Quick answer: Private hospitals can be free or low-cost for eligible patients through Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and state health schemes at empanelled hospitals, free EWS beds at certain Delhi private hospitals built on concessional land, hospital charitable funds and concessions, and government or charitable financial assistance. Eligibility rules differ, so check each option early.
The main routes
| Option | Who it can help |
|---|---|
| Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY | Eligible families, including all senior citizens aged 70 and above, for covered packages at empanelled hospitals |
| State health schemes | Eligible residents of that state, at the scheme’s empanelled hospitals |
| Delhi EWS free beds | Eligible economically weaker section patients at Delhi private hospitals built on concessional land |
| Hospital charitable funds | Patients who meet the hospital’s own criteria |
| Government and charitable financial aid | Patients with serious illnesses who cannot afford treatment, subject to scheme rules |
Delhi’s EWS free treatment rule
Private hospitals in Delhi that were allotted land at concessional rates are required to provide free treatment to eligible economically weaker section patients: 10 percent of inpatient and 25 percent of outpatient services. Courts have repeatedly directed compliance, and in 2026 the Supreme Court asked the Delhi Government to frame a standard operating procedure to enforce it. Eligibility is based on income, and hospitals are expected to display free bed availability. Ask the hospital’s EWS or patient welfare desk.
How to ask
- Check scheme eligibility first, such as PM-JAY or your state scheme. See how to check Ayushman Bharat coverage and how to find empanelled hospitals.
- Ask the patient services or social work team about charitable funds, concessions and EWS beds.
- Carry income and ID documents that schemes usually require.
- Ask early, before admission for planned treatment.
See also can you negotiate hospital charges and is treatment free at AIIMS and government hospitals.
Documents that schemes and concessions usually ask for
- Photo ID and address proof, such as Aadhaar
- Income proof or eligibility documents, such as a ration card or income certificate, depending on the scheme
- Ayushman card or state scheme card, if you have one
- Doctor’s referral and medical reports
- Hospital estimate for the proposed treatment
Charitable and financial help beyond the hospital
Some families receive help from government relief funds, charitable trusts, community organisations or medical crowdfunding. The hospital’s social work or patient welfare department usually knows which options are realistic for your condition and location, and what paperwork they need. Start early, since approvals can take time.
A realistic order to try things
- Check PM-JAY and your state scheme first.
- Ask the hospital about concessions, charitable funds and, in Delhi, EWS beds if eligible.
- Compare room categories and packages to reduce the bill.
- Consider other help, such as relief funds or crowdfunding, for the remaining gap.
Our complete guide to hospital costs links to every related article.
Travelling from another state for low-cost care
If you are travelling from the Northeast or another state, check before you leave whether your scheme works at the destination hospital. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is portable across India at empanelled hospitals, but many state schemes apply only within that state. Also plan the costs no scheme will cover: travel, accommodation and food for the family. See using your Ayushman card in another state and budgeting for stay and food.
How NEIMHAANS helps
NEIMHAANS is a non-clinical healthcare concierge that has helped families travelling for treatment since 2007. We help families find out which schemes and concessions may apply, prepare the documents needed, and contact hospital welfare desks before travel. We do not set hospital prices, and we never sell appointments at government hospitals. See our services.
Frequently asked questions
Can private hospitals give free treatment?
Yes, in certain cases. Private hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY or state schemes treat eligible patients cashlessly for covered packages, and some private hospitals in Delhi built on concessional government land must provide free treatment to eligible economically weaker section patients.
What is the Delhi EWS free treatment rule?
Private hospitals in Delhi built on land allotted at concessional rates are required to provide free treatment to eligible economically weaker section patients for 10 percent of inpatient and 25 percent of outpatient services. The Supreme Court has repeatedly directed strict compliance.
Do private hospitals have charitable funds?
Many hospitals, especially those run by trusts, have charitable funds or concession schemes. Ask the patient services or social work team.
Is there government financial help for costly treatment?
There are central and state schemes and relief funds that give financial help for certain serious illnesses. Ask the treating hospital’s social work department which ones may apply to you.
This article is part of our complete guide to hospital costs in India.
This article is general information, not medical, legal, insurance or financial advice. Rules, schemes and hospital policies change, so always confirm details with your hospital, insurer or the relevant authority.