ESIC — Employee State Insurance Guide
In this guide
Step-by-step Process
Understand ESIC Coverage
ESIC is a mandatory social security scheme for employees earning up to ₹21,000/month (₹25,000 for disabled employees) in factories and establishments with 10+ employees. It provides: free medical treatment for employee and family, sickness benefit (70% of wages for 91 days), maternity benefit (26 weeks), disability benefit, and dependent's benefit on death.
Registration — Employer and Employee
Employer registers the establishment at esic.gov.in within 15 days of becoming covered. Employee gets an ESIC number automatically through employer registration. Contributions: employer pays 3.25% of wages, employee pays 0.75% (total 4% of wages). Contributions are deducted monthly from salary.
Get Your ESIC Card
After registration, download your ESIC e-Pehchaan card from esic.gov.in using your IP (Insured Person) number. The card covers you, your spouse, parents (if dependent), and children up to 25 years. Carry this card to any ESIC dispensary or hospital for free treatment.
Avail Medical Benefits
Visit your nearest ESIC dispensary for OPD treatment (free). For specialist or hospital treatment, get a referral from the dispensary. ESIC hospitals provide free inpatient treatment including surgery, ICU, and medicines. In areas without ESIC infrastructure, you can avail treatment from empanelled private hospitals (ESIC pays directly).
Documents Required
- ✓ESIC e-Pehchaan card
- ✓Aadhaar card
- ✓Salary slips (to verify contribution)
- ✓Family member Aadhaar cards (for dependent coverage)
Official Government Portals
Common Questions
What happens to ESIC coverage if I leave my job?
ESIC coverage continues for 6 months after the last contribution (extended benefit period). After that, if you are unemployed, you may be eligible for Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana — which provides unemployment allowance and medical benefits for up to 2 years.
Is ESIC better than private health insurance?
ESIC provides comprehensive coverage including OPD, inpatient, maternity, and cash benefits — often better than basic private insurance. However, ESIC facilities are only available in certain areas and hospitals. In cities with good ESIC infrastructure, it's excellent. You can also hold private insurance alongside ESIC.
Was this guide helpful?