Road accident victims can now avail cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh

The Government of India has launched a groundbreaking cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims across the country, ensuring swift and hassle-free medical care for those affected.

Effective from 5 May 2025, this scheme entitles every road accident victim to receive treatment worth up to ₹1.5 lakh per person, per accident, without any upfront payment.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ official gazette notification, the scheme applies to any individual injured in a road accident occurring on any road in India.

Victims can avail themselves of cashless treatment at designated hospitals for a maximum period of seven days from the date of the accident. This initiative is designed to remove financial barriers that often delay critical medical attention, thereby saving precious lives.

How Does the Scheme Work?
The National Health Authority (NHA) is the implementing agency, coordinating closely with police, hospitals, and State Health Agencies to ensure smooth execution.

If a victim receives treatment at a hospital not designated under the cashless treatment scheme, care will be limited to stabilisation only, until transfer to a designated facility is possible.

Each state and Union Territory has a State Road Safety Council acting as the nodal agency to onboard hospitals, manage patient records, and facilitate timely payments.

Who Oversees the Scheme?
To monitor progress and tackle challenges of this cashless treatment scheme for road victims , the central government has constituted a steering committee headed by the Road Secretary, including representatives from the NHA, Ministry of Home Affairs, Finance, Health, and selected states, alongside insurance and non-governmental agencies.

This scheme builds on a pilot launched in March 2024, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving road safety and healthcare access.

How to Avail Govt’s Cashless Treatment Scheme
Immediate Medical Attention: If you are involved in a road accident, seek treatment immediately at a designated hospital under the scheme. A list of designated hospitals is usually available through the State Road Safety Council or the National Health Authority’s portal.

Inform Authorities: Ensure that the police are informed about the accident, as their report will be important for processing the claim under the scheme.

Documentation: Keep copies of all medical reports, bills, and the police FIR. These documents may be required for any follow-up or additional claims.

Follow-up Care: The scheme covers treatment for up to seven days from the accident date. For further treatment, you may need to rely on personal insurance or other healthcare options.