIC number different from the UAN or PF number?

Yes. The ESIC number and Universal Account Number (UAN) serve different purposes. Your ESIC number identifies you under the Employees' State Insurance Scheme, which provides medical care and eligible cash benefits. Your UAN identifies your account under the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) system, which manages retirement savings and related benefits. Both numbers remain linked to their respective systems, even when you change employers.

Does my ESIC number change when I switch jobs?

No. Your ESIC number remains unchanged throughout your lifetime, regardless of how many times you change employers or move between states. When joining another ESIC-covered organization, provide your existing Insured Person number to the human resources department. Your new employer should link your employment details to that number instead of creating another registration. However, continued eligibility for ESIC benefits depends on the applicable employment, contribution, and benefit rules.

What is the salary limit for ESIC eligibility in 2026?

The standard monthly wage ceiling for Employees' State Insurance Scheme coverage is ₹21,000. Employees must also work in establishments covered under the scheme. The applicable wage ceiling and coverage rules differ for certain categories, including employees with disabilities. If your wages exceed the prescribed limit during an ongoing contribution period, coverage continues until that period ends. ESIC contribution periods run from April to September and October to March.

Last updated on: 25 Oct, 2026