Home / Commons / Session kits / Reading a medical bill / Handout: India

Reach · Handout

Reading a medical bill: India.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · New Zealand · Philippines.

Moraph for Good · Reach

Reading a medical bill: India

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/reading-a-medical-bill

This sheet explains how to read and check a medical bill, invoice or charge, and where to get help where you live. It is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.

Read it

  • Who it’s from, and the account or reference number.
  • The date and charge for each line.
  • What has already been paid, and what is still owed.
  • The due date and who to call.

Check it

  • Ask for an itemized bill with every line.
  • Compare it with any estimate, quote or insurer statement.
  • Look for repeated lines, things you didn’t have and wrong dates.

Question it

  • Call or write to the billing office about specific lines.
  • Note the date, the name of the person and what they said.
  • Ask for important answers in writing.

Before you pay

  • Ask about financial help, discounts and payment plans.
  • Check whether a public scheme or refund applies.
  • Be wary of anyone demanding payment by gift card or payment app.

In India

  • The Charter of Patients’ Rights. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shared the Charter of Patients’ Rights recommended by the National Human Rights Commission with all states and union territories in 2019. Health is a state subject, so it is up to each state to adopt and enforce it; check what applies where you live.
  • Rates and an itemised bill. The charter says patients have a right to see the hospital’s rates for each service on a display board and in a brochure, and to an itemised, detailed bill when they pay, with an explanation of the bill and receipts for any payment.
  • Expected costs in writing. The charter also says patients and their carers have a right to factual information on the expected cost of treatment, given in writing, and to be told about any extra cost if the patient’s condition changes.
  • Medicines, tests and records. Under the charter, essential medicines should not cost more than the prescribed rates or the maximum retail price on the pack, and you can buy prescribed medicines or have tests done at any registered pharmacy or laboratory you choose. You can also ask for copies of your case papers, records and test reports, though a photocopying fee may apply.
  • If you are covered by AB PM-JAY. Treatment under AB PM-JAY is cashless at empanelled hospitals, and empanelled hospitals cannot deny treatment to eligible beneficiaries. If something goes wrong, such as irregularities or refusal of treatment, you can file a grievance through the Centralized Grievance Redressal Management System (CGRMS) or the 24-hour toll-free helpline, 14555.

Official places to check:

  • National Human Rights Commission (published by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare): clinicalestablishments.mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-07/8431.pdf
  • Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare): www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1797699&reg=3&lang=1
  • Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare): www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2243769&reg=3&lang=1
  • Press Information Bureau (Government of India): www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2185049&reg=3&lang=1

More free official help in India: moraph.org/commons/help/health-access/in

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 20 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/reading-a-medical-bill