IndiaFilingsIndiaFilings

Sivaramakrishnan

Published on: Sep 17, 2026

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)

The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), or "National Health Insurance," is a pioneering government health insurance coverage programme aimed at providing financial protection against catastrophic health costs. This scheme primarily benefits unrecognized sector workers and families in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. The objective is not only to protect them financially but also to ensure they have access to quality health care services.

Launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on April 1, 2008, the RSBY scheme was implemented across 25 states in India. On April 1, 2015, its administration was transferred to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In this article, we delve into the various elements of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) scheme, exploring its benefits, features, and enrollment process in detail.

Understanding Below Poverty Line (BPL)

The Government of India employs specific parameters to identify individuals and households that require government aid through an economic benchmark known as the Below Poverty Line. Under the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana scheme, health insurance coverage is extended to up to five members of a family classified as BPL or engaged in the unorganized sector. Learn more about government initiatives for low-income groups at FPTUFS Scheme for the Food Processing Industry.

Support for Unorganized Sector Employees

Originally, the RSBY scheme targeted only those below the poverty line. It was subsequently expanded to cover unorganized workers such as:

  • Welfare Boards' registered building and construction workers
  • Street Vendors
  • Authorised Railway Porters
  • MNREGA workers for a minimum of 15 days in a financial year
  • Domestic Workers
  • Beedi workers
  • Sanitation workers
  • Rickshaw riders
  • Auto/Taxi Drivers
  • Mine workers

Features of the RSBY Scheme

The Government of India has introduced numerous health insurance schemes for low-income workers, but RSBY stands out due to several unique features:

  • The insurance cost is shared, with the Central Government contributing 75% and State Government 25%.
  • BPL households have the option to choose between public and private hospitals.
  • The insurer receives premium payments for each household enrollment.
  • Hospitals receive incentives for treating a large number of beneficiaries, with public hospitals also benefiting.
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs) are compensated for providing assistance to BPL households.
  • For an annual fee of Rs. 750, families gain access to quality healthcare at any participating hospital.
  • Beneficiaries are issued a biometric-enabled smart card featuring their photographs and fingerprints, ensuring safe and secure access to services.
  • Smart cards can be used at any RSBY empanelled hospital across India.

For more details on health-related policies, visit GST on Electrically Operated Vehicles.

Enrollment Process

The enrollment process for RSBY is streamlined and efficient. Here is a step-by-step breakdown:

  • Insurers receive eligible BPL households' details from the government's BPL enrollment list in electronic format.
  • District officials and insurance companies collaborate to determine enrollment schedules and dates for each village.
  • Enrollment lists are displayed prominently in villages, along with enrollment dates and locations.
  • Mobile enrollment stations are set up in public areas like schools, equipped to print smart cards and collect biometric data.
  • Upon paying a nominal fee of Rs. 30, beneficiaries receive a smart card, an information pamphlet, and a list of participating hospitals.
  • Authenticated by a government officer, the smart card is delivered to beneficiaries within ten minutes, secured in a plastic cover.

Explore more about digital enhancements in administrative services by visiting Digital Signature Services.

Enrollment Period and Policy Renewal

The smart card is typically issued in April, with the scheme activation commencing on May 1st each year. The policy remains valid until April 30th of the following year. If a card is issued after May 1st, the scheme activates the following day and is valid until April 30th of the next year.

Policies ending on April 30th can be renewed in April, starting the new policy on May 1st, retaining validity until April 30th of the subsequent year.

For more on company-related services, check Indian Subsidiary Registration and Public Limited Company Setup.

Back to Learn

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana: National Health Insurance India.

The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana is a government health insurance coverage program for unorganized sector workers and families below the poverty line (BPL). It aims to provide financial protection against catastrophic health costs and ensure quality healthcare for these underprivileged groups.
The RSBY scheme covers up to 5 members of a family who are either below the poverty line or employed in the unorganized sector, such as construction workers, street vendors, rickshaw drivers, and domestic workers.
Beneficiaries are required to pay a nominal amount of Rs. 30 per family per year to enroll in the RSBY scheme, which provides access to quality healthcare services in empaneled hospitals.
Eligible BPL households are identified through the government's BPL enrollment list. Mobile enrollment stations are set up in villages, where beneficiaries' biometric information and photographs are collected, and smart cards are issued on the spot.
The RSBY smart card is valid for one year, starting from May 1st until April 30th of the following year. If the card is issued after May, the validity period starts from the next day and ends on April 30th of the next year.
Yes, the biometric-enabled RSBY smart card allows beneficiaries to access healthcare services in any RSBY-empaneled hospital across India.
The cost of the RSBY scheme is shared by the Central Government (75%) and the respective State Governments (25%).
Hospitals, both public and private, receive incentives for treating a large number of RSBY beneficiaries, encouraging them to provide quality healthcare services.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs) are paid for assisting BPL households in enrolling and accessing the RSBY scheme.
Yes, the RSBY scheme can be renewed annually. If the previous policy expires on April 30th, the new policy can be renewed in April, and it will be valid from May 1st until April 30th of the following year.