Medical bills can drain savings in no time, and that’s the harsh reality many families face. To solve this, the Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the world’s largest health insurance program.
At the heart of this scheme is the Ayushman Card – a golden ticket to ₹5 lakh free health coverage every year. With it, you and your family can walk into thousands of approved hospitals and get treated without worrying about money.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything — from benefits and documents to applying online and checking hospital lists.
What is an Ayushman Card?
Think of the Ayushman Card as a healthcare pass for your entire family. It:
- Gives you cashless treatment for both big and small medical needs.
- Covers up to ₹5,00,000 per family per year.
- Works across India, even if you are outside your home state.
- Can be used in government and private hospitals that are part of the scheme.
This scheme is specially made for low-income families, daily wage earners, rural households, and vulnerable groups who otherwise struggle with healthcare costs.
Highlights of the Ayushman Bharat Card
- 💳 Annual coverage of ₹5 lakh per family
- 🏥 Hospitalization, surgeries, medicines & post-treatment care included
- ♻️ Pre-existing diseases covered from day one
- 👨👩👧👦 No age or family size limit — everyone is covered
- 🌍 Accepted in 24,000+ empaneled hospitals
- 📲 Fully cashless and paperless process
Who Can Get the Ayushman Card?
Eligibility is not open for everyone — it’s decided based on official government records.
🔹 Rural Families
- Households living in kutcha houses
- Landless laborers
- Families without an earning adult member
- SC / ST families
🔹 Urban Families
- Daily wage earners (drivers, plumbers, construction workers, rag pickers, security guards, etc.)
- Households with no stable source of income
👉 To check if you qualify, visit the PMJAY website and search using your mobile number or ration card.
Documents You’ll Need
Keep these handy when applying for your Ayushman Card:
- Aadhaar Card (for all family members)
- Ration Card (to verify family details)
- Address proof (Voter ID, electricity bill, etc.)
- Mobile number (for OTP verification)
- Passport-size photo
How to Apply for Ayushman Card
You can make your card online or offline.
✅ Apply Online
- Visit 👉 pmjay.gov.in
- Click on “Am I Eligible?”
- Register with your Aadhaar and mobile number
- Upload documents and submit
- Download your card once it’s approved
✅ Apply Offline
- Visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or Ayushman Mitra
- Share your Aadhaar and ration card
- Get your card printed on the spot
Finding Hospitals That Accept Ayushman Card
Want to know if your nearest hospital is on the list? Here’s how:
- Go to 👉 hospitals.pmjay.gov.in
- Select your State, District, and Specialty
- Get the full hospital list instantly
📲 You can also check hospitals through the Ayushman Bharat mobile app.
Treatments Covered Under Ayushman Card
From common illnesses to major operations, this card covers more than 1,500 treatment packages, including:
- Heart surgeries
- Cancer treatment
- Kidney transplants & dialysis
- Knee replacement
- C-section deliveries
- Accident & trauma care
- Routine treatments like fever, infections & minor surgeries
⚠️ Note: Cosmetic surgeries and OPD (out-patient) treatments are not included.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Out on This Card
- 💸 Saves lakhs in hospital bills
- 💊 Get free medicines, diagnostics & surgeries
- 🌍 Accepted nationwide, no matter where you live
- 👨👩👧 Entire family covered under one scheme
- 🛡️ Provides a safety net for poor and vulnerable households
How to Download Ayushman Card
- Visit 👉 pmjay.gov.in
- Log in with your registered mobile number & OTP
- Click on “Download Ayushman Card”
- Enter Aadhaar details
- Download & print your Golden Card
⚠️ Important Reminder
Always check if the hospital is on the Ayushman Bharat approved list before starting treatment. If it’s not listed, the scheme may not cover the cost.
Final Thoughts
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is not just another scheme — it’s a lifeline for families who cannot afford rising medical costs. With a single card, you get ₹5 lakh worth of treatment every year, across India, without paying a single rupee.
👉 If you’re eligible, don’t delay. Apply for your Ayushman Card 2025 today and give your family the gift of health and security.