Limitations of Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS): 4 scenarios when an additional health insurance cover can help

I am a central government employee covered under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Given the range of benefits provided by CGHS, is it advisable to purchase additional health insurance? Are there any limitations in CGHS?

Prableen Bajpai, Founder, FinFix Research and Analytics: The CGHS offers comprehensive healthcare services to central government employees, pensioners and their dependants, providing a wide range of benefits. However, an additional health cover may be considered for more choice and freedom. Here are the scenarios in which a second insurance can help.

1. While the CGHS Wellness Centre and empanelled hospitals have a good network, they may not be at a convenient distance.
2. While travelling in India or in case of an emergency, if treatment is taken at private, non-empanelled hospitals, reimbursement will be limited to the lower of the CGHS rates or actuals. Since non-empanelled, private hospitals often charge rates different from those of the CGHS, there will be a difference in the reimbursed amount.
3. There can be a change in the list of empanelled hospitals, which can enhance or limit options.
4. The entitlement of wards (general/ semi-private/private) in private hospitals empanelled under the CGHS facility is as per the basic pay/pension. While CGHS meets most needs, additional health insurance provides more freedom in choosing hospitals and care.

My father, who is 62 years old, was laid off after working for 22 years in an organisation. The case has been in the court for over 20 years. We want to check his PF status online, but he doesn’t have a Universal Account Number (UAN). How can we retrieve his UAN?

Vikash Jain, Co-founder, Share Samadhan: Your father can use his employment documents, like the