Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), commonly known as Ayushman Bharat, is one of the world's largest government-funded health assurance schemes. Launched in 2018, it aims to provide cashless secondary and tertiary healthcare to over 55 crore vulnerable beneficiaries. In 2026, the scheme operates pan-India, covering all states and Union Territories, including recent additions like West Bengal.
The Ayushman Card (also called PMJAY Card or Golden Card) serves as your digital health ID. It entitles eligible families to up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for cashless treatment at over 30,000 empanelled hospitals. Senior citizens aged 70+ enjoy expanded coverage under Ayushman Vay Vandana.
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Overview of Ayushman Bharat Card Apply Online 2026
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme launched to provide financial protection to vulnerable families. In 2026, the scheme continues to offer ₹5 lakh cashless health coverage per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization at over 30,000 empanelled hospitals across India. The Ayushman Card serves as a digital health ID that enables paperless and cashless treatment. All citizens aged 70 years and above are now eligible irrespective of income, while other families are covered as per SECC 2011 criteria.
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| Ayushman Bharat Card Apply Online 2026 |
Applying for the Ayushman Bharat Card online is simple and quick. Eligible beneficiaries can apply through the official portal beneficiary.nha.gov.in or the Ayushman App by completing Aadhaar-based e-KYC. The entire process takes only a few minutes, and the card can be downloaded instantly. This flagship scheme aims to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and ensure quality healthcare for millions of families.
Ayushman Bharat Card Apply Online Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage Amount | ₹5 Lakh per family per year |
| Beneficiaries | More than 55 Crore people |
| Empanelled Hospitals | 30,000+ (Govt + Private) |
| Medical Procedures Covered | 1,900+ across 27+ Specialties |
| Senior Citizens (70+) | Eligible irrespective of income |
| Pre-existing Diseases | Covered from Day 1 |
| Treatment Type | Cashless & Paperless |
| Validity | Pan-India (Portable) |
Key Highlights of Ayushman Bharat PMJAY in 2026
- Coverage: ₹5 lakh per family per year (additional top-up for seniors in existing families).
- Ayushman Cards Issued: Over 43.5 crore.
- Empanelled Hospitals: 30,000+ (public and private).
- Procedures Covered: 1,900+ across 27+ specialties.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Covered from day one.
- No Restrictions: On family size, age, or gender for eligible households.
Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Card
Eligibility is primarily based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data, focusing on deprivation criteria for rural and occupational categories for urban households. No new income survey is required in most cases.
Rural Households (Deprivation Criteria)
- Families living in kuccha houses with one room.
- Households with no adult member aged 16-59 years.
- SC/ST households.
- Families with a disabled member and no able-bodied adult.
- Landless households dependent on manual casual labour.
- Primitive tribal groups, manual scavengers, bonded labour, etc.
Urban Households (Occupational Categories)
- Ragpickers, beggars, domestic workers.
- Street vendors, hawkers, construction workers, plumbers, painters, security guards.
- Sanitation workers, home-based workers, artisans, tailors.
- Transport workers, drivers, rickshaw pullers, shop workers, mechanics, electricians, etc.
Special Expansion for Senior Citizens (70+)
All citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible irrespective of income:
- Seniors in already covered PMJAY families get an additional shared top-up of ₹5 lakh per year.
- New senior citizen families get ₹5 lakh coverage on a family basis.
- They can continue or switch from other schemes like CGHS/ECHS if beneficial.
Note: Middle- and high-income families not meeting SECC criteria are generally not eligible unless they fall under the 70+ category.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for e-KYC).
- Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Ration Card / Family ID / PMJAY ID (if available).
- Address proof, passport-size photo.
- For seniors: Proof of age (Aadhaar, birth certificate, etc.).
Ayushman Bharat Card Apply Online Process 2026 (Step-by-Step)
You can apply/download the card online without visiting any office in most cases.
Method 1: Through Official Beneficiary Portal (beneficiary.nha.gov.in)
- Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in or pmjay.gov.in and click “Am I Eligible?”.
- Enter your mobile number and CAPTCHA, then verify with OTP.
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- Select State, District, and search by Aadhaar, Name, Family ID, Ration Card, or Mobile.
- If eligible and card not generated, click “Do e-KYC”.
- Complete Aadhaar-based authentication (OTP or biometric).
- Review family details and click “Download Card” (PDF with QR code).
Method 2: Through Ayushman App (Recommended)
- Download the Official Ayushman App from Google Play Store.
- Login with mobile + OTP.
- Search beneficiary → Complete e-KYC (Aadhaar OTP, Face Auth, Fingerprint, or Iris).
- Capture live photo if prompted.
- Download the card instantly.
Offline Options
Visit nearest Common Service Centre (CSC), empanelled hospital, or Ayushman Mitra. Carry documents for assistance.
Time Required: Usually instant after successful e-KYC. Card is valid across India.
Benefits of Ayushman Card
- Cashless & Paperless Treatment: Up to ₹5 lakh per family/year at empanelled hospitals.
- Covers: Pre-hospitalization (3 days), post-hospitalization (15 days), medicines, diagnostics, implants, food, transport allowance in many cases.
- Day Care & Surgeries: Thousands of procedures including cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, etc.
- Portable: Treatment anywhere in India.
- No Waiting Period for pre-existing diseases.
- Senior Citizens: Dedicated benefits under Ayushman Vay Vandana.
What is NOT Covered:
- OPD treatment without hospitalization.
- Cosmetic/aesthetic procedures.
- Fertility treatments, drug rehabilitation.
- Certain dental procedures (unless linked to hospitalization).
How to Find Ayushman Bharat Hospital List
- Visit hospitals.pmjay.gov.in.
- Select State → District → Hospital Type (Public/Private) → Specialty (optional).
- Enter CAPTCHA and Search.
- View list with contact details, specialties, and empanelment status.
You can filter by pin code or hospital name. Always confirm the hospital is active before visiting.
Pro Tip: Carry your Ayushman Card (digital or printed) + Aadhaar when going to the hospital. The hospital scans the QR code for verification and initiates pre-authorization.
Hospitalization Process
- Go to any empanelled hospital (public or private).
- Show Ayushman Card at the Ayushman Counter.
- Hospital verifies eligibility and raises a request.
- Get cashless treatment once approved.
- In emergencies, treatment starts immediately; verification follows.
Important Helplines & Grievance Redressal
| Official Website | Click Here |
|---|---|
| Ayushman Bharat Hospital List | Click Here |
| Toll-Free Helpline: | 14555 or 1800-111-565. |
| Support Portal: | support.pmjay.gov.in. |
| Grievance Portal | cgrms.pmjay.gov.in. |
| Central Govt Scheme | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Telegram |
Common Issues & Tips
- Not Eligible: Double-check with official portal; eligibility is fixed based on SECC data.
- Card Not Downloading: Ensure Aadhaar is linked to mobile and try biometric authentication.
- Name Mismatch: Visit CSC for correction.
- Always use official websites/apps to avoid fraud.
- Update mobile number/Aadhaar for smooth e-KYC.
Impact and Reach (2026)
The scheme has authorized lakhs of hospital admissions worth thousands of crores, reducing out-of-pocket expenditure for millions of families. With the inclusion of seniors and pan-India implementation, it moves closer to universal health coverage goals.
Conclusion
Applying for an Ayushman Bharat Card online in 2026 is remarkably quick, fully digital, and user-friendly. With just a few clicks on the official beneficiary portal or through the Ayushman App, eligible citizens can complete e-KYC using Aadhaar and download their health card within minutes. This seamless process has removed long queues and paperwork, making healthcare access easier than ever before.
The Ayushman Card is far more than a simple document — it is a powerful symbol of dignity, security, and hope. It promises quality secondary and tertiary healthcare worth up to ₹5 lakh per family per year without the fear of financial ruin. From life-saving surgeries and cancer treatment to critical care for senior citizens aged 70 and above, the scheme stands as a strong shield for millions of vulnerable families across India.
FAQs on Ayushman Bharat Card (PMJAY) 2026
Q: Who is eligible for Ayushman Bharat Card in 2026?
Eligibility is based on SECC 2011 data. Rural families facing deprivation (kuccha house, no earning adult, SC/ST, landless labourers, etc.) and specific urban occupational groups (street vendors, domestic workers, construction labourers, etc.) are covered. Most importantly, all senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible irrespective of income or family status.
Q: How much health cover does the Ayushman Card provide?
The scheme provides ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Senior citizens in covered families get an additional ₹5 lakh top-up. There is no cap on family size, age, or gender for eligible households.
Q: Is the Ayushman Card completely free?
Yes, the card and the health coverage are entirely free for eligible beneficiaries. No premium or charges are required.
Q: How can I apply for Ayushman Bharat Card online?
Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in, click “Am I Eligible?”, enter your mobile number, verify OTP, and complete Aadhaar e-KYC. You can also use the official Ayushman App for instant card download. Common Service Centres (CSC) provide offline help.
Q: How do I check my eligibility?
Go to mera.pmjay.gov.in or the beneficiary portal, enter your mobile number or Aadhaar details, and check instantly. You can also call the helpline 14555.
Q: Can I get treatment in any hospital?
Treatment is available cashless at any of the 30,000+ empanelled hospitals (government and private) across India. The card is portable nationwide.
Q: Are pre-existing diseases covered?
Yes, all pre-existing conditions are covered from Day 1 with no waiting period. Pre-hospitalization (3 days) and post-hospitalization (15 days) expenses are also included.
Q: What should I do in case of emergency?
Go directly to the nearest empanelled hospital with your Ayushman Card and Aadhaar. Treatment starts immediately, and verification is completed later.
Q: How can I find the hospital list?
Visit hospitals.pmjay.gov.in, select your state and district, and search by specialty or hospital name.
Q: What is the helpline number?
Toll-free helplines are 14555 and 1800-111-565. You can call for eligibility checks, grievances, or support.