What Is Ayushman Bharat Health Card? How To Apply: ₹5 Lakh Cashless Cover Explained
What Is Ayushman Bharat Health Card? How To Apply: ₹5 Lakh Cashless Cover Explained
Ayushman Bharat Health Card is one of the most searched government healthcare schemes in India today. If you are looking for what is Ayushman Bharat Health Card and how to apply, this complete 2026 guide will give you clear, updated, and practical information.
The card is issued under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, commonly called PM-JAY. It provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for hospitalization. The scheme is part of the larger Ayushman Bharat initiative launched in September 2018.
This program focuses on financially vulnerable families and now includes expanded benefits for senior citizens aged 70 plus, regardless of income. It offers cashless and paperless treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals across India. In 2026, it continues to be one of the largest government funded health assurance schemes in the world.
Key Takeaways
- ₹5 lakh per family per year hospitalization cover
- Cashless treatment at more than 15,000 private hospitals
- No limit on family size, age, or pre existing diseases
- Based on SECC 2011 eligibility criteria
- All seniors aged 70 plus eligible regardless of income
- Additional ₹5 lakh top up for eligible senior citizens in covered families
- Over 35.69 crore Ayushman cards generated from April 2020 to January 2026
- Around 5.77 crore private hospital admissions authorized worth ₹1.15 lakh crore
- Card generation is verification based, not like regular insurance purchase
- Fully portable across India
What Is Ayushman Bharat Health Card?
Ayushman Bharat Health Card is an e card issued under PM-JAY. It is often called Ayushman Card or PMJAY card. It acts as proof that your family is eligible for free secondary and tertiary hospitalization coverage up to ₹5 lakh per year.
The coverage works on a family floater basis. This means the total ₹5 lakh amount can be used by one or more family members in a financial year. There is no cap on the number of family members covered and no age restriction under the main scheme.
The scheme is implemented by the National Health Authority in coordination with state health agencies. It is jointly funded by the Central Government and State Governments.
The card enables completely cashless and paperless treatment at empanelled hospitals. Beneficiaries do not have to pay hospital bills upfront if the treatment falls under approved packages.
Ayushman Card vs ABHA: Do Not Confuse Them
Many people mistakenly believe that generating an ABHA number automatically provides ₹5 lakh insurance. This is incorrect.
The Ayushman Bharat Health Card under PM-JAY provides insurance benefits. It allows cashless hospitalization up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled hospitals.
On the other hand, ABHA is issued under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. ABHA stands for Ayushman Bharat Health Account. It is a 14 digit digital health ID that helps store and share medical records like prescriptions, lab reports, and discharge summaries digitally.
ABHA does not provide any financial coverage. It only helps manage digital health data. However, linking ABHA with PM-JAY can improve your treatment experience because hospitals can access records faster.
Understanding this difference is important because thousands of applicants generate ABHA IDs thinking they are covered under the ₹5 lakh insurance scheme.
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Latest Statistics And Impact In 2026
As per official dashboard updates available till early 2026:
- Over 35.69 crore Ayushman cards generated from April 2020 to January 2026
- Around 5.77 crore private hospital admissions authorized
- Treatments worth approximately ₹1.15 lakh crore carried out in private hospitals
- More than 15,000 private hospitals empanelled under the scheme
- Nearly 1,900 plus treatment packages covered
These numbers highlight the massive scale of the program. Millions of families have avoided financial distress due to expensive surgeries and critical treatments.
The scheme has significantly reduced out of pocket healthcare expenditure for economically weaker sections. It has also improved access to quality private healthcare facilities that were earlier unaffordable for low income households.
Major 2024 To 2026 Expansions
Recent expansions have made the scheme even more inclusive and relevant.
Universal Coverage For Seniors Aged 70 Plus
Since 2024, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY regardless of income category. This is a major policy shift.
If a family is already covered under PM-JAY, eligible senior members aged 70 plus receive a separate additional ₹5 lakh cover. This significantly increases healthcare protection for elderly citizens who are more prone to hospitalization.
Inclusion Of ASHA And Anganwadi Workers
Frontline health workers such as ASHA and Anganwadi workers have also been included along with their families. This expansion recognizes their contribution to public healthcare delivery.
These updates make the scheme far more relevant in 2026 compared to older articles that only mention SECC based eligibility.
Who Is Eligible For Ayushman Bharat Health Card
Eligibility is primarily determined using Socio Economic Caste Census 2011 data for most beneficiaries. However, the new senior citizen expansion changes eligibility for those aged 70 plus.
Rural Eligibility Criteria
Rural households may qualify if they fall under deprivation categories such as:
- Landless households dependent on manual labor
- SC or ST households
- Families with no adult member aged 16 to 59
- Female headed households with no adult male member
- Disabled member with no able bodied adult support
Urban Eligibility Criteria
Urban beneficiaries are identified based on occupational categories including:
- Ragpickers
- Domestic workers
- Construction workers
- Street vendors
- Transport workers
- Sanitation workers
Universal Eligibility For Seniors
All citizens aged 70 plus are eligible regardless of income or property ownership. Aadhaar based verification is generally required for enrollment under this category.
Exclusions
Certain categories are typically excluded under SECC criteria:
- Government employees
- Income tax payers
- Families owning motorized vehicles
- Households with significant land holdings
If you are unsure about eligibility, always check online first before visiting any center.
What Is Covered Under The Scheme
The scheme covers a wide range of secondary and tertiary hospitalization procedures.
| Coverage Component | Included |
|---|---|
| Hospitalization | Yes |
| Pre hospitalization | 3 days |
| Post hospitalization | 15 days |
| Diagnostics | Yes |
| Medicines | Yes |
| ICU services | Yes |
| Pre existing diseases | Covered from day one |
Additional important benefits include:
- Coverage for approximately 1,900 medical procedures
- No waiting period for pre existing diseases
- Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals
- No premium payment required from beneficiaries
- Nationwide portability across states
Nationwide portability means a beneficiary from one state can receive treatment in another state at any empanelled hospital. This is especially useful for migrant workers.
Why Ayushman Bharat Card Matters In 2026
Healthcare inflation in India continues to rise steadily. Even a single hospitalization for surgery or critical illness can cost several lakh rupees in private hospitals.
For financially vulnerable families, such expenses often lead to debt traps or selling assets. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY significantly reduces this burden by covering treatment costs up to ₹5 lakh annually.
For senior citizens, the additional dedicated cover is extremely important because elderly patients usually require frequent medical care, diagnostics, and surgeries.
The scheme not only provides financial security but also improves access to organized healthcare systems and digital record integration through ABHA.
How To Apply For Ayushman Bharat Health Card In 2026
Important point. Ayushman Bharat Health Card is entitlement based. It is not like buying a private insurance policy. You must first confirm eligibility.
Step 1 Check Eligibility Online
Visit the official beneficiary portal of the National Health Authority.
- Click on the Am I Eligible option
- Enter your mobile number
- Verify using OTP
- Select your state
- Search using name, ration card number, Aadhaar number, or mobile number
If eligible, your family details will appear on the screen.
Step 2 Visit Verification Or Enrollment Center
If eligible, visit one of the following:
- Empanelled hospital with PM-JAY helpdesk
- Common Service Centre
- Ayushman kiosk
- Ration shop authorized for assistance
- ASHA or Anganwadi worker assisted center in villages
An Arogya Mitra or operator will guide you through the process.
Step 3 Document Verification And e KYC
Carry the following documents:
- Aadhaar card for biometric or OTP based e KYC
- Ration card or family ID
- Active mobile number
Biometric fingerprint or OTP authentication will be completed. Seniors facing fingerprint issues may use OTP based verification where allowed.
Step 4 e Card Generation And Download
Once verification is successful, your PM-JAY e card is generated digitally. You can:
- Download the e card online
- Receive a printed laminated card from the center
- Access it through official portals if login credentials are provided
Keep a digital copy saved on your phone for emergency use.
How To Download Ayushman Card After Approval
If your card has already been generated, you can download it by:
- Visiting the beneficiary portal
- Logging in using mobile number and OTP
- Searching your family ID
- Clicking download e card option
- Saving the PDF for printing
Always ensure your mobile number is active and linked correctly to avoid login issues.
Common Problems During Application And How To Fix Them
Many applicants face simple but frustrating technical issues.
Name Mismatch Between Aadhaar And SECC Data
Small spelling differences can lead to verification failure. Correction may require updating Aadhaar details or seeking help at CSC.
Old Or Inactive Mobile Number
If OTP is sent to an inactive number, update Aadhaar mobile details before attempting enrollment again.
Biometric Fingerprint Failure For Seniors
Elderly beneficiaries often face fingerprint mismatch. In such cases, OTP based verification or iris authentication may help depending on facility availability.
Family Details Not Updated
Marriage, migration, or death in family may not reflect in old SECC data. Visit local CSC for guidance on update procedures.
Confusion Between ABHA And PMJAY
Many people assume generating ABHA ID completes insurance enrollment. Remember, ABHA is only a digital health ID, not insurance coverage.
Most rejections are due to data mismatch rather than actual ineligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ayushman Bharat Health Card completely free
Yes, eligible beneficiaries do not pay any premium or registration fee. The government bears the cost.
Can I use the card in any state
Yes, treatment is portable across India at empanelled hospitals.
How many family members can be covered
There is no fixed family size limit under PM-JAY.
Are pre existing diseases covered
Yes, pre existing diseases are covered from day one without waiting period.
What should I do if my application is rejected
Check for data mismatch issues and visit the nearest Common Service Centre for assistance.
What are the official helpline numbers
You can call 14555 or 1800 111 565 for assistance and grievance support.
Public Opinion And Ground Reality
Public feedback has generally been positive, especially among rural and economically weaker sections. Beneficiaries appreciate the ability to receive treatment at private hospitals without immediate payment.
Senior citizen inclusion has received strong support because elderly individuals often struggle with medical expenses. However, rural beneficiaries sometimes face challenges in biometric verification and document mismatches.
Improved assistance through ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, ration shops, and digital integration is gradually addressing these challenges.
Official Authority And Sources
Implementing authority: National Health Authority
Helpline numbers:
14555
1800 111 565
For accurate and updated information, always rely on official government portals and verified helpdesks.
Final Words
Ayushman Bharat Health Card under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is a powerful healthcare safety net for vulnerable families in India. With ₹5 lakh annual coverage, additional protection for seniors aged 70 plus, cashless treatment, and nationwide portability, it has already transformed access to healthcare for crores of citizens.
Before applying, always check eligibility online. Keep Aadhaar and mobile details updated. Clearly understand the difference between PM-JAY insurance card and ABHA digital health ID.
If you qualify, complete verification without delay. Timely healthcare access can protect both health and financial stability.
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