The Ayushman Card 2026 is an important health-benefit card associated with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The scheme is designed to provide eligible beneficiaries with financial protection against major hospitalization expenses.
Under PM-JAY, eligible families can receive health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year on a family-floater basis for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. Treatment can be availed at empanelled public and private hospitals, subject to the scheme’s rules and covered packages. (National Housing Authority)
For many people, the Ayushman Card makes it easier to prove their beneficiary status when seeking treatment. Applicants and eligible beneficiaries can use official digital services to check eligibility and access card-related services, while assistance is also available through Common Service Centres and empanelled hospitals.
This article explains what the Ayushman Card is, who may be eligible, its benefits, required documents, how to use a mobile phone for online services, how to find an empanelled hospital and answers to common questions.
What Is Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman Card is issued to eligible beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY programme. It serves as a beneficiary identification document for accessing covered healthcare services under the scheme.
PM-JAY was launched in 2018 and is administered nationally by the National Health Authority along with participating state authorities. The scheme focuses on reducing the financial burden associated with serious hospitalization for eligible poor and vulnerable families. (National Housing Authority)
One of the key features of PM-JAY is that eligible beneficiaries can receive treatment without paying the covered hospitalization costs at the point of service at an empanelled hospital.
However, the Ayushman Card should not be understood as an unlimited health insurance card. Only eligible beneficiaries and covered treatments, packages and services are included according to the applicable scheme rules.
Ayushman Card 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY |
| Card | Ayushman Card |
| Year | 2026 |
| Maximum Cover | Up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year |
| Coverage Type | Family-floater |
| Treatment | Secondary and tertiary hospitalization |
| Hospital Type | Empanelled government and private hospitals |
| Application/Access | Official digital services, CSCs and empanelled facilities |
| Family Size | No cap under PM-JAY |
| Pre-existing Diseases | Covered from day one under PM-JAY |
| Portability | Benefits are portable across India at empanelled hospitals |
The ₹5 lakh benefit is a family-floater cover, meaning the eligible amount can be used by one or more covered family members according to the scheme rules. PM-JAY also does not impose a cap on the number of family members. (National Housing Authority)
Who Is Eligible for Ayushman Card 2026?
Eligibility for the traditional PM-JAY beneficiary base is determined according to the scheme’s beneficiary database and applicable government rules. The original PM-JAY design targeted poor and vulnerable households identified using specified deprivation and occupational criteria.
This means that simply having a low income does not necessarily mean that a person is automatically included in the original PM-JAY beneficiary list.
Applicants should therefore check their eligibility through the official beneficiary-verification process rather than relying on unofficial lists or social media claims.
Special Eligibility for Senior Citizens Aged 70 and Above
A major expansion of AB PM-JAY provides coverage to all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income, subject to the applicable programme rules. The National Health Authority’s FAQ states that there is no income limit for this senior-citizen eligibility. (National Housing Authority)
If a family already has PM-JAY coverage and also has members aged 70 or above, the senior citizen can receive the applicable additional coverage. The NHA explains that the additional ₹5 lakh benefit for senior citizens aged 70+ is separate from the existing ₹5 lakh family coverage for the rest of the eligible family. (National Housing Authority)
Ayushman Card Benefits 2026
The scheme provides several important benefits to eligible beneficiaries.
1. Up to ₹5 Lakh Health Cover
Eligible families can receive health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalization. The cover is provided on a family-floater basis. (National Housing Authority)
2. Cashless Treatment
At an empanelled hospital, eligible beneficiaries can access covered services without making payment for the covered treatment at the point of service. PM-JAY is designed to provide cashless and paperless access to covered healthcare services. (National Housing Authority)
3. Government and Private Hospitals
PM-JAY benefits are available through empanelled public and private hospitals. Beneficiaries should check whether their preferred hospital is empanelled before planning treatment.
4. No Family-Size Limit
PM-JAY does not impose a cap on the number of family members covered under an eligible family. (National Housing Authority)
5. Pre-Existing Diseases Covered
Under PM-JAY, pre-existing diseases are covered from the first day of coverage. This is an important feature for eligible beneficiaries who already have medical conditions. (National Housing Authority)
6. Nationwide Portability
The benefits of PM-JAY are portable across India. An eligible beneficiary can seek covered treatment at an empanelled hospital outside their home state, subject to the scheme’s procedures. (National Housing Authority)
7. Pre- and Post-Hospitalization Support
The PM-JAY framework includes expenses for up to 3 days before hospitalization and up to 15 days after hospitalization for covered packages, including applicable diagnostics and medicines. (National Housing Authority)
Documents Required for Ayushman Card
The exact documents and verification requirements can depend on the beneficiary category and the method of card generation.
Commonly used documents or information may include:
- Aadhaar Card or another accepted identity document
- Mobile phone number
- Ration Card, where applicable
- Family identification details
- Beneficiary or household details
- Other identity documents accepted by the verification system
The official NHA guidance notes that beneficiaries can visit a CSC or an empanelled government/private hospital with identity proof and ration-card-related documents for assistance in obtaining an e-card. (National Housing Authority)
Applicants should always follow the documents requested by the official system rather than uploading unnecessary documents to an unofficial website.
How to Apply for Ayushman Card Using Your Mobile Phone?
The online process can vary depending on the beneficiary category and the digital service currently available. The following is a general guide for using official digital services.
Step 1: Open the Official Ayushman Bharat Service
Use the official Ayushman Bharat/PM-JAY digital service or government-authorised application. Avoid clicking on unknown links received through WhatsApp, SMS or social media.
Step 2: Select the Beneficiary Service
Look for the beneficiary or Ayushman Card-related service available for your category.
Step 3: Enter the Required Details
The system may ask for information such as your mobile number, state and other beneficiary identification details.
Step 4: Complete OTP Verification
If OTP verification is requested, enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
Never share your OTP with an unknown person.
Step 5: Check Beneficiary Details
The system may display beneficiary or family information if your details are found in the eligible database.
Check the name, family information and other details carefully.
Step 6: Complete e-KYC if Required
Eligible beneficiaries may need to complete the required identity verification or e-KYC process.
Depending on the current official process, Aadhaar-based authentication or another approved verification method may be used.
Step 7: Generate or Access the Card
After successful verification, follow the official instructions to generate, download or access the Ayushman Card where the facility is available.
Step 8: Save the Card
Keep a digital copy of the card on your phone and, if possible, retain a printed copy for convenience.
Can You Get an Ayushman Card Offline?
Yes. People who are unable to complete the digital process themselves can seek assistance through authorised channels.
The NHA’s beneficiary guidance says that eligible beneficiaries can visit a Common Service Centre (CSC) or an empanelled government/private hospital with required identification documents for assistance. (National Housing Authority)
This can be especially useful for people who do not have a smartphone, have difficulty completing online forms or need help with beneficiary verification.
How to Find an Ayushman Empanelled Hospital?
Before going to a hospital for planned treatment, beneficiaries should check whether the hospital is empanelled under PM-JAY.
You can generally use the official PM-JAY services to search for hospitals by state, district and other available filters.
You can also ask the hospital’s Ayushman/PM-JAY help desk whether the hospital is currently empanelled and whether the required treatment package is covered.
The NHA has also advised beneficiaries that hospital information can be obtained through official PM-JAY channels, including the helpline and official app/service. (National Housing Authority)
What Treatments Are Covered?
PM-JAY is primarily designed to cover eligible secondary and tertiary hospitalization and related services under approved health packages. The official framework includes a large number of treatment procedures and associated costs. (National Housing Authority)
However, not every medical service is automatically covered.
For example, the NHA’s support documentation lists certain exclusions, including routine outpatient care, drug rehabilitation, cosmetic treatment, organ transplantation and fertility treatment. (NHA Support Beta)
Therefore, beneficiaries should confirm the exact package and treatment coverage with the empanelled hospital before treatment.
State-Wise Availability
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is implemented through the national programme along with state-level arrangements. States and Union Territories can have their own implementation structures and may integrate state health schemes with PM-JAY.
| Region | PM-JAY Information |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Check current state implementation details |
| Assam | Check current state implementation details |
| Bihar | Check current state implementation details |
| Gujarat | Check current state implementation details |
| Haryana | Check current state implementation details |
| Karnataka | Check current state implementation details |
| Kerala | Check current state implementation details |
| Madhya Pradesh | Check current state implementation details |
| Maharashtra | Check current state implementation details |
| Odisha | Check current state implementation details |
| Rajasthan | Check current state implementation details |
| Tamil Nadu | Check current state implementation details |
| Telangana | Check current state implementation details |
| Uttar Pradesh | Check current state implementation details |
| West Bengal | Check current state implementation details |
| Other States/UTs | Check the official PM-JAY/state portal |
Because state implementation arrangements can change, applicants should verify the latest state-specific information through official government sources.
Important Things to Remember
Before applying for or using an Ayushman Card, remember these important points:
First, an Ayushman Card is not automatically issued to every citizen. Eligibility depends on the applicable beneficiary category and government rules.
Second, do not pay an unknown person who promises guaranteed approval or guaranteed treatment.
Third, use official government websites, authorised CSCs and empanelled hospitals for verification and assistance.
Fourth, do not share your OTP, banking PIN or confidential login information with strangers.
Fifth, before planned treatment, confirm that the hospital is empanelled and that the required procedure is included under the applicable package.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Ayushman Card 2026?
Ayushman Card is the beneficiary card associated with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. It helps eligible beneficiaries access covered healthcare services under the scheme.
2. How much health coverage is available under PM-JAY?
Eligible families can receive up to ₹5 lakh per family per year on a family-floater basis for covered hospitalization services. (National Housing Authority)
3. Can I apply for an Ayushman Card from my mobile phone?
Eligible beneficiaries may be able to use official digital services from a smartphone for beneficiary verification and card-related services. The exact process depends on the current official system and beneficiary category.
4. Is Ayushman Card free?
The government scheme provides benefits to eligible beneficiaries according to PM-JAY rules. Applicants should be cautious of anyone demanding unofficial fees for issuing a card.
5. Who is eligible for Ayushman Card?
Eligibility depends on the applicable PM-JAY beneficiary criteria. In addition, all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible under the senior-citizen expansion irrespective of income, according to NHA’s FAQ. (National Housing Authority)
6. Can senior citizens above 70 apply?
Yes. Under the expanded PM-JAY coverage, Indian citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible irrespective of income, subject to applicable rules. (National Housing Authority)
7. Can I use Ayushman Card in another state?
Yes. PM-JAY benefits are portable across India at empanelled hospitals, subject to the scheme’s procedures. (NHA Support Beta)
8. Is there any family-size limit?
No. PM-JAY does not impose a cap on family size for eligible families. (National Housing Authority)
9. Are pre-existing diseases covered?
Yes. Pre-existing conditions are covered from the first day under PM-JAY. (National Housing Authority)
10. Can I get treatment at a private hospital?
Yes, if the private hospital is empanelled under PM-JAY and the required treatment is covered under the applicable package. (National Housing Authority)
11. What should I do if I cannot apply online?
You can seek assistance through an authorised Common Service Centre or an empanelled government/private hospital. (National Housing Authority)
12. Does Ayushman Card cover every medical treatment?
No. PM-JAY covers eligible hospitalization and treatment packages under its rules. Some services are excluded, so beneficiaries should verify the specific treatment before proceeding. (NHA Support Beta)
Conclusion
The Ayushman Card 2026 can provide significant financial protection to eligible beneficiaries who require covered hospitalization. Under PM-JAY, eligible families can receive up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family-floater basis, with cashless access at empanelled hospitals and nationwide portability. (National Housing Authority)
Using a mobile phone can make it easier to access official digital services, check beneficiary information and complete available card-related processes. However, eligibility should always be verified through official channels.
If you are eligible, keep your identity documents ready, complete the required verification and save your Ayushman Card safely. For people who need assistance, authorised CSCs and empanelled hospitals can also help with the process.
Most importantly, always verify the latest information from the official government source before submitting personal documents or visiting a hospital, because application procedures and state-level implementation details can change over time.
Declaration
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