India · Lab & Scan Costs

What Should That Test Actually Cost?

Pick the tests you need and see the official CGHS government reference rate — the price central government hospitals and labs are required to charge. Then compare it against whatever you were actually quoted.

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CGHS reference total
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tests selected
Tier I
city / facility
Source: CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) Office Memorandum F.No. 5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024(Part I), dated 3 Oct 2025, effective 13 Oct 2025, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Tier II/III adjustments (−10% / −20%) per the same circular's city classification. Last verified: . These are official reference rates, not a private-market price cap — use them as an honest floor to compare a quote against, not a guarantee of what any specific lab will charge.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the CGHS rate, and why use it as a reference?
CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) publishes official approved rates that empanelled hospitals and labs must charge central government employees and pensioners. It's a real, government-set price for each test — not a market average — which makes it a useful honest floor to compare a private quote against, even if you're not a CGHS beneficiary yourself.
Why did the lab charge me more than the CGHS rate?
Private labs aren't required to charge CGHS rates unless they're CGHS-empanelled for that specific scheme. A higher price can reflect NABH accreditation, a metro location, home sample collection, or same-day reporting. It doesn't automatically mean you were overcharged — but a price far above the reference rate is worth a second quote.
Do CGHS rates vary by city?
Yes. The official rates apply in full to Tier I cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune). Tier II cities are set 10% lower and Tier III cities 20% lower under the same CGHS circular.
Does this cover every test and every city?
No — this covers 8 of the most commonly ordered tests and scans as a starting reference, not a full price list. Government rates are also a baseline, not a price cap on private providers, and your own test bundle or hospital package may be priced differently.