The Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) is Kerala government’s flagship health insurance programme designed to provide financial protection to economically vulnerable families across the state. Launched in 2017 by integrating various government-sponsored health schemes, KASP aims to provide a health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation . The scheme currently supports over 42 lakh poor and vulnerable families, which constitutes the bottom 40% of Kerala’s population, benefiting approximately 64 lakh individuals .
What makes KASP particularly significant is its comprehensive coverage. The scheme was created by converging three earlier programmes: the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), the Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS), and the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS) . This integration eliminated the fragmentation that existed previously, creating a single, streamlined platform for health insurance delivery.
The scheme is implemented by the State Health Agency (SHA) Kerala, which operates under the Health and Family Welfare Department. As of 2026, the government has allocated substantial funds to ensure the scheme’s sustainability, with total allocations reaching ₹4,618 crore under the second Pinarayi Vijayan government . The scheme has received high praise for delivering on its promise of universal access and financial protection against catastrophic health expendituures .
Overview of Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) |
| Launched By | Government of Kerala |
| Year of Integration | 2017 |
| Health Cover | ₹5 lakh per family per year |
| Target Beneficiaries | Over 42 lakh families (bottom 40% of Kerala population) |
| Annual Premium per Family | ₹1,050 |
| State Contribution | Full premium for 18.02 lakh families; ₹418.80 for 23.97 lakh families |
| Central Contribution | Balance amount for 23.97 lakh families |
| Total Allocation (2026) | ₹4,618 crore |
| Empanelled Hospitals | 197 state-run, 4 central, 364 private hospitals |
| Treatment Packages | 1,667 packages across 25 specialities |
| Official Website | karunya.kerala.gov.in |
| KASP Health App | Available on Google Play Store |
Key Features of the Scheme
The Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi offers several distinctive features that make it one of India’s most comprehensive state-led health insurance programmes:
1. Substantial Coverage Amount:
Each eligible family receives annual health coverage of ₹5 lakh for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. This amount is sufficient to cover most major medical procedures and treatments .
2. No Restrictions on Family Size or Age:
Membership is granted regardless of the number of family members or age limits. The benefits apply to all individuals in a family or even to a single member. There are no specific eligibility criteria based on age or family composition .
3. Cashless Treatment Facilities:
Beneficiaries can access cashless treatment at any empanelled hospital. The hospital processes the claim, and the government directly settles the bill, eliminating the need for beneficiaries to pay upfront and seek reimbursement .
4. Comprehensive Network of Hospitals:
KASP is available across 197 government hospitals, four central government hospitals, and 364 private hospitals empanelled under the scheme. Treatment is provided free of cost at all these institutions .
5. Extensive Treatment Coverage:
A total of 1,667 treatment packages across 25 specialities are included in the scheme. In addition, 89 government-specified treatment packages are available free of cost. For treatments not covered under these packages, unspecified packages can be utilised .
6. Pre and Post-Hospitalisation Coverage:
The scheme covers pre-hospitalisation expenses for up to three days before admission, as well as the cost of medicines required for up to 15 days post-hospitalisation, as prescribed by doctors .
7. Digital Accessibility:
The KASP Health App, available on the Google Play Store, provides information regarding insurance scheme eligibility, balance amount available, information regarding empanelled hospitals based on location and specialty, and health notifications .
Eligibility Criteria for KASP
The eligibility criteria for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi are designed to target the most vulnerable sections of Kerala society:
Primary Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a resident of Kerala
- Families with a valid RSBY/CHIS card for the period 2018-2019 are eligible
- Weaker sections identified by the Central Government as per the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) are eligible
- Families that have received a direct letter from the Central Government are eligible
Income Criteria:
- The scheme targets families with an annual income below ₹3 lakh
- Both Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) households with income below ₹3 lakh are eligible
Additional Notes:
- Individuals not covered under other government health insurance schemes may be eligible
- The scheme has no age restrictions
- No fee is charged for obtaining membership
Documents Required for KASP Application
Applicants need to prepare the following documents when applying for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Ration Card | Proof of residency and family composition |
| Income Certificate | Proof of annual income below ₹3 lakh |
| Residential Proof | Establishing Kerala residency |
| BPL Card | If applicable for BPL category |
| Bank Account Details | For any potential reimbursement |
| Passport-size Photograph | Application form requirement |
| Medical Reports | If applicable for specific treatments |
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The application for Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi can be completed both online and offline. Here is the detailed process:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the official KASP website: karunya.kerala.gov.in
Step 2: Navigate to ‘How to Apply’ Section
Look for the ‘How to Apply’ section directly on the main page
Step 3: Download Application Form
Download the KASP scheme’s application form in PDF format
Step 4: Fill and Submit Application
Fill in all the required details accurately and submit the application form along with necessary documents
Step 5: Complete Registration
Register or log in using Aadhaar details if applying online
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of all required documents including Aadhaar, income certificate, and ration card
Step 7: Await Verification
After submission, the application undergoes verification by the State Health Agency
Step 8: Receive Approval Notification
Upon approval, the applicant receives a notification
Step 9: Obtain Health Card
The Karunya Health Insurance card is issued to the beneficiary
Offline Application Option:
Applications can also be submitted directly at the Karunya and Arogya Suraksha Scheme kiosks available in government and private hospitals empanelled under the scheme .
Treatment Packages and Coverage Details
The Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi covers a wide range of medical treatments and expenses:
Number of Packages:
- 1,667 treatment packages across 25 specialities are included
- 89 government-specified treatment packages are available free of cost
Types of Treatments Covered:
- Cancer
- Hemophilia
- Kidney diseases
- Heart diseases
- Palliative care
Expenses Covered:
- Cost of implants
- Non-intensive and intensive care services
- Laboratory and diagnostics charges
- Medical consultation, examination, and treatment
- Operation theatre charges
- ICU expenses
- Cost of medicines and associated medical supplies
- Doctor’s fees
Pre and Post-Hospitalisation:
- Pre-hospitalisation expenses for up to three days before admission
- Cost of medicines required for up to 15 days post-hospitalisation
Special Note for Unspecified Treatments:
For treatments not covered under the specified packages, unspecified packages can be utilised .
Karunya Benevolent Fund (KBF)
In addition to KASP, the Kerala government also operates the Karunya Benevolent Fund (KBF), a complementary scheme providing additional financial support:
Key Features of KBF:
- One-time treatment support of up to ₹2 lakh for families with an annual income below ₹3 lakh
- For kidney-related ailments, the assistance increases to ₹3 lakh
- Benefits are available even for families not enrolled in KASP
- Treatment is provided at all hospitals offering KASP services
Eligibility for KBF:
Families with an annual income of less than ₹3 lakh are eligible for inclusion in the Karunya Benevolent Fund, provided they are not eligible for benefits under the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) .
Recent Updates and Budget Allocations for 2026
The Kerala government has consistently increased funding for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi, demonstrating its commitment to universal health coverage:
2025 Allocations:
- An additional ₹300 crore was allocated for KASP in February 2025
- Total allocation for the financial year reached ₹978.54 crore, with ₹679 crore allocated in the budget
- ₹700 crore was set aside in the budget for the next financial year
October 2025 Allocation:
- An additional ₹250 crore was sanctioned for KASP
- Total allocation under the second Pinarayi Vijayan government reached ₹4,618 crore
Budget 2026-27 Announcement:
- A new health insurance programme was announced for families left out of Karunya, with ₹50 crore allocated
- Eligible families can enrol by paying a nominal premium, extending health cover to households currently without protection
- Pensions for patients affected by cancer, leprosy, tuberculosis, and AIDS were increased by ₹1,000 per month
Empanelled Hospitals List
KASP treatment is available at a wide network of empanelled hospitals across Kerala:
Government Hospitals:
- 197 state-run hospitals are empanelled under KASP
- 4 central government hospitals are also included
Private Hospitals:
- 364 private hospitals are empanelled under the scheme
- Treatment is provided free of cost at all empanelled hospitals
Finding Empanelled Hospitals:
- Beneficiaries can check the list of empanelled hospitals on the official KASP website
- The KASP Health App provides information regarding empanelled hospitals based on location and specialty
Special Note:
The scheme is currently available across Kerala at all selected institutions. Patients can receive treatment free of cost at any of these institutions, whether government or private .
Important Links and Official Resources
Official Websites:
- KASP Official Portal: karunya.kerala.gov.in
- State Health Agency Kerala: sha.kerala.gov.in
- Kerala Government Official Portal: kerala.gov.in
Contact Details:
State Health Agency:
- Address: Artec Meenakshi Plaza, Opposite Government Women and Child Hospital, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 014
- Phone: 0471 – 4063121
- Email: statehealthagencykerala@gmail.com
KASP Health App:
Available on Google Play Store for checking eligibility, balance amount, and empanelled hospitals
What is the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi?
KASP is Kerala government’s flagship health insurance scheme providing ₹5 lakh coverage per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to economically vulnerable families. It is implemented by the State Health Agency Kerala and serves over 42 lakh families .
Who is eligible for the Karunya Health Insurance Scheme?
Eligibility is primarily for Kerala residents with an annual income below ₹3 lakh. Families with valid RSBY/CHIS cards (2018-2019), weaker sections identified by SECC, and families receiving direct Central Government letters are eligible. The scheme has no age restrictions .
How much financial coverage does KASP provide?
Each eligible family receives health coverage of ₹5 lakh per year. This covers secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation expenses including medicines, diagnostics, doctor fees, operation theatre charges, ICU expenses, and implant costs .
Is treatment free at all hospitals under KASP?
Yes, treatment is provided free of cost at all empanelled hospitals, whether government or private. The scheme covers 197 government hospitals, 4 central government hospitals, and 364 private hospitals across Kerala .
How can I apply for KASP?
Applications can be submitted online through the official portal karunya.kerala.gov.in by downloading the application form, filling it, and uploading required documents. Offline applications are accepted at KASP kiosks in empanelled hospitals .
What documents are required for KASP application?
Required documents include Aadhaar card, ration card, income certificate, residential proof, BPL card (if applicable), bank account details, and passport-size photographs. Medical reports may be needed for specific treatments .
How many treatment packages are covered under KASP?
A total of 1,667 treatment packages across 25 specialities are included in the scheme. Additionally, 89 government-specified treatment packages are available free of cost .
What is the Karunya Benevolent Fund?
KBF is a complementary scheme providing one-time treatment support of up to ₹2 lakh for families with annual income below ₹3 lakh. For kidney-related ailments, the assistance increases to ₹3 lakh. Benefits are available even for non-KASP beneficiaries .
What is the annual premium for KASP?
The annual premium per family is ₹1,050. The state government pays the full premium for 18.02 lakh families and contributes ₹418.80 for 23.97 lakh families, with the central government covering the remaining amount .
Is there a mobile app for KASP?
Yes, the KASP Health App is available on the Google Play Store. It provides information regarding eligibility, balance amount, empanelled hospitals based on location and specialty, and health notifications .