Ayushman Card Download – ₹5 Lakh Free Treatment, Eligibility & e-KYC
In short: Under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, an eligible family gets cashless hospital treatment of up to ₹5 lakh a year at empanelled public and private hospitals. All senior citizens aged 70 or above are eligible regardless of income. The Ayushman Card is created and downloaded with Aadhaar e-KYC on the Ayushman App or beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
Overview
| Organization | National Health Authority (NHA), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
|---|---|
| Benefit | ₹5 lakh per family per year (hospitalisation) |
| Seniors 70+ | No income condition; ₹5 lakh cover via Ayushman Vay Vandana Card |
| Payment mode | Cashless and paperless – nothing to pay at the hospital |
| Pre / post hospitalisation | Up to 3 days before and 15 days after (tests, medicines) |
| Required | Aadhaar-based e-KYC (mandatory) |
| Toll-free helpline | 14555 |
What is the scheme?
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) was launched on 23 September 2018. It is a fully government-funded health assurance scheme that gives eligible families a cover of ₹5 lakh a year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. According to PIB, it covers about 12.34 crore families, or roughly 55 crore people. There is no limit on family size or age.
Who is eligible?
- The scheme was originally built for the poorest 40% of the population based on SECC 2011. ASHAs, Anganwadi workers and helpers and their families were added later.
- All senior citizens aged 70 or above, with no income condition. Seniors covered by CGHS, ECHS or Ayushman CAPF can choose between their existing scheme and PM-JAY. Seniors with private health insurance or ESI are also eligible.
You can check whether your name is on the list by searching on beneficiary.nha.gov.in or the Ayushman App.
What is covered?
Treatment during hospitalisation, diagnostics, medicines, food and lodging, tests up to 3 days before admission, and medicines up to 15 days after discharge. As per 2024 figures, the scheme covered 1,949 procedures across 27 specialties. Thanks to portability, you can be treated at an empanelled hospital in any state.
Key points and common problems
e-KYC failure: Aadhaar e-KYC is mandatory for the Ayushman Card. Your request is approved or rejected after your Aadhaar details are matched with the scheme database. If your name or other details differ a lot, update Aadhaar first or get help at a CSC or an empanelled hospital.
Name not on the list: For people below 70, eligibility depends on the defined beneficiary list. If you cannot find your name, call 14555 for guidance.
When to apply: Eligible beneficiaries can create the card at any time of the year. For the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, you can also give a missed call on 1800110770.
How to Apply
- Download the Ayushman App from the Google Play Store or open beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
- Log in and search for your name or your family using the options shown on screen.
- If your name is found, complete Aadhaar e-KYC – your Aadhaar details are matched with the scheme database.
- Once e-KYC is approved, download your Ayushman Card.
- If you cannot do it yourself, visit the nearest CSC or an empanelled hospital to get the card made.
- Seniors aged 70+ can register for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card through the same channels.
Important Links
| Beneficiary portal (Ayushman Card) | Click Here |
|---|---|
| NHA – PM-JAY | Click Here |
| Cabinet decision on seniors 70+ (PIB) | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much free treatment does the Ayushman Card give?
An eligible family gets cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh a year at empanelled public and private hospitals.
Will every senior citizen above 70 get an Ayushman Card?
Yes. All seniors aged 70 or above are eligible regardless of income and get a separate Ayushman Vay Vandana Card. Those whose families are already covered get an extra top-up of up to ₹5 lakh a year for themselves.
Is a mobile number needed to make the Ayushman Card?
According to NHA, beneficiaries are identified through mandatory Aadhaar-based e-KYC; mobile numbers play no role in verification.
How is a small child treated without a separate card?
Children up to 5 years of age can get treatment on their parent's Ayushman Card.
Are pre-existing diseases covered?
Yes, all pre-existing conditions are covered from day one with no waiting period.
⚠️ This is not a government website. We simplify information from official sources. Always verify on the official website before applying.