Deen Dayal Upadhyay Health Card (DDSSY): Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply in Goa

Healthcare expenses can burn a hole in your pocket. A single hospital visit, a few tests, and suddenly your savings start disappearing. But what if there was a way to get quality healthcare without worrying about the bills?

For the residents of Goa, the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY) is a game-changer. It’s a health insurance scheme designed to provide cashless medical care to Goans. 

But, how does it work? Who can apply? And how do you avail the benefits of the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Health Card? Read on to find all the answers to your DDSSY-related questions. 

Key Highlights

• Cashless health insurance scheme for all Goan residents, in both government and empanelled private hospitals.
• Annual coverage of Rs 2.5 lakh (for up to 3 members) and Rs 4 lakh (for 4+ members) per family.
• Includes chronic disease coverage (like diabetes, hypertension, etc.) up to Rs 15,000 per year.
• No income limit or age bar – available to all Goans except Central/State govt. employees.

What is Deen Dayal Upadhyay Health Card?

Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY), a cashless health insurance scheme of the Goa government with the aim to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible for every Goan family.

Here’s how it works:

• Families of up to three individuals receive an annual coverage of INR 2.5 lakh each.
  
• Families with 4 or more members get Rs 4 lakh cover per year.
  
• The scheme also covers hospitalization expenses, major surgeries and even chronic diseases.

The best part? It’s for all Goan residents, regardless of their income level. The government pays the insurance company on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about hospital bills.

Main Objectives of DDSSY

The Goa government launched DDSSY to reduce the difference between private and public healthcare as due to the increase in the cost of medicines for various diseases, most people were unable to obtain the required treatment.

This scheme was introduced to:

• Provide financial protection for Goans during medical emergencies.
• Reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses borne by families.
• Encourage regular medical check-ups in order to save them from life-threatening diseases.
• Implement a cashless system so that people don’t have to delay their treatment for monetary issues.

Benefits of the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Health Card

What benefits do you actually get with a DDSSY Health Card? Well, there are plenty of perks to having a DDSSY Health Card, and every Goan family should have one in their wallet.

• Cashless Treatment: You receive treatment in network hospitals without having to pay for the expenses, or apply for reimbursement later.
• Coverage for Chronic Diseases: Covers diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy up to Rs 15,000 per year.
• Access to Public & Private Hospitals – Treatment can be availed in Government as well as empanelled private hospitals, all over Goa.
• No Income-Based Restriction – You can apply for treatment under this scheme irrespective of how less or more you earn.
• Extra Coverage Option: Want more coverage? Pay a higher premium and enhance your benefits without changing the basic plan,
• Government Support: The Goa government pays Rs 3,206 per family to the insurance company for your healthcare expenses coverage.
• Free OPD Services: Medical institutes like Goa Medical College (GMC) and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) provide free outpatient consultations.

Eligibility Criteria for Deen Dayal Upadhyay Health Card

Who can apply for the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Health Card? The following are the qualifying conditions:

• Must be a Goan resident and have lived in the state for at least 5 years.
• Must not be employed or work for the Central or State Government (as they already have a government medical reimbursement scheme). 
• All families in Goa are eligible and may apply, irrespective of their income. (The Family unit cannot be split.)

Essential Documents for Application

• Aadhaar Card
• Proof of residence: Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License issued not more than 5 years ago.
• Ration Card: However, if the ration card is not available, one may submit: 

1. 1. For spouse- either a marriage certificate or birth certificate of child; a passport; or a voter ID (indicating the spouse's name).
   2. For dependent children - birth or school leaving certificate. 
   3. For dependent parents - declaration confirming that they are unemployed.

• OBC Income Certificate: for applicants having an income of less than Rs 6 lakh per year.
• Caste Certificate: For SC/ST candidates.
• Disability Certificate: If applying under the PWD category. 

Keep these documents ready, and you will be on your way to a hassle-free application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Now, let’s get to the part where you actually apply for the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Health Card. Just follow these simple steps:

Online Application Process

• Visit Goa Online, the official portal for DDSSY registration.
• Sign up with your mobile number and complete OTP verification.
• Fill in your name, address, and Aadhaar number.
• Login into your profile and verify your Aadhaar card number.
• Please attach all required documents for verification.
• Pay the registration fee online through net banking, debit/credit card or UPI.
• After submitting, keep the acknowledgement number to track your application.

Offline Application Process: Directly visit your nearest DDSSY enrollment centre with the necessary documents. Submit your form, pay the fee and get your card processed. 

How to Check Application Status

To check your application status, visit the Goa Online portal and enter your acknowledgement number to track the progress.

Need help with applications? Here are the details to contact for assistance: 

• Nodal Officer Dr. Yogesh Potdar Phone 0832-2225646 / 7447797582 
• Website www.ddssygoa.com. 

For any hurdles you face during the application process, don't wait to call or check the site.

Don’t wait till a medical emergency strikes—apply for your DDSSY health card today and protect your family from high healthcare costs.