Swasthya Sathi – Complete Guide to West Bengal’s Cashless Health Scheme

Healthcare expenses are one of the biggest challenges faced by families in India. To provide financial protection and ensure access to quality healthcare, the Government of West Bengal launched the Swasthya Sathi Scheme in 2016. This flagship health insurance program covers secondary and tertiary care treatment for residents of West Bengal, offering cashless benefits at empaneled hospitals.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything about Swasthya Sathi, including benefits, eligibility, registration, Status Check, Card Apply Online, and even how to do a Card Balance Check.

What is Swasthya Sathi?

Swasthya Sathi is a state-sponsored health scheme launched by the West Bengal government. It provides health coverage up to ₹5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care. The scheme is entirely cashless and paperless, running on a smart card-based system to ensure transparency and ease of access.

Some highlights:

• Entire premium is borne by the Government of West Bengal.
• The female head of the family is issued the card.
• Covers all pre-existing diseases.
• No limit on family size.
• Covers pre-hospitalization (up to 1 day) and post-hospitalization (up to 5 days) expenses.
  

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Key Features of SwasthyaSathi

1. Cashless Treatment – Patients can avail treatment without paying any upfront money at empaneled hospitals.
2. Paperless Process – The scheme operates through smart cards, removing the hassle of paperwork.
3. Smart Card Issuance – The Swasthya Sathi card is mandatory for availing benefits.
4. 24×7 Call Support – A toll-free number is available for beneficiaries.
5. Wide Hospital Network – Includes both government and private hospitals across West Bengal.
   

Eligibility for Swasthya Sathi

To avail benefits under the scheme, you must meet these criteria:

• Permanent resident of West Bengal.
• Must not already be covered under any other government health insurance scheme.
• Priority is given to female heads of households.
  

How to Apply for Swasthya Sathi Card Online

The Swasthya Sathi Card Apply Online process is simple and user-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the official website – swasthyasathi.gov.in.
2. On the homepage, click on ‘Apply Online’.
3. Choose Form-B for Registration.
4. Enter your personal details such as name, address, Aadhaar number, and family details.
5. Upload necessary documents (Aadhaar, ration card, proof of residence).
6. Submit the form and note down the application number.
7. Once approved, you will be issued a Card.

This card will allow you to avail cashless treatment at all empaneled hospitals under the scheme.

Documents Required for SwasthyaSathi Card

• Aadhaar Card of applicant and family members.
• Ration Card / Digital Ration Card.
• Proof of residence (Voter ID/Utility Bill).
• Passport-size photographs.
• Mobile number for communication.

Swasthya Sathi Status Check

After applying, you can track the progress of your application using the Swasthya Sathi Status Check feature:

1. Go to swasthyasathi.gov.in.
2. Click on ‘Check Your Application Status’.
3. Enter your Application ID / Mobile Number / Aadhaar Number.
4. The current status of your Card will be displayed.

This step is crucial to ensure your registration has been successfully processed.

How to Download Swasthya Sathi Card

Once your application is approved, you can download your card online:

1. Visit the official portal.
2. Select ‘Download Card’ option.
3. Enter your registered mobile number or application ID.
4. Download and print the card.

This digital version can be used temporarily until you receive the physical card.

Swasthya Sathi Card Balance Check

Beneficiaries can easily track their card balance and usage details:

1. Visit the official website.
2. Click on ‘Card Balance Check’.
3. Enter your Smart Card Number.
4. You will see details of the remaining balance, treatments availed, and claim history.

This feature helps families stay informed about their health insurance coverage.

Benefits of Swasthya Sathi Scheme

Here are the major benefits:

• Coverage up to ₹5 lakhs per family per year.
• No premium required – 100% government-funded.
• Pre-existing diseases included.
• No cap on family size or age.
• Cashless hospitalization across West Bengal.
• Transport allowance up to ₹200 per hospital visit.
  

Hospital Empanelment under this Scheme

The scheme covers both government and private hospitals. You can find the complete list of empaneled hospitals by visiting the official portal and using the ‘Hospital Information’ section. Always check before admission to ensure the hospital accepts Swasthya Sathi Cards.

Swasthya Sathi Mobile App

For convenience, the SwasthyaSathi Mobile App is available for Android users. Through the app, beneficiaries can:

• Check application status.
• Locate empaneled hospitals.
• Check card balance.
• Access claim history.
• Download the Card.
  

How to Avail Treatment under Swasthya Sathi

1. Visit an empaneled hospital.
2. Present your Swasthya Sathi Smart Card.
3. Hospital will verify details through biometric authentication.
4. Once verified, you can avail cashless treatment.
5. After discharge, expenses will be settled directly between hospital and scheme authority.

Toll-Free Helpline

For any queries, you can call the 24×7 toll-free helpline – 1800-345-5384.
Beneficiaries can get assistance related to hospital admission, complaints, or Status Check.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)