Medical emergencies can be expensive, and many families in India struggle to afford proper healthcare. That’s why the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) was launched. Commonly called the Ayushman Card scheme, it provides free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for hospitalization, surgeries, and other critical treatments.
The scheme is primarily aimed at poor and economically weaker families. With the Ayushman Card, you get cashless treatment at approved hospitals anywhere in India.
This guide will help you understand what the Ayushman Card is, who can get it, how to apply, and how to find hospitals that accept it.
What is an Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman Card is a digital health ID issued under the PMJAY scheme. It allows eligible families to get free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year in both government and empanelled private hospitals.
Key points:
- Valid all over India, so you can get treatment outside your state.
- Covers over 1,500 treatment packages – including surgeries, cancer treatment, heart operations, kidney transplants, maternity care, and more.
- Includes pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization costs.
- Issued based on official SECC 2011 data for eligible families.
Benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme
The Ayushman Bharat scheme is one of India’s most generous health programs. Here’s what it offers:
- 💳 Free health coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year
- 🏥 Cashless treatment – no need to pay at empanelled hospitals
- 🌐 Wide hospital network – over 25,000 hospitals across India
- 👨👩👧 All family members covered, no matter the age or gender
- ❤️ Covers major diseases – heart surgeries, cancer treatment, kidney dialysis, maternity care, accident & trauma care
- 📍 Use nationwide – benefits are portable across states
- 💊 Medicines, diagnostics, and follow-ups included
- 👪 No family size limit – your entire household is covered
Who Can Get the Ayushman Card?
Eligibility is decided based on the SECC 2011 data. Not everyone qualifies.
Rural Eligibility:
- Families in kutcha houses
- Households with no adult male member aged 16–59
- SC/ST households
- Landless laborers and manual workers
Urban Eligibility:
- Daily wage earners like street vendors, domestic helpers, rickshaw pullers, construction workers, rag pickers, drivers, plumbers, electricians, sanitation workers
- Families with no regular source of income
Exclusions:
- Families paying income tax
- Government employees
- People owning pucca houses and high-value vehicles
Documents Needed for Ayushman Card
Keep these ready before applying:
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
- Ration Card (family verification)
- Voter ID / Driving License (identity proof)
- Mobile Number (for OTP)
- Passport-size photos
- Income Certificate / BPL Certificate (if applicable)
- Residence/Domicile Certificate
How to Apply for Ayushman Card Online
Applying is simple and can be done online or offline.
Step-by-Step Online Process:
- Visit the PMJAY website
- Click “Am I Eligible” and verify with your mobile OTP
- Search eligibility using mobile number, ration card, or name & district
- Fill in your family details and address
- Upload required documents
- Submit the application
- Download your Ayushman Card PDF or get a PVC card at a CSC center
Offline Application:
- Visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or Ayushman Mitra
- Submit Aadhaar, ration card, and other documents
- Your card will be issued after verification
How to Download Your Ayushman Card
Once approved:
- Log in to the PMJAY website with your mobile number & OTP
- Go to “Download Ayushman Card”
- Save the PDF copy
- Optionally, get a PVC card printed at a CSC center for offline use
How to Find Hospitals That Accept Ayushman Card
You can check hospital availability in multiple ways:
- Official Website:
- Go to the “Find Hospital” section on pmjay.gov.in
- Enter state, district, specialty, or pin code
- View or download the list of empanelled hospitals
- Mobile App:
- Download the Ayushman Bharat App
- Log in and use the “Find Hospitals” feature
- State Portals:
- Some states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have their own Ayushman portals with local hospital lists
- CSC Centers:
- Visit a Common Service Center and request the hospital list using your Ayushman Card or Aadhaar
- Helpline:
- Call 14555 or 1800-111-565 to find nearby hospitals
- Direct Hospital Inquiry:
- Many empanelled hospitals display the PMJAY logo; ask at the reception
- SMS / WhatsApp Services:
- Send your pin code to designated numbers in some regions for hospital info
- Local Health Offices:
- Panchayats or local health departments often maintain updated hospital lists
Important Disclaimer
This guide is for information only. Eligibility, benefits, and hospital lists may change based on updates by the Government of India or state authorities. Always refer to the official PMJAY website or your nearest CSC for the most accurate and current details.