India is home to millions of families who cannot afford even basic medical treatment. For them, a single health emergency can result in long-term debt or loss of life. To solve this, the Indian government introduced a free health insurance scheme known as the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
This card is not just a plastic document, it is a lifeline worth ₹5 lakh per year per family. Whether it’s a serious illness, surgery, or emergency hospitalisation, beneficiaries under this scheme can get cashless treatment at thousands of hospitals across India. This article explains everything you need to know: benefits, eligibility, how to apply, documents required, and more.
What is the Ayushman Bharat Card?
The Ayushman Bharat Card, also known as the PM-JAY Health Card, is part of a national health insurance mission. It offers free annual treatment coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family, focusing on India’s economically weaker sections.
Top Benefits of Having an Ayushman Card
Below are the key benefits that make this card highly valuable:
- Financial Coverage at No Cost: Up to ₹5 lakh per year per family for hospitalisation (Entirely cashless and paperless process).
- Wide Hospital Network: Over 25,000 empanelled hospitals, including both private and government institutions.
- No Age or Family Size Bar: All ages are covered (No cap on family size or gender).
- Includes Pre-Existing Diseases: Covers diseases that existed before issuing the card.
List of Services Covered Under the Scheme
| Covered Services | Details |
|---|---|
| Hospitalisation (Secondary & Tertiary Care) | Surgeries, serious illnesses, emergencies |
| Pre and Post-Hospitalisation | Includes tests, medicines, and consultation fees |
| Diagnostics and Lab Tests | Available free in empanelled hospitals |
| Day Care Surgeries | Cataract, dialysis, chemotherapy, etc. |
| Medicine and Consumables | Covered for the entire treatment duration |
Who Can Get the Ayushman Card?
Eligibility for Rural Families: The following groups qualify automatically:
- Homeless households
- Families with no adult member between 16–59
- Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe families
- Daily wage labourers or manual scavengers
- Landless agricultural labourers
Eligibility for Urban Families: People working in the following 11 occupations may qualify:
- Domestic workers
- Construction workers
- Rickshaw pullers
- Street vendors
- Sanitation workers
- Security guards
- Electricians/plumbers
- Mechanics/drivers
- Coolies/porters
- Delivery boys
- Shop workers
Who Is Not Eligible?
Some households are excluded from this scheme:
- Families owning motorised vehicles or two/three/four-wheelers
- Those with an income above ₹10,000 per month
- Government jobholders
- Individuals with a solidly constructed house or AC
- Families paying income tax or owning land above 5 acres
Documents Needed to Apply
Make sure you keep the following documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card (of all family members)
- Ration Card (for family identification)
- Mobile number (for OTP verification)
- Address proof (like an electricity or water bill)
- Passport-size photo
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for the Ayushman Card
Here’s how you can check your eligibility and get the card issued:
- Visit the Ayushman Bharat registration portal or go to a Common Service Centre (CSC).
- Enter your mobile number and verify using OTP.
- Check your eligibility using Aadhaar or Ration Card.
- If eligible, submit your documents and apply.
- Receive your e-card after verification, this can also be downloaded and printed.
How to Use the Ayushman Card at a Hospital
- Visit an empanelled hospital (with the Ayushman Bharat logo).
- Show your e-card or printed card at the hospital help desk.
- The hospital verifies the card and provides cashless treatment.
- No need to pay upfront, the entire cost is handled by the scheme.
Seniors Get Extra Benefits
Senior citizens aged 70 years and above can now receive an additional ₹5 lakh coverage, exclusive to them. This coverage is over and above the ₹5 lakh allotted to the family. Registration drives and mobile vans are also being used to reach remote areas for free card distribution.
The Ayushman Bharat Card is a big step toward providing healthcare equality in India. From free surgeries to hospital care, this card is a powerful tool in the hands of common people. Those who qualify should apply as soon as possible to protect their families from financial burdens caused by medical emergencies.