The Karnataka government’s Yashasvini Health Insurance Scheme helps farmers and informal sector workers get affordable healthcare. Many people in rural areas avoid hospitals because of high costs. This scheme aims to provide cheaper health services to farmers and cooperative members throughout Karnataka. It offers coverage for various medical treatments and surgeries with easy registration and a low yearly fee.
Overview of Yashasvini Health Insurance Scheme 2025
Started in 2003 by former Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, this community-based insurance supports farmers who are part of cooperative societies in Karnataka. The scheme is run by the Department of Cooperatives together with the Yeshasvini Cooperative Farmers Health Care Trust. It serves more than 30 districts and helps rural informal workers get the medical care they need at affordable rates.
How Is the Scheme Managed?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Department of Cooperation | Monitors beneficiaries and reviews program funding needs |
| Cooperative Societies | Handles beneficiary enrollment |
| Network Hospitals | Provide medical services to beneficiaries within set limits |
| Management Support Service Provider (IRDA licensed) | Manages claims and administrative work |
| Yeshasvini Trust Board | Meets quarterly to discuss policies and fund allocation |
Main Benefits of Yashasvini Health Insurance Scheme
- Exclusive to Karnataka, covering the entire state except some urban areas
- Discounts on diagnostic tests and hospital stays at many network hospitals
- Membership in Karnataka Rural Co-operative Society for at least 3 months required to join
- Annual enrollment open from July to October
- Coverage available from June 1 to May 31 of the following year
- Policy can be purchased for members up to 75 years old
How Is the Scheme Funded?
This is one of India’s largest self-funded health programs. Beneficiaries pay a small annual fee. For example, the contribution was Rs. 210 per year in 2013-14. This amount helps provide services to all members.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | Applicants under 75 years |
| Membership | Must have joined a cooperative society at least six months before scheme start |
| Eligible Members | Members of rural cooperative societies, weaver cooperatives, Self Help Groups, Beedi workers, and fishermen cooperative societies |
| Family Coverage | Family members of enrolled beneficiaries also covered, even if not cooperative members |
| Geographic Coverage | Only rural areas of Karnataka are included; cities and corporations excluded |
| Enrollment Period | Rules issued annually by the Department of Cooperation; enrollment handled by local Cooperative Officers |
Documents Needed
- Age proof (like Aadhar card, birth certificate)
- Address proof
- Proof of membership in cooperative society
What Does the Scheme Cover?
Members get up to Rs. 2.5 lakh coverage per year for surgeries and hospital treatments. This also covers family members. The scheme covers many treatments such as:
| General Surgery | Gynecology Surgery |
| Orthopedic, Pediatric, Cardiothoracic Surgery | Cardiac Arrest |
| Vascular Surgery | Obstetrics |
| Neurological Surgery | Neonatal Intensive Care |
| Normal Delivery | Dog Bite Treatment |
| Ophthalmology Surgery | Drowning Accident Care |
| Genito-urinary Surgery | Snakebite Treatment |
| Surgical Oncology | Injuries from farm equipment accidents |
What is Not Covered?
Some treatments are excluded such as:
| Kidney and Heart Transplants | Road Accidents |
| Diagnostic tests | Burns and Skin Grafts |
| Dialysis | Vaccinations |
| Cosmetic Surgery | Vitamins and sanitary items |
| Implants and Prosthesis | Chemotherapy |
| Dental Surgery | Joint replacement surgery |
| Post-surgery follow-ups | Inpatient medical treatments |
Network Hospitals in Karnataka
There are about 572 approved hospitals across Karnataka working with the scheme. Here is a district-wise list of some network hospital counts:
| District | Hospitals |
|---|---|
| Bangalore Urban | 61 |
| Belgaum | 49 |
| Bagalkote | 44 |
| Dakshina Kannada | 26 |
| Tumkur | 27 |
| Mysore | 22 |
| Mandya | 25 |
How to Register for Yashasvini Health Insurance Scheme?
- You should be a member of a cooperative society for at least 3 months before applying
- Annual enrollment takes place from May to June every year at affiliated cooperative offices
- Bring your ID proofs and cooperative membership proof to register
How the Scheme Works When You Visit a Hospital
When you visit a network hospital, the coordinator checks your Unique Health ID (UHID) card and confirms your payment of the enrollment fee. If you need surgery, the hospital asks for pre-authorization from the Management Support Provider (MSP). Approved surgeries and treatments are given cashless at the hospital.
Claims and billing are handled by MSP, and the Yashasvini Trust pays hospitals within 45 days after getting the papers. This means you don’t have to pay out of pocket during your hospital stay, within coverage limits.
Implementation Details
- 730 hospitals across Karnataka, both public and private, are linked to the scheme
- Hospitals provide medical services under empanelment rules
- You get cashless treatment after pre-approval for surgeries through MSP
- Hospitals submit treatment papers for claims process and payment