A road accident can turn into a medical and financial emergency within seconds. For many families, the biggest concern after reaching a hospital is how to arrange money for emergency treatment. To help address this problem, the central government has introduced the Prime Minister – Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment (PM RAHAT) Scheme.

Launched in February 2026, the scheme provides eligible road accident victims with cashless treatment worth up to ₹1.5 lakh per person for a maximum period of seven days from the date of the accident. It applies to qualifying accidents involving motor vehicles on roads across India.

The initiative aims to help victims receive prompt medical attention without immediate payment becoming a barrier to emergency care.

What Is the PM RAHAT Scheme?

PM RAHAT is a nationwide government initiative designed to provide timely medical treatment to road accident victims, particularly during the critical period immediately after an accident.

The scheme provides treatment coverage of up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim, subject to a maximum of seven days from the accident date. Treatment is provided at designated hospitals under the scheme’s prescribed procedures.

The initiative also connects emergency response services, police authorities and hospitals through digital systems to help coordinate accident reporting, hospital admission and treatment verification.

How Much Free Treatment Is Available?

Under PM RAHAT, eligible road accident victims can receive cashless treatment within the following limits.

The ₹1.5 lakh limit is a maximum, not an automatic payment to every victim. The treatment covered depends on the medical services provided and the scheme’s applicable rules.

The scheme is separate from Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, although hospitals empanelled under PM-JAY that meet the relevant requirements may also qualify as designated hospitals for PM RAHAT.

Who Can Benefit From the Scheme?

The scheme is intended for people injured in road accidents caused by the use of motor vehicles. Eligibility is not limited to the owner or driver of the vehicle.

Depending on the circumstances, eligible victims may include:

• Drivers injured in a road accident.

• Passengers travelling in a vehicle.

• Pedestrians injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle.

• Victims of accidents involving uninsured vehicles or hit-and-run cases, subject to the scheme’s procedures.

The scheme is intended to provide treatment based on eligibility and prescribed health benefit packages, rather than the victim’s ability to pay immediately.

What Should You Do After a Road Accident?

Knowing what to do can help a victim reach appropriate medical care quickly.

Step 1: Call 112

If an accident occurs, call the emergency helpline at 112. The service can help provide information about the nearest designated hospital and request ambulance assistance where needed.

Step 2: Arrange Immediate Medical Assistance

Do not delay emergency treatment while trying to arrange money or insurance documents. If it is safe to do so, seek assistance from emergency responders and follow their instructions.

Step 3: Reach a Designated Hospital

The victim should be taken to a hospital designated under the PM RAHAT scheme. Emergency responders can help identify an appropriate facility.

Step 4: Allow the Verification Process to Begin

After admission, the hospital initiates the prescribed digital treatment and verification process. Police authentication is also handled through the scheme’s integrated systems.

Family members should cooperate with hospital staff and provide the information requested for identification and accident reporting.

How Long Is Emergency Stabilisation Treatment Available?

The scheme provides for stabilisation treatment at designated hospitals for:

• Up to 24 hours in cases that are not life-threatening.

• Up to 48 hours in life-threatening cases.

These provisions operate under the scheme’s procedures, including the required police response and authentication process.

The purpose is to help ensure that a victim receives essential initial care while the verification process proceeds.

Does the Scheme Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Yes, the scheme includes eligible accidents involving uninsured vehicles and hit-and-run cases.

The funding mechanism depends on the circumstances. Where the offending vehicle is insured, the scheme’s Motor Vehicle Accident Fund receives contributions from general insurance companies. For eligible uninsured and hit-and-run cases, government budgetary support is provided.

Victims should not assume that the absence of insurance information automatically makes them ineligible. They should seek emergency assistance and let the hospital and authorities follow the applicable procedures.

What If a Hospital Refuses Cashless Treatment?

If a victim believes they qualify but faces difficulty accessing the scheme, they should first ask the hospital whether it is designated under PM RAHAT and request clarification about the reason for the refusal.

The scheme provides a grievance redressal mechanism at district, state and national levels. A complaint can be raised through the appropriate authority if the issue remains unresolved.

Keep any available hospital records, accident details and relevant documents to help authorities examine the complaint. In an emergency, medical assistance should remain the immediate priority.

Why Is This Scheme Important?

The first hour after a serious injury is often crucial. Delays in reaching a hospital can worsen the outcome, while financial uncertainty can create additional stress for families.

PM RAHAT seeks to reduce these barriers by establishing a defined cashless treatment limit and linking emergency services with hospitals and police systems.

According to a government update published in August 2026, 22,481 road accident victims had benefited from the scheme across 34 states and Union Territories as of July 31, 2026.

Final Takeaway

PM RAHAT provides eligible road accident victims with cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for a maximum of seven days, subject to the scheme’s conditions. It covers qualifying motor vehicle accidents and includes provisions for eligible uninsured and hit-and-run cases.

The most important information to remember is simple: call 112 after an accident, seek immediate medical assistance and ask for a designated hospital under PM RAHAT. Knowing about the scheme in advance could help families respond more confidently during an emergency.