Yes, medical insurance is mandatory for employees in India, according to the Employees' State Insurance Act of 1948.
Employees' State Insurance (ESI) is a social security and health insurance scheme for Indian workers. This scheme is managed by the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) according to rules and regulations laid down by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Under the ESI Act, it is mandatory for employers to contribute 4.75% of the salary of their employees to the ESI scheme, while employees need to contribute 1.75%. The employer's contribution must be made and remitted to ESIC on a monthly basis.
The scheme is mandatory for employees working in organizations with more than 10 employees earning up to Rs 21,000 per month. The scheme is voluntary for those who are earning more than Rs 21,000 per month.
ESIC provides free medical treatment to the insured employees and their families, including eight specialist doctors, free medicines and diagnostic services, hospitalization, maternity benefits, and other facilities.
For more information about ESI, please visit the official website of the Employees' State Insurance Corporation: https://www.esic.in/