Ayushman Bharat Card 2026

Healthcare expenses can become a major financial burden for many families. To help eligible citizens access quality medical treatment without worrying about high hospital bills, the Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

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The scheme provides eligible beneficiaries with cashless hospitalization coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary medical care at empanelled public and private hospitals across India. It is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA). (Google Play)

If you are wondering whether you qualify for an Ayushman Bharat Card, how to check your eligibility, which documents are required, or how to apply online, this guide explains the complete process in simple language.

Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 – Overview

Particular	Details
Scheme Name	Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
Launched By	Government of India
Implemented By	National Health Authority (NHA)
Category	Government Health Scheme
Coverage	Up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year
Treatment Type	Cashless hospitalization
Hospitals	Government & Empanelled Private Hospitals
Application Mode	Online & Assisted Enrollment
Official Portal	PM-JAY Beneficiary Portal

What is Ayushman Bharat Card?

The Ayushman Bharat Card is a health benefit card issued to eligible beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).

The card enables eligible families to receive cashless treatment for covered medical procedures at empanelled hospitals. Instead of paying hospital expenses upfront for eligible treatments, beneficiaries can avail services under the scheme according to its terms and coverage. (India.gov.in)

Objectives of the Scheme

The primary objectives of Ayushman Bharat are:

Improve access to quality healthcare.
Reduce the financial burden caused by hospitalization.
Provide cashless treatment for eligible beneficiaries.
Improve healthcare access in both urban and rural areas.
Support economically vulnerable families with health coverage.

The scheme forms an important part of India’s efforts toward expanding healthcare access through public health initiatives. (India.gov.in)

Major Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Card

Eligible beneficiaries may receive several benefits under the scheme, including:

Cashless Hospitalization

Eligible patients can receive covered treatments without making upfront payments at empanelled hospitals, subject to the scheme’s rules.

Coverage up to ₹5 Lakh

The scheme provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalization. (Google Play)

Treatment Across India

One of the biggest advantages of PM-JAY is portability. Eligible beneficiaries can access covered treatment at empanelled hospitals across different states, subject to scheme provisions.

Wide Network of Hospitals

Treatment is available through thousands of empanelled government and private hospitals participating in PM-JAY.

Multiple Medical Procedures

The scheme covers a large number of treatment packages, including surgeries and specialized medical procedures, according to the official package list and eligibility criteria. (AIIMS Bhubaneswar)

Who Can Benefit from the Scheme?

Ayushman Bharat is intended for eligible beneficiaries identified under the scheme’s criteria.

Depending on applicable rules and updates, eligible groups may include certain economically vulnerable households identified through official databases. Recent policy updates have also expanded eligibility in some cases, including certain senior citizens aged 70 years and above. Eligibility should always be verified through the official beneficiary portal. (The Economic Times)

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is not based on submitting a fresh application alone. Instead, beneficiaries are generally identified using government records and approved criteria.

Depending on current guidelines, eligibility may include:

Families listed in the PM-JAY beneficiary database.
Eligible households identified through applicable government records.
Certain rural and urban categories defined under the scheme.
Eligible senior citizens under current PM-JAY provisions.
Other categories notified by the Government from time to time. (West Bengal Government)

If you are unsure whether you qualify, the easiest option is to check your status on the official PM-JAY beneficiary portal or through the official Ayushman app. (Google Play)

How to Check Your Eligibility

Checking your eligibility is simple.

Step 1

Visit the official PM-JAY Beneficiary Portal.

Step 2

Step 3

Select your State.

Step 4

Search using one of the available options, such as:

Aadhaar Number (where applicable)
Family ID
Mobile Number
Other supported identifiers

Step 5

If your name appears in the beneficiary database, you can proceed with identity verification and Ayushman Card generation, following the instructions shown on the portal. (India.gov.in)

Required Documents

If you are eligible under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme, you may be asked to provide certain documents during identity verification or Ayushman Card generation. The exact requirements may vary depending on your State and the method of verification.

Commonly required documents include:

Aadhaar Card (for identity verification where applicable)
Ration Card (if applicable)
Registered Mobile Number
Family ID or other eligible identification details (where applicable)
Passport-size Photograph (if required during assisted enrollment)
Other documents requested by the verification authority

In some cases, verification may also be completed through a Common Service Centre (CSC), an empanelled hospital, or an Ayushman Mitra desk. (AIIMS Bhubaneswar)

How to Apply for an Ayushman Bharat Card

If your name appears in the PM-JAY beneficiary database, you can complete the verification process and obtain your Ayushman Bharat Card.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Visit the official PM-JAY Beneficiary Portal and verify whether you are eligible under the scheme.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

Complete the identity verification process using the required documents and OTP or biometric verification, wherever applicable.

Step 3: Complete e-KYC

If requested, complete the e-KYC process to verify your identity.

Step 4: Card Generation

Once your verification is successfully completed, your Ayushman Bharat Card can be generated.

Step 5: Download or Print Your Card

You can download the digital card or obtain a printed copy through an authorized service center or hospital, depending on the available options in your State. (Ayushman Bharat Haryana)

How to Download Your Ayushman Bharat Card

After successful verification, eligible beneficiaries can usually download their Ayushman Bharat Card by following these steps:

Visit the official beneficiary portal.
Log in using your registered mobile number.
Verify the OTP.
Select your beneficiary profile.
Download the Ayushman Bharat Card if available.

If you are unable to download the card online, you may also visit a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC) or an empanelled hospital for assistance. (AIIMS Bhubaneswar)

How to Find an Empanelled Hospital

The benefits of PM-JAY can generally be availed only at hospitals that are empanelled under the scheme.

To locate a participating hospital:

Visit the official PM-JAY hospital search portal.
Select your State and District.
Choose the hospital type if required.
Search the available list of empanelled hospitals.

Before visiting a hospital, it is advisable to confirm that it currently provides treatment under PM-JAY and that the required medical package is covered. (Press Information Bureau)

Cashless Treatment Process

When an eligible beneficiary visits an empanelled hospital:

Identity verification is completed.
Eligibility is confirmed.
The hospital initiates pre-authorization for applicable treatment when required.
Approved treatment is provided according to the scheme guidelines.
Subject to scheme rules, eligible beneficiaries are not required to pay for covered services included under the approved package. (AIIMS Bhubaneswar)

Common Reasons Why an Ayushman Card May Not Be Generated

Some common situations include:

Your name is not found in the beneficiary database.
Identity verification could not be completed.
Incorrect personal details.
Mobile number mismatch.
Pending verification.
State-specific eligibility requirements are not met.

If you believe you are eligible but are facing issues, you may contact the nearest CSC, Ayushman Mitra, or the appropriate State Health Agency for guidance. (Ayushman Bharat Haryana)

Important Tips Before Applying

Before generating your Ayushman Bharat Card, keep these points in mind:

Check your eligibility through the official beneficiary portal.
Keep your identification documents ready.
Ensure that your personal information matches your official records.
Verify hospital empanelment before seeking treatment.
Read the applicable terms and conditions of the scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Ayushman Bharat Card?

It is a beneficiary identification card issued to eligible individuals under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme to facilitate cashless hospitalization at empanelled hospitals.

2. Is everyone eligible for an Ayushman Bharat Card?

No. Eligibility depends on the criteria prescribed under PM-JAY and applicable government records. You should verify your eligibility through the official beneficiary portal. (AIIMS Bhubaneswar)

3. How much health coverage is available?

Eligible families can receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalization under the scheme. (Ayushman Bharat Haryana)

4. Can I receive treatment in another State?

Yes. PM-JAY offers portability, allowing eligible beneficiaries to access treatment at empanelled hospitals across India, subject to the scheme guidelines. (Ayushman Bharat Haryana)

5. Is there any registration fee?

Eligible beneficiaries generally do not need to pay to receive the benefits of the scheme. However, identity verification and card generation must be completed through the prescribed process.

6. Can I apply online?

You can check your eligibility online and, where available, complete the verification process through the official portal. Assistance is also available through Common Service Centres (CSCs) and empanelled hospitals. (AIIMS Bhubaneswar)

7. Is Aadhaar mandatory?

Identity verification requirements may vary depending on applicable guidelines and State implementation. Follow the instructions provided during the verification process. (AIIMS Bhubaneswar)

8. How can I find the nearest Ayushman hospital?

You can use the official PM-JAY hospital search facility to locate empanelled hospitals in your district or State. (Press Information Bureau)

Final Thoughts

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is one of India’s largest public health initiatives, designed to improve access to quality healthcare for eligible beneficiaries. If you believe you qualify under the scheme, it is advisable to check your eligibility through the official PM-JAY beneficiary portal and complete the verification process using authentic information and documents.

Always rely on official sources for the latest updates regarding eligibility, hospital empanelment, treatment packages, and operational guidelines, as these may change over time.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only. UP Sarkari Yojana is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Government of India, the National Health Authority (NHA), or any government department. Scheme rules, eligibility criteria, application procedures, treatment packages, and official guidelines may change over time. Readers are advised to verify the latest information through the relevant official government websites or authorized authorities before making any decisions or seeking benefits under the scheme.