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CGHS Extends Coverage to Widowed and Divorced Daughters as Dependents After Parents' Death
✍️ TOI India
🗓 01 Nov 2026, 02:49 AM
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The Central Government Health Scheme now includes widowed and divorced daughters as eligible dependents after the death of their parents.
The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has announced a policy amendment that will allow widowed and divorced daughters to be treated as eligible dependents after the death of their parents. Under the new rule, these women can enrol for CGHS benefits without needing a surviving spouse or parent as a sponsor.
Eligibility is limited to daughters who were legally married before becoming widowed or divorced, and whose parents have passed away. They must submit proof of their parents' death along with marriage and divorce or widowhood certificates to the CGHS office.
The extension grants access to the same range of medical services available to other CGHS dependents, including outpatient care, specialist consultations, and hospitalization at CGHS‑empanelled hospitals. Officials said the move aims to address a long‑standing gap in the scheme’s coverage and provide social security to women left vulnerable after losing both parents.
Previously, CGHS benefits were confined to spouses, children and parents of the enrollee. By adding widowed and divorced daughters, the scheme aligns with broader government efforts to broaden health security for marginalized sections of society.
Eligibility is limited to daughters who were legally married before becoming widowed or divorced, and whose parents have passed away. They must submit proof of their parents' death along with marriage and divorce or widowhood certificates to the CGHS office.
The extension grants access to the same range of medical services available to other CGHS dependents, including outpatient care, specialist consultations, and hospitalization at CGHS‑empanelled hospitals. Officials said the move aims to address a long‑standing gap in the scheme’s coverage and provide social security to women left vulnerable after losing both parents.
Previously, CGHS benefits were confined to spouses, children and parents of the enrollee. By adding widowed and divorced daughters, the scheme aligns with broader government efforts to broaden health security for marginalized sections of society.