ESIC benefits at a glance

This page is a plain-language summary by an independent platform. It is not official ESIC guidance. Rules and amounts change, so always confirm current rules on the official ESIC website (esic.gov.in) or at your ESIC branch office.

Need more detail on eligibility, cash benefits and how to claim? Read our full ESIC benefits guide.

Who is eligible

ESIC generally covers employees of covered factories and establishments whose wages are up to ₹21,000 per month (₹25,000 per month for persons with disability). Your employer registers you and deducts a small contribution from your wages; the employer also contributes.

Once registered you get an insurance number (IP number) and an e-Pehchan card, which you use to get care.

Source: ESIC (esic.gov.in) · Last verified: pending verification · Always confirm current rules on the official ESIC website.

Medical benefit

Medical care for you and your eligible family members, through ESIC dispensaries, ESIC hospitals and tie-up hospitals. This usually starts at your allotted dispensary, where the doctor treats you or refers you onward.

Source: ESIC (esic.gov.in) · Last verified: pending verification · Always confirm current rules on the official ESIC website.

Sickness benefit

Cash support for a period when you are certified sick and unable to work, as a portion of your wages. There are contribution conditions to qualify.

Source: ESIC (esic.gov.in) · Last verified: pending verification · Always confirm current rules on the official ESIC website.

Maternity benefit

Paid leave support for insured women during pregnancy, confinement and related conditions, subject to contribution conditions.

Source: ESIC (esic.gov.in) · Last verified: pending verification · Always confirm current rules on the official ESIC website.

Disablement benefit

Cash support if you are injured at work or develop an occupational disease, for temporary or permanent disablement, as certified by the medical authority.

Source: ESIC (esic.gov.in) · Last verified: pending verification · Always confirm current rules on the official ESIC website.

Dependants’ benefit

A monthly payment to the eligible dependants of an insured person who dies because of an employment injury or occupational disease.

Source: ESIC (esic.gov.in) · Last verified: pending verification · Always confirm current rules on the official ESIC website.

Funeral expenses

A payment towards funeral costs to the family member or person who performs the last rites of an insured person.

Source: ESIC (esic.gov.in) · Last verified: pending verification · Always confirm current rules on the official ESIC website.

Unemployment allowance

ESIC has schemes that give cash support for a limited period to insured persons who lose their job involuntarily, subject to conditions on how long they were insured and contributions paid.

Source: ESIC (esic.gov.in) · Last verified: pending verification · Always confirm current rules on the official ESIC website.

Family members (dependents)

Certain family members, such as your spouse, children and dependent parents, may be covered for medical care, subject to ESIC rules. Their details need to be on your ESIC record (they appear on your e-Pehchan card). If someone is missing, ask your employer or HR to update your family details.

When a family member visits, carry your e-Pehchan card or insurance number and their photo ID.

Source: ESIC (esic.gov.in) · Last verified: pending verification · Always confirm current rules on the official ESIC website.

How referrals work

For most care you first visit your ESIC dispensary. If you need a specialist, tests or hospital care, the doctor there gives you a referral to an ESIC hospital or a tie-up hospital. Carry the referral slip and your e-Pehchan card when you go. In an emergency you can go straight to the nearest hospital; call 112 for emergency help.

Source: ESIC (esic.gov.in) · Last verified: pending verification · Always confirm current rules on the official ESIC website.

Documents to carry

• e-Pehchan card / ESIC card, or your insurance number (IP number)
• Aadhaar or another photo ID
• Referral slip, if a doctor has referred you
• Previous prescriptions and test reports, if any

See the tick-off checklist for your phone, or the full list of documents required for ESIC services.

Source: ESIC (esic.gov.in) · Last verified: pending verification · Always confirm current rules on the official ESIC website.