Niramaya Scheme: Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply (2026 Guide)

Private health insurance for individuals with developmental disabilities in India is either prohibitively expensive or flatly unavailable. Most insurers exclude Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Intellectual Disability from coverage entirely. For families already navigating complex care routines and high therapy costs, that exclusion is not just inconvenient — it’s financially devastating. 

The Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme exists specifically to fix that. 

More than 47,000 beneficiaries are currently enrolled in the Niramaya scheme, with the government allocating over ₹13.87 crore toward the scheme in a recent financial year. And yet, a significant number of eligible families still don’t know it exists, don’t know they qualify, or don’t know how to access it.

This guide gives you everything: what the Niramaya scheme covers, who qualifies, exactly how to register in 2026, how to file a claim, and what most other guides leave out. 

What Is the Niramaya Scheme? 

The Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme is a central government health insurance program, administered by The National Trust under India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, providing annual health coverage of up to ₹1,00,000 to persons with disabilities covered under the National Trust Act, 1999. 

The name itself — Niramaya — means “free from illness” in Sanskrit. The scheme lives up to that intent by covering a breadth of healthcare needs that standard insurance typically excludes: ongoing therapies, corrective surgeries for existing disabilities, AYUSH treatments, dental care, and outpatient consultations — all under a single annual cover. 

What makes this scheme stand apart from private health insurance: 

• No pre-insurance medical tests required before enrollment 

• No age limit — children and adults are equally eligible 

• Pre-existing disabilities are covered from day one — no waiting period 

• Available nationwide through any hospital the family chooses 

• Annual premium as low as ₹250 for families above the poverty line, and fully subsidised for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families 

Enrolment for the Niramaya Policy Year 2026–27 commenced from 1 February 2026 on the official National Trust portal. Beneficiaries can download updated e-cards from 15 April 2026 after their enrolment is processed. 

Is Niramaya a Central Government Scheme? 

Yes. The Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme is a central government scheme. It is administered by The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities — a statutory body established under the National Trust Act, 1999, functioning under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. 

The scheme operates nationally, not as a state-level program, though several state governments — including Kerala — have taken additional steps to pay the premium on behalf of their BPL residents, further reducing the financial barrier for families. 

This is not a private insurance product. There is no private insurer issuing the policy. The National Trust administers enrollment and bears the cost of claims, with MediAssist Insurance TPA Private Limited handling claim processing. 

Niramaya Scheme Eligibility: Who Qualifies? 

The Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme is exclusively available to individuals with disabilities recognised under the National Trust Act, 1999. Eligibility is defined strictly — not by income, not by geography, but by diagnosis. 

The four eligible conditions: 

1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) — a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication and behavior 

1. Cerebral Palsy — a group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and motor skills 

1. Intellectual Disability (formerly classified as Mental Retardation) — affecting learning, reasoning, and adaptive functioning 

1. Multiple Disabilities — when an individual has two or more of the above conditions simultaneously 

There is no income ceiling for eligibility. Families from all income groups can enroll. Income level only determines the premium amount the family pays — not whether they qualify. 

There is no upper age limit. A 45-year-old adult with Cerebral Palsy is just as eligible as a 3-year-old child with Autism. 

What Documents Are Needed for Niramaya? 

Getting your documents in order before you approach a Registered Organisation (RO) saves considerable time. Here is the complete list: 

Applicants must now provide a mandatory Unique Disability ID (UDID) number at the time of enrolment or renewal to be eligible under the scheme. If you have not yet obtained a UDID Card for your family member, apply through the Swavlamban Card portal (swavlambancard.gov.in) before approaching an RO for Niramaya enrollment.

Niramaya Scheme Benefits: What Does the ₹1 Lakh Cover? 

The scheme provides an annual insurance cover of ₹1,00,000 (one lakh rupees) on a reimbursement basis only. The National Trust does not pay hospitals directly. You receive treatment, pay the provider, and then claim reimbursement. 

The benefit structure breaks down as follows: 

What is specifically covered: 

• OPD consultations, pathology tests, and prescribed medicines 

• Physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy sessions 

• Corrective surgeries for disabilities present from birth 

• Non-surgical hospitalisation for disability-related complications 

• Dental preventive care 

• Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and other AYUSH treatments 

• Transportation costs incurred for medical visits 

What is NOT covered: 

• Expenses exceeding the ₹1 lakh annual ceiling 

• Treatment for conditions unrelated to the enrolled disability 

• Attendant charges, special nursing, personal comfort items 

• Costs for individuals who are not eligible beneficiaries under the National Trust Act 

Niramaya Scheme Premium: How Much Does It Cost? 

The scheme is designed to be affordable at every income level. 

For BPL families (income below ₹15,000 per month), the premium is ₹250 for one-time registration and ₹50 for annual renewal. For non-BPL families (income above ₹15,000 per month), the registration fee is ₹500 and the renewal fee is ₹250.

The Government of Kerala has taken a notable step in paying the premium amount for both enrollment and renewal of the Niramaya scheme on behalf of eligible beneficiaries in the state. Families in other states should check with their respective State Social Justice Departments, as similar provisions may apply locally.

How to Register for the Niramaya Scheme (Step-by-Step) 

New enrollments are processed through a Registered Organisation (RO) — an NGO or centre authorised by the National Trust to facilitate applications. You cannot register entirely on your own; an RO must complete the online submission on your behalf. 

Step 1: Locate a Registered Organisation near you Visit thenationaltrust.in and use the RO locator to find an authorised centre in your city or district. 

Step 2: Visit the RO with all required documents Bring originals and self-attested photocopies of your disability certificate, UDID card, address proof, income certificate (if BPL), and bank details. 

Step 3: RO completes the application form online The Registered Organisation fills out the Niramaya application form on the National Trust portal, uploads scanned copies of your documents, and verifies all originals. 

Step 4: Pay the enrollment fee Pay ₹250 (BPL/low-income) or ₹500 (non-BPL) at the RO directly or via the payment portal. 

Step 5: National Trust verifies and approves the application The National Trust reviews the submitted application and documents for completeness and eligibility. 

Step 6: Download your Niramaya E-Card Beneficiaries can download updated e-cards from 15 April 2026 after their enrolment is processed. The digital e-card is accessible at thenationaltrust.in/auth/e-card.php using your Application ID and date of birth.

For non-BPL / higher-income APL families only: Online renewal can be completed directly on the National Trust portal without visiting an RO. This significantly reduces the time and effort required for families who manage renewals independently year on year. 

How to Claim Under the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme 

Because the Niramaya scheme operates on a reimbursement basis only, the process requires careful documentation. Pay first. Claim later. Keep every receipt. 

Online Claim Process (via MediAssist Portal) 

The online method allows beneficiaries to submit claims digitally through the MediAssist portal or mobile app. Log in to the MediAssist portal at portal.mediassist.in using the login ID and password (date of birth). Select “Submit Claim” and enter all required details to generate the claim form. Upload KYC documents (one-time) along with all medical bills, prescriptions, and supporting documents. Choose the ailment type, complete the declaration, and submit the claim. An auto-generated email with the claim form is sent to the registered email ID. 

Offline Claim Process (Physical Submission) 

1. Download the Claim Form from mediassisttpa.in — look for “Claim Form Insured (Part A)” 
2. Fill the form completely and attach all supporting documents 
3. Send to: MEDI ASSIST INSURANCE TPA PRIVATE LIMITED, 1st Floor, Block D, Noida Sector 3, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, PIN – 201301 
4. Claim helpline: 040-68178569 / 71326135 | Toll-Free: 1800 572 9792 

Documents required to file a Niramaya claim: 

• Niramaya Health Card or Health ID Number of the beneficiary 

• Self-attested Disability Certificate 

• Original prescriptions from the treating doctor 

• Original bills for hospitalisation, medicines, consultations, therapies, and transportation 

• Bank account details for reimbursement credit 

Practical tip: Maintain a dedicated folder for every medical receipt, prescription, and bill throughout the year. Claims submitted without originals are routinely rejected — and most rejection cases come down to missing paperwork, not ineligibility. 

How to Renew Your Niramaya Health Insurance 

The Niramaya scheme is valid for one financial year, from April 1 to March 31. Renewal must be completed before March 31 to avoid a lapse in coverage. 

Renewal steps: 

1. Visit the National Trust portal: nationaltrust.nic.in 

1. Navigate to the Niramaya section and select “Payment for Niramaya” 

1. Enter your Application ID, UDID number, and date of birth 

1. Update any changed details (address, bank account) 

1. Pay the renewal fee — ₹50 (BPL) or ₹250 (non-BPL) 

Failure to complete the Niramaya health insurance renewal before the deadline may cause a lapse in coverage, requiring the family to restart the entire application process as a new applicant.

Set a reminder three months before March 31 each year. The window opens around January. 

What Is the Niramaya Health Card, and How Do You Download It? 

The Niramaya Health Card (also called the Niramaya E-Card) is the official proof of insurance for an enrolled beneficiary. It carries the beneficiary’s name, Health ID number, policy validity dates, and enrollment details — and must be presented when filing any claim. 

To download your Niramaya Health Card: 

1. Go to thenationaltrust.in/auth/e-card.php 

1. Enter the beneficiary’s Application ID and date of birth 

1. Download and save the digital card as a PDF 

1. Print a copy and keep the digital version on your phone for easy access 

The e-card is generated after the National Trust approves the application. First-time applicants in the 2026–27 year can access their cards from 15 April 2026 onwards. 

Common Reasons Niramaya Claims Are Rejected (And How to Avoid Them) 

This section doesn’t appear in most guides — which is exactly why claims catch families off guard. 

Most frequent rejection causes: 

• Missing original bills — photocopies are not accepted; originals of all bills and prescriptions are mandatory 

• Treatment outside the covered categories — claiming for conditions unrelated to the enrolled disability 

• Exceeding sub-section limits — e.g., claiming ₹25,000 for OPD when the sub-limit is ₹15,000 

• Expired policy at time of treatment — treatment taken after March 31 without completing renewal is not reimbursable 

• UDID mismatch — the UDID number on the claim documents not matching the enrollment record 

• Bank account details not updated — reimbursement cannot be processed to incorrect or outdated account information 

Prevention protocol: Before every treatment, confirm your policy is active, identify the relevant benefit section and its sub-limit, and collect every original document from the provider at the time of the visit. Do not wait until you’re ready to file to gather paperwork. 

Get Enrolled This Financial Year 

If your child or family member has Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, or Multiple Disabilities and is not yet enrolled in the Niramaya scheme, this financial year’s window is open. The process takes a single visit to a Registered Organisation, a handful of documents, and a nominal one-time fee. 

Find a Registered Organisation near you at thenationaltrust.in and start the process today. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Niramaya a government scheme? 

Yes. The Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme is a central government scheme, administered by The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities — a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. 

Who is eligible for the Niramaya scheme? 

Any individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability (Mental Retardation), or Multiple Disabilities as defined under the National Trust Act, 1999, and holding a valid Disability Certificate with a UDID number or UDID enrolment number, is eligible. There is no age limit and no income ceiling for eligibility. Income level only determines the premium amount. 

What is the ₹1 lakh free treatment under Niramaya? 

The Niramaya scheme provides annual health coverage of up to ₹1,00,000 (one lakh rupees) to eligible persons with disabilities. This covers hospitalisation (up to ₹55,000), OPD treatment (up to ₹19,000), ongoing therapies (up to ₹20,000), and AYUSH and transportation costs within the overall limit — all on a reimbursement basis. The treatment is not cashless; beneficiaries pay first and receive reimbursement. 

What documents are needed for the Niramaya scheme? 

The mandatory documents are: a valid Disability Certificate issued by a government authority, a UDID Card or UDID enrolment number (mandatory from 2026), address proof (Aadhaar or ration card), an income certificate for BPL applicants, passport-size photograph, and bank account details for reimbursement credit. 

How can I register for the Niramaya scheme online? 

New applicants must register through a Registered Organisation (RO) authorised by the National Trust — the RO submits the application on the National Trust portal on your behalf. Non-BPL families can complete annual renewals independently online at nationaltrust.nic.in. Direct online registration without an RO is not available for first-time applicants. 

What is the Niramaya scheme premium amount? 

The registration premium is ₹250 for BPL families and low-income APL families (income below ₹15,000/month), and ₹500 for standard APL families (income above ₹15,000/month). Annual renewal costs ₹50 (BPL) or ₹250 (APL). Legal guardians appointed by a court pay nothing. Several state governments subsidise the premium entirely for BPL residents. 

Can I claim under Niramaya for any hospital? 

Yes. The Niramaya scheme allows treatment at any hospital of your choice. There is no restriction to empanelled hospitals. You pay the bills directly and submit them for reimbursement through the MediAssist portal or by post to MediAssist’s office in Noida. 

Final Word: Why This Scheme Matters 

For most families raising a child with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, or Intellectual Disability, the cost of care is not a one-time expense — it’s a monthly financial reality. Therapies, specialist consultations, medications, and interventions accumulate into bills that can easily consume a household income. 

The Niramaya scheme doesn’t solve every challenge. The ₹1 lakh annual cap won’t cover the full cost of intensive early intervention therapy for an autistic child in a metro city. The reimbursement model requires upfront payment that not every family can manage. And the restriction to four disability types leaves out the broader population of persons with disabilities now covered under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. 

But for the families it does cover, it is real, accessible, and meaningful support. The ₹50 renewal fee for a BPL family getting ₹20,000 in therapy coverage is one of the most direct welfare interventions the government currently runs for persons with developmental disabilities. 

If you’re eligible, enroll. If you’re already enrolled, renew on time and document every receipt. And if you work in a disability support capacity, share this guide with every family who might benefit. 

For enrollment support, contact The National Trust helpline or locate a Registered Organisation near you at nationaltrust.nic.in | Niramaya Claim Helpline: 040-68178569 / 71326135 | Toll-Free: 1800 572 9792