Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) is Kerala’s main public health insurance scheme, implemented together with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. It gives eligible families cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled government and private hospitals. More than 42 lakh vulnerable families in Kerala are covered, and the scheme is run by the State Health Agency (SHA) Kerala.
This guide explains who is covered, how to check if your family is eligible, how to get the card, how to use it in hospitals and what to do if you are not covered.
KASP at a Glance
| Full name | Ayushman Bharat – Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (AB-KASP) |
| Cover | Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year |
| Families covered | Over 42 lakh families in Kerala |
| Implemented by | State Health Agency (SHA) Kerala |
| Started | Integrated scheme implemented from 2020 |
| Treatment | Cashless at empanelled hospitals across India |
| Helpline | DISHA 1056 |
Who Is Covered Under Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi?
- Families identified as deprived or occupationally vulnerable in the SECC 2011 database (PM-JAY beneficiaries).
- Families who were earlier covered under RSBY (Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana) and CHIS (Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme) in Kerala.
- Coverage is on a family basis, so all members of an eligible family share the ₹5 lakh cover.
- There is no fresh open application for the general public; families must already be on the government list.
How to Check Your Eligibility
- Visit the PM-JAY beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in or use the Ayushman Bharat app.
- Log in with your mobile number and OTP.
- Select Kerala as the state and search using your Aadhaar number, ration card number or name.
- If your family appears in the list, you are eligible for Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi.
- Complete e-KYC for each family member and download the e-card.
You can also visit an Akshaya centre or the KASP help desk at an empanelled hospital to check eligibility and get the card.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card of each family member
- Ration card
- Mobile number for OTP
- Passport-size photo, if requested
An income certificate or BPL card is not mandatory, but it may help officials locate your family in the database.
How to Use Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi in a Hospital
- Choose an empanelled hospital. Lists are available on the SHA Kerala website and the PM-JAY portal, filtered by district and specialty.
- At the hospital, go to the KASP or Ayushman help desk (Arogya Mitra).
- Show your KASP/Ayushman card or Aadhaar. The staff verify your eligibility and complete e-KYC if needed.
- The hospital obtains pre-authorisation for the treatment package.
- Treatment is provided without payment for covered packages. Bills are settled by the scheme.
Keep your discharge summary and all reports. If you are asked to pay for covered services, call the DISHA helpline 1056 and register a complaint.
What Treatments Are Covered?
The Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi covers secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation through PM-JAY health benefit packages. These include surgeries, cardiac procedures, cancer treatment, dialysis, neurosurgery, orthopaedic procedures, maternity and neonatal care, and many medical management packages. Pre-existing diseases are covered from the first day. Outpatient consultations and routine check-ups are generally not covered.
Karunya Benevolent Fund vs KASP
| Point | KASP | Karunya Benevolent Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Insurance/assurance scheme | Financial assistance fund |
| Cover | Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year | Assistance for specific serious illnesses |
| Who | Pre-identified families (SECC, RSBY, CHIS) | Families not covered by KASP with income below ₹3 lakh and BPL card |
| How to access | Cashless at empanelled hospitals | Application with documents |
What If Your Family Is Not Covered?
- Karunya Benevolent Fund: Families not under KASP, with income below ₹3 lakh and a BPL card, can seek help for serious illnesses such as kidney disease and haemophilia.
- Ayushman Vay Vandana: Seniors aged 70+ can register for the central 70+ card; check Kerala’s implementation status in our Vay Vandana guide.
- MEDISEP: For Kerala Government employees and pensioners.
- ESIC: For employees covered under the ESI Act.
- Private insurance: A family floater policy can fill the gap.
Kerala has also discussed broader universal health coverage for families left out of KASP and MEDISEP. Watch for official announcements from the Health Department.
History of Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi
Before 2020, Kerala ran several health protection schemes: the central RSBY, the state’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS) and the Karunya Benevolent Fund linked to the Karunya lottery. When Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY was launched nationally in 2018, Kerala decided to merge these schemes into one. The result was Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi, implemented in assurance mode by the State Health Agency from 2020. This made coverage simpler: one card, one package list and cashless treatment across a large network of hospitals.
Why Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi Matters for Kerala Families
Kerala has high rates of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and cancer. A single hospitalisation for heart surgery or cancer treatment can cost several lakhs in a private hospital. For lakhs of families, Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi is the difference between timely treatment and crushing debt. The scheme also supports government hospitals, as claims paid by the scheme help them upgrade facilities.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your KASP Card
- Confirm your family is in the eligible list using the PM-JAY beneficiary portal or the Ayushman app.
- Complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC for each member, either on the app or at an Akshaya centre.
- Download the e-card for each member from the portal or app.
- Print the card or keep a digital copy on your phone.
- Show the card at the hospital’s KASP help desk when you need treatment.
Even if you do not have the physical card, your family can usually be verified at the hospital using Aadhaar, as long as you are on the eligible list for Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi.
Real-Life Example
Raghavan, a fisherman in Alappuzha, suffers chest pain and is taken to the Government Medical College. His family is covered under Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi. At the help desk, his Aadhaar is verified and the hospital gets approval for angioplasty. The procedure, stent and hospital stay are covered by the scheme, and the family does not have to sell their boat or borrow money. Stories like this are common across Kerala.
Tips for Families
- Check your eligibility now, before an emergency happens.
- Complete e-KYC for all family members, including children and elderly parents.
- Know the empanelled hospitals in your district for common specialties.
- Save the DISHA helpline 1056 on all family phones.
- Keep Aadhaar and ration card copies in a folder with hospital records.
Empanelled Hospitals Under Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi
All government medical colleges, district hospitals, general hospitals, taluk hospitals and many community health centres in Kerala are part of the network. Hundreds of private hospitals are also empanelled for selected specialties. The list changes from time to time, so check the SHA Kerala website or the PM-JAY hospital search before planned treatment. Private hospitals may be empanelled only for certain packages, so ask the help desk whether your treatment is covered there.
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Name not found in list | Search with ration card or old RSBY/CHIS card number; ask at an Akshaya centre |
| e-KYC failure | Update Aadhaar mobile number or use biometric e-KYC at a CSC |
| Hospital asks for payment | Ask whether the package is covered; call DISHA 1056 |
| Cover exhausted | Ask the hospital social worker about Karunya Benevolent Fund or other aid |
| New family member not listed | Ask SHA Kerala about adding members as per current rules |
Adding Newborns and New Members
Babies born in a family covered under Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi are generally covered for treatment as part of the family. Adding new members such as a spouse after marriage depends on current guidelines and supporting documents. Contact the KASP help desk or SHA Kerala with the ration card showing the new member.
Role of the State Health Agency
The State Health Agency Kerala manages Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi: it empanels hospitals, fixes and updates packages, processes claims, monitors quality and handles grievances. If you face serious problems, you can contact the SHA through its website or the DISHA helpline. Keeping records of your treatment, bills and communication helps resolve complaints quickly.
Future of Health Coverage in Kerala
Kerala’s government has discussed expanding health coverage to families who fall outside KASP and MEDISEP. After the 2026 Assembly election, new announcements were also reported. Until official notifications are issued, Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi remains the main scheme for eligible families. Follow our Government Schemes section for verified updates.
Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi for Senior Citizens
Elderly members of an eligible family are covered under the family’s ₹5 lakh limit. Since seniors often need more hospital care, families with older parents should plan carefully. The central Ayushman Vay Vandana card gives an additional top-up for seniors aged 70+ in states where it is implemented. In Kerala, check the current implementation status before relying on it. Meanwhile, Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi continues to protect seniors in eligible families.
Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi for Pregnant Women and Children
Maternity care, including normal and caesarean deliveries with complications, and treatment for newborns in neonatal units are covered under relevant packages. Government hospitals in Kerala also provide many maternal and child health services free of cost under other programmes. Use KASP for hospital-based treatment where packages apply.
Cancer and Kidney Patients
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, cancer surgeries and dialysis are major cost burdens. Under Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi, these treatments are covered through specific packages at empanelled hospitals such as Regional Cancer Centre, Malabar Cancer Centre and government medical colleges. If the family cover is exhausted, the hospital social work department can guide you to other assistance such as the Karunya Benevolent Fund.
Checklist
- My family is in the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi eligible list.
- All members have completed e-KYC.
- I have downloaded e-cards for everyone.
- I know the nearest empanelled hospitals.
- I have saved DISHA 1056.
- I keep Aadhaar and ration card copies ready.
Final Word
Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi is one of the strongest health safety nets in India, protecting lakhs of Kerala families from catastrophic hospital bills. Check your eligibility, get your cards ready and share this information with relatives and neighbours who may not know they are covered.
How Hospitals Process Claims
When a patient is admitted under the scheme, the hospital’s Arogya Mitra creates a case on the transaction management system, uploads the patient’s identity and clinical documents, and requests pre-authorisation for the treatment package. Once approved, the hospital provides treatment. After discharge, the hospital submits the claim with the discharge summary and bills, and the State Health Agency settles it. Patients do not need to deal with this paperwork, but understanding the process helps you know why the help desk asks for certain documents.
Package Rates and Quality
Each treatment has a fixed package rate that covers medicines, consumables, tests, stay and the procedure itself. Hospitals are expected to follow quality standards and treatment guidelines. If you feel the treatment was inadequate or you were charged unfairly, you can file a grievance. Patient feedback helps the State Health Agency monitor hospitals.
Travelling for Treatment
Many patients from northern Kerala travel to larger hospitals in Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram for specialised care. Plan travel and stay in advance, carry all previous reports, and confirm that the destination hospital is empanelled for your treatment. Some patients also travel to empanelled hospitals in nearby states, which is allowed under the national portability of PM-JAY.
Health Tips to Reduce Hospital Visits
Insurance protects your finances, but good health protects your life. Kerala’s Family Health Centres offer free screening for diabetes, blood pressure and some cancers. Take advantage of these, follow your doctor’s advice, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and avoid tobacco and excess alcohol. Early detection reduces both suffering and treatment costs.
Can I choose any hospital?
You can choose any empanelled hospital that offers the required package. Non-empanelled hospitals do not provide cashless treatment under the scheme.
Is there any premium to pay?
No. Eligible families do not pay any premium. The cost is borne by the central and state governments.
What if the hospital says the package is not covered?
Ask for the package details and call DISHA 1056 to confirm. If it is genuinely outside the package list, ask about other assistance options.
Common Myths
- Myth: Only BPL families are covered. Fact: Eligibility is based on SECC, RSBY and CHIS lists, not just BPL cards.
- Myth: You must have a printed card. Fact: Hospitals can verify using Aadhaar if your family is on the list.
- Myth: Private hospitals do not accept it. Fact: Many private hospitals are empanelled for selected packages.
- Myth: Old illnesses are excluded. Fact: Pre-existing conditions are covered from day one.
- Myth: Agents can add your name for a fee. Fact: Eligibility cannot be bought. Report such agents.
Share the Information
Many eligible families still do not know they are covered under Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi. Elderly relatives, domestic workers, fishing families and daily wage earners often miss out simply because no one checked for them. Spend a few minutes helping others check their eligibility on the portal or at an Akshaya centre. It could save a family from a medical crisis.
Does KASP cover medicines after discharge?
Post-hospitalisation medicines are covered for a limited period as part of many packages. Ask the hospital what is included in your package.
Can I use the cover more than once a year?
Yes, as long as the total treatment cost for the family in that year stays within ₹5 lakh.
Important Links
- Beneficiary portal: beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- All schemes: Government Schemes 2026
- Seniors 70+: Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cover does Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi give?
Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for hospitalisation at empanelled hospitals.
Can I apply for KASP now?
There is no open application for new families. Eligibility is based on existing government lists. Check the portal to see if your family is included.
Is KASP the same as Ayushman Bharat?
KASP is Kerala’s implementation of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, merged with earlier state schemes.
Can I use KASP outside Kerala?
Yes, at empanelled hospitals under PM-JAY in other participating states, with your card and valid ID.
What is the helpline number?
DISHA 1056.
What happens if my family’s details change?
Changes like marriage, births or deaths in the family should be updated in the ration card and Aadhaar. Contact the KASP help desk or SHA Kerala to update your family details as per current rules.
Can government employees use Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi?
Kerala Government employees and pensioners are covered under MEDISEP. Whether they also appear in KASP lists depends on the original eligibility data; check with SHA Kerala.
Where can I find the list of packages?
The health benefit package list is available on the PM-JAY and SHA Kerala websites. Hospitals’ help desks can also tell you whether a treatment is covered.
Disclaimer: Details of the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi are based on published information from the State Health Agency and trusted sources. Check with SHA Kerala for the latest rules.