Affordable Government Schemes Every Indian Should Know

The Government of India has introduced several low-cost schemes that ensure health, life, accident, and retirement security for families across the country. These initiatives provide affordable coverage and are designed to protect citizens from unexpected financial burdens.

1. Health Insurance – Ayushman Bharat (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana)

• Coverage: ₹5 lakh per family per year
   
• Premium: Free for eligible beneficiaries
   
• Benefit: Provides financial protection against major hospitalisation expenses in empanelled hospitals.
   

2. Life Insurance – Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

• Coverage: ₹2 lakh (life cover)
   
• Premium: ₹436 per year
   
• Eligibility: Available to citizens aged 18–50 years with a bank account.
   

3. Personal Accident Insurance – Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

• Coverage:
   
  • ₹2 lakh for accidental death or full disability
     
  • ₹1 lakh for partial disability
     
• Premium: ₹20 per year
   
• Eligibility: Citizens aged 18–70 years.
   

4. Retirement Plan – Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

• Contribution: Starts from ₹242 per month (varies by entry age)
   
• Benefit: Guaranteed monthly pension of up to ₹1,000–₹5,000 after the age of 60.
   
• Eligibility: Citizens aged 18–40 years.
   

 These schemes—Ayushman Bharat, PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY—offer affordable and accessible security for health, life, accident, and retirement, ensuring financial stability for millions of Indian families.

For more details and application guidelines, visit official portals such as pmjay.gov.in, jansuraksha.gov.in, and npstrust.org.in.

How to Apply for Government Affordable Schemes

1. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)

• Who can apply? Families listed in the SECC 2011 database (based on socio-economic criteria).
   
• Where to apply?
   
  • Visit the official portal: pmjay.gov.in
     
  • Or go to the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Ayushman Mitra help desk at government/empanelled hospitals.
     
• Documents required: Aadhaar card, ration card, and family details for eligibility check.
   

2. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

• Who can apply? Any savings bank account holder aged 18–50 years.
   
• Where to apply?
   
  • Approach your bank branch (where you hold the account).
     
  • Some banks allow online enrolment via internet banking or mobile app.
     
• Documents required: Aadhaar card, bank account details, and a signed consent form for auto-debit of premium.
   

3. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

• Who can apply? Any savings bank account holder aged 18–70 years.
   
• Where to apply?
   
  • Through your bank (application form is available at branches and bank websites).
     
  • Many banks also allow activation via SMS or net banking.
     
• Documents required: Aadhaar card, bank account, and consent form for auto-debit of ₹20.
   

4. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

• Who can apply? Citizens aged 18–40 years with a savings bank account.
   
• Where to apply?
   
  • Visit your bank branch and ask for the APY registration form.
     
  • Or enrol through net banking / mobile banking if your bank supports it.
     

Documents required: Aadhaar card, bank details, age proof, and nominee details.