Andaman & Nicobar Islands Scheme for Health Insurance

Andaman & Nicobar Islands Scheme for Health Insurance (ANISHI) is a health scheme of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. It provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹5 Lakhs per patient for each illness, covering both indoor and outdoor hospital expenses. The scheme is made for residents of the islands who face money problems and cannot easily pay for healthcare, especially when they need treatment in mainland hospitals.

ANISHI was launched on 26 January 2015 by the Health Department of the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar. It is still running in 2026 and continues to help eligible residents, pensioners, and poor families get quality medical care without financial stress.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands Scheme for Health Insurance - Introduction

ANISHI aims to give complete medical support to the citizens of the islands. It is designed for people from poor families, pensioners who settled in the islands after retirement, and permanent residents with a family income below ₹3 Lakhs a year. For example, if a resident with limited income needs surgery, the scheme helps cover the cost so they do not have to worry about treatment expenses.

The scheme covers treatment at empanelled hospitals both in the islands and on the mainland. In 2026 the scheme continues to offer cashless care, and the government has been working to expand the network of public and private hospitals and to add telemedicine services so that people in remote islands can reach specialists more easily.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme offers strong support to help patients get the care they need without financial stress. The main benefits are given below.

• Cashless Treatment: You can get coverage of up to ₹5 Lakhs per patient for each illness, covering both indoor and outdoor procedures.
• Travel Reimbursement: If you travel for treatment, the scheme reimburses the bunk class fare for the patient and one attendant.
• Air Travel Support: For critically ill patients referred for treatment, the scheme covers the cost of flight tickets for the patient and one attendant.
• Emergency Coverage: If you fall ill during a personal visit to the mainland, you can still get emergency services, though travel costs are not included in this case.

Important Note: To make sure your expenses are covered, you must complete all formalities at the State Nodal Cell (ANISHI) before admission. If you seek treatment at a hospital without following these procedures, you may not be eligible for reimbursement.

Eligibility

You can apply if you fall into any of these categories.

• You belong to the Below Poverty Level (BPL) category and are settled in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• You are a government pensioner of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, having settled in the islands after your retirement, along with your dependent family members.
• You are a permanent resident of these islands with an annual family income of less than ₹3 Lakhs.

Application Process

Offline Enrollment and Approval

Follow these steps to get the benefits of the scheme.

STEP 1 - First, visit the Nodal Cell (ANISHI) to complete the required codal formalities. You must do this before getting admitted to any empanelled hospital.

STEP 2 - Obtain a referral from the concerned specialist at GB Pant Hospital, Port Blair.

STEP 3 - Once referred, submit your request to the Nodal Cell located at the DHS Office. The office usually processes your application within 02 days. After the Chairman approves it, you will receive an order allowing you to proceed with cashless treatment at the empanelled hospital.

For Emergency Cases on Mainland: If you fall sick while visiting the mainland, the Medical Superintendent of the empanelled hospital must first notify the Nodal Officer (ANISHI) about your condition. The Nodal Cell will verify your records and confirm coverage. If you are admitted to a non-empanelled hospital, they will move you to the nearest empanelled facility once you are stable to make sure your treatment remains covered. Please note that travel expenses are not reimbursed in these emergency cases.

Documents

When applying, please keep the following documents ready based on your category.

• For BPL Patients: Islander Card or Voter ID Card, and BPL Ration Card.
• For Pensioners: Pension Payment Order, Ration Card, and Islander Card or Voter ID Card.
• For Permanent Residents: Islander Card or Voter ID Card, and Ration Card.

References

Andaman & Nicobar e-Service Portal

FAQ's

What is ANISHI?

ANISHI is the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Scheme for Health Insurance, a welfare scheme launched on January 26, 2015, to give financial medical support to island residents.

Who is eligible for these benefits?

Eligibility is extended to BPL families, retired government pensioners of the A&N Administration with their dependents, and permanent residents whose family income is below ₹3 Lakhs.

What does the scheme cover?

It provides up to ₹5 Lakhs per patient for each illness, including indoor and outdoor medical treatments and required travel reimbursements.

How is the travel reimbursement handled?

The scheme reimburses the bunk class train fare for the patient and one attendant. For critical cases, the cost of air tickets is reimbursed for both the patient and one attendant.

Can I use this insurance outside the Andaman & Nicobar Islands?

Yes, the scheme covers treatment at empanelled hospitals on the mainland under specific referral guidelines.

What happens if I visit the mainland and face a medical emergency?

You can still get emergency treatment at an empanelled hospital if you contact the Nodal Officer. While the treatment is covered, travel costs will not be reimbursed in such cases.

How long does the application approval take?

The State Nodal Cell usually processes applications within 02 working days following verification and approval.