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How to Apply Him Care Card in Himachal Pradesh — Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)
Updated: September 5, 2025. This guide explains the HIMCARE (Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme) application process — both online and via Common Service Centres (CSC) / Lok Mitra Kendra (LMK) — required documents, benefits, status checks, renewal and FAQs.
- The HIMCARE scheme provides cashless treatment coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year in empanelled hospitals. 1
- Apply online through the official HIMCARE portal or via CSC / LMK (offline assistance). 2
- The portal is typically opened on a quarterly basis (e.g., March, June, September, December windows). Check official notices for exact dates. 3
- What is HIMCARE? (Overview & benefits)
- Who is eligible?
- Documents required
- How to apply — Online step-by-step
- How to apply — Offline (CSC / LMK) step-by-step
- How to check application & download HIMCARE card
- Renewal process & timeline
- List of empaneled hospitals — how to find
- Common mistakes & tips
- FAQs
- Sample application / SMS templates
- Conclusion
1. What is HIMCARE? — Quick overview
HIMCARE (Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme) — also referred to as the Him Care Card or Himachal Pradesh Swasthya Bima Yojana — is a state government health coverage scheme designed to provide cashless medical treatment to eligible families in Himachal Pradesh. The scheme is modeled on the national Ayushman Bharat approach and aims to cover families that are not already covered under central schemes. The official HIMCARE portal and state health pages describe the scheme and services for enrolment and card issuance. 4
Key benefits
- Cashless treatment: Coverage up to ₹5,00,000 per family per year in empanelled hospitals. 5
- Wide hospital network: State and selected private empaneled hospitals for in-patient care.
- Simple enrolment: Online portal or through LMK/CSC support centres for those who need assistance. 6
2. Who is eligible for Him Care Card?
Eligibility is defined by the Himachal Pradesh government and typically includes families residing in the state that are not covered under Ayushman Bharat or similar central schemes. Some categories are exempted from premium, while others may pay a nominal premium — categories and premium slabs have been published in official guidance. For exact eligibility lists and category definitions, check the official enrolment pages or user manual. 7
Typical eligible groups (example)
- Families listed under state surveys or identified as vulnerable and not covered by Ayushman Bharat.
- Ration card holders (state-issued cards are commonly used to verify household status).
- Applicants must normally be residents of Himachal Pradesh and present local proof (ration card, Aadhaar, etc.).
3. Documents Required
Before you apply, gather the following documents (soft copies for online submission or originals/photocopies for CSC/LMK):
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ration Card | Both sides (front & back) — often requested as primary family identifier. Enter with prefix "HP" if instructed. 8 |
| Aadhaar Card | Aadhaar number for head of household and/or family members (where available). |
| Passport-size photo | Digital photo for card (if required). |
| Mobile number | Active number to receive URN/confirmation SMS. |
| Proof of residence (if asked) | Voter ID, electricity bill, or other state proofs. |
| Category proof (if applicable) | Documents to prove your category (e.g., BPL, special categories) as per scheme rules. |
4. How to apply — Online step-by-step (recommended)
The official HIMCARE portal offers online enrolment. Use a smartphone or PC, and ensure scanned copies/photos of documents are ready. The portal also provides options to check status and download the card once issued. 9
- Open the official HIMCARE website: Visit the Himachal Pradesh Swasthya Bima Yojana / HIMCARE portal (official links are available from hpsbys.in). 10
- Find “HIMCARE Enrolment” or “Online Enrolment”: On the homepage, click the link for enrolment / new application. The portal may display instructions. 11
- Choose your entry method: You may be asked to identify via Ration Card Number, Aadhaar Number, or other family identifiers. Enter details carefully (some pages require the prefix “HP” with ration numbers as explained in the user manual). 12
- Upload documents and enter family details: Upload both sides of your ration card, Aadhaar details, family member names, ages, gender, and mobile number. Follow the portal instructions for dependent details. 13
- Pay premium (if applicable): Certain categories may have a nominal premium. Follow the online payment link if required — otherwise free categories should show zero fee. Keep the receipt/URN. 14
- Submit & note the URN: On successful submission you will receive a Unique Reference Number (URN) or Application ID. Save this for tracking. 15
- Wait for verification & SMS: The state verification team will process the application; you’ll get SMS updates when the card is ready. You can download or print the E-Card once issued. 16
5. How to apply — Offline via CSC / Lok Mitra Kendra (LMK)
If you do not have internet access or face problems with online submission, you can go to the nearest CSC or Lok Mitra Kendra. These centers are authorized to fill forms and upload documents on your behalf for a small fee (for data entry / service). The LMK/CSC staff can also print the card for you once issued. 18
- Visit your nearest CSC / Lok Mitra Kendra (LMK). Carry original/photocopies of your Ration Card, Aadhaar, photo, and a mobile number.
- Inform the operator you want to apply for the HIMCARE (Him Care) card.
- The operator will help enter family details, upload scanned/captured images of documents, and pay any fees if your category requires premium.
- Obtain the Unique Reference Number (URN) or receipt from the CSC/LMK for future tracking.
6. How to check application status & download your Him Care Card
After submission, you can track your enrolment status and, once verified, download the HIMCARE E-Card (or get a PVC card through CSC/LMK). The official portal provides a Download / Get My Himcare Card page where you can search by URN, Ration Card, or Aadhaar. 19
Steps to check status / download card
- Visit the HIMCARE portal and click on HIMCARE Enrolment Status or Download and Print HIMCARE Card. 20
- Enter your URN / Ration Card / Aadhaar details as requested and submit.
- If your record is available and verified, a downloadable E-Card / PDF will be displayed (you can print or save it on your phone).
- If "No records found" appears, wait for the verification to complete or contact the LMK/CSC where you applied for details. 21
7. Renewal process & timeline
HIMCARE cards are generally valid for one year and must be renewed annually during the designated renewal window. Renewal instructions and timelines are published on the official portal; some notifications indicate renewal windows and SMS reminders before expiry. Renew early during the renewal window to avoid gaps in coverage. 22
How to renew
- Visit the HIMCARE portal and choose Renewal of Card under the enrolment section. 23
- Enter your URN / HIMCARE number and follow instructions. Upload any updated documents if requested.
- Pay renewal premium if your category requires payment.
- Download new e-card or print through CSC/LMK once renewal is confirmed.
8. How to find empaneled hospitals
The official HIMCARE site provides a searchable list of empaneled hospitals by district and specialty. Before seeking cashless treatment, check the empanelled hospital list and call the hospital to confirm service availability under HIMCARE. 24
9. Common mistakes & tips to avoid delays
- Incorrect ration card entry: Enter the ration card number exactly as required — some forms need the "HP" prefix or exact formatting. Mistyped ration numbers cause verification failures. 25
- Wrong Aadhaar mapping: Ensure Aadhaar names and DOB match your ration card/family list to avoid mismatches.
- Low-quality scans/photos: Upload clear images of both sides of the ration card and readable Aadhaar copies.
- No URN record: Keep the URN safe — you will need it for status checks and renewals. If you applied via CSC/LMK, collect the receipt slip.
- Missed window: Apply during portal windows: the government may open the portal quarterly. Watch official announcements. 26
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the coverage amount under HIMCARE?
Where do I apply for HIMCARE?
Can I download the HIMCARE card immediately after applying?
Is there any fee to apply?
11. Sample application & SMS templates
Use these templates when visiting a CSC/LMK or calling hospital helpdesks.
Sample text to give at CSC/LMK
Hello,
I would like to apply for the HIMCARE (Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme) card.
Name of head of family: [FULL NAME]
Ration Card No: [HPXXXXXXXX]
Aadhaar No (head): [XXXXXXXXXXXX]
Mobile: [+91XXXXXXXXXX]
Documents: Ration card (both sides), Aadhaar, family details.
Please enroll and provide URN/receipt.
Thank you.
Sample SMS (for hospital or helpline)
HIMCARE STATUS [URN] - Please confirm status of my application. URN: [URN], Name: [Full Name], Mobile: [+91...]
12. Contact & help resources
For authoritative updates and to use the enrolment portal, always rely on the official HIMCARE pages under the Himachal Pradesh Swasthya Bima Yojana website. You can also find user manuals and step-by-step PDFs on the government pages which give page-specific instructions (for example, how to enter the ration card number). For announcements about portal windows and government decisions, look for official press releases from the Himachal government. 31
13. Conclusion — Quick checklist before applying
- Keep clear scanned copies of both sides of your ration card and Aadhaar ready.
- Record the URN after submission — it is essential for status and renewal.
- Apply during portal windows (quarterly) or use CSC/LMK for support if portal is closed. 32
- Confirm empaneled hospitals in your district before seeking cashless treatment. 33