The federal government’s Prime Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme for Journalists and Media Workers, offering coverage to 15,000 registered individuals across Pakistan. This includes 5,000 journalists in the first phase and 10,000 more in the second phase.
What Is the Media Worker Health Insurance Scheme?
Under the 2024–25 federal budget, the media worker health insurance initiative allocates Rs 1 billion for treatment coverage of up to Rs 1.5 million annually per person. Eligible beneficiaries will be able to receive free medical treatment across 1,000 to 1,200 empaneled hospitals nationwide.
Who Is Eligible for the Journalist Health Card?
Journalist Health Card is targeted to media practitioners with valid accreditation regarded as working journalists. The recipients will have to be confirmed employees in the media belonging to registered press organisations or associations.
How to Apply for the PM Health Insurance Scheme?
In order to apply, people should complete the PID registration form on the web, through official Press Information Department (PID) site.
Registration Requirements Include:
- Valid CNIC
- Media organization letter or valid press card
- Proof of employment as a journalist or media worker
Visit the PID Health Insurance portal: https://pid.gov.pk/site/health to submit the form or check application status under the “Check Your Health Insurance” tab.
Coverage and Support Fund
The Journalist Health Card grants access to surgeries, emergency care, chronic disease treatment, and hospitalization under the covered annual limit. Additionally, in cases where a journalist dies in the line of duty, their family will receive up to Rs 4 million under the support fund.
Second Phase: Updated Guidelines Available
The second phase of an extra 10,000 people is already open. Official instructions have also been provided by the press clubs especially the National Press Club Islamabad to direct applicants. Working journalists can find it useful to track news on the websites of relevant press entities and PID portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is the Prime Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme for Journalists and Media?
It is a government-backed program providing free health coverage to 15,000 media professionals, launched under the federal budget 2024–25.
Who can apply for media worker health insurance?
Registered journalists and verified media workers with press accreditation or organization letters.
Where can I access the PID registration form online?
Applicants can register via pid.gov.pk and upload required documents.
What benefits does the Journalist Health Card offer?
It offers Rs 1–1.5 million coverage annually for hospital treatments, surgeries, and emergencies.