What this scheme offers
The first 48 hours after a road accident decide whether many victims live — and fear of the bill can delay treatment. Since December 2021, Tamil Nadu has removed that barrier: anyone injured in a road accident within the state, whether a resident, a visitor from another state or a foreign national, gets free emergency treatment for the first 48 hours at government hospitals and empanelled private hospitals. The cover was doubled from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh per victim. Over 5.1 lakh lives are reported to have been saved, and the scheme had a ₹493 crore outlay in the 2026-27 budget.
Who is eligible
- Anyone injured in a road accident within Tamil Nadu — no residency, income or insurance condition.
- Covers the first 48 hours of emergency treatment.
Documents required
- None required at admission — treatment starts first
How to apply
- Take the victim to the nearest government hospital or empanelled private hospital (or call 108).
- The hospital provides free treatment for the first 48 hours under the scheme; no payment or document is needed upfront.
- After 48 hours, continued treatment can be covered under the CM's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme or PM-JAY if the patient is eligible.