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Ayushman Bharat Card 2026: ₹5 Lakh Coverage, Eligibility, Apply Online & Status
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is a Government of India health-assurance scheme that provides financial protection for eligible hospitalization services.
Under PM-JAY, eligible beneficiaries can receive health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for covered secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, subject to the applicable scheme rules and treatment packages.
The Ayushman Card is issued to an eligible beneficiary after the applicable identification and verification process.
An important 2026 point is that PM-JAY now has more than one major eligibility pathway. The original beneficiary population is identified under the applicable government beneficiary database and scheme rules, while all senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible irrespective of socioeconomic status under the expanded PM-JAY coverage.
This guide explains Ayushman Card eligibility, ₹5 lakh coverage, 70+ senior-citizen eligibility, Aadhaar and eKYC, card generation, hospital treatment, portability, common problems and official verification.
Ayushman Card 2026: Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana |
| Short name | AB PM-JAY |
| Implementing authority | National Health Authority with State Health Agencies |
| Annual coverage | Up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family |
| Main coverage | Secondary and tertiary hospitalization |
| Treatment | Cashless for eligible covered services at empanelled hospitals |
| Hospital network | Government and empanelled private hospitals |
| Portability | Available across India subject to scheme rules |
| Senior-citizen expansion | All citizens aged 70+ irrespective of socioeconomic status |
| Senior-citizen card | Ayushman Vay Vandana Card |
| Official helpline | 14555 |
The Government of India reported in 2026 that AB PM-JAY was operational across all 36 States and Union Territories and continued to provide nationwide portability.
What Is the Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman Card is a beneficiary identification card associated with AB PM-JAY.
It helps the participating healthcare system identify and verify an eligible beneficiary when covered treatment is sought.
The important point is:
An Ayushman Card is issued after the applicable eligibility and identification process.
It is not a general health-insurance card that every person can obtain simply by entering an Aadhaar number.
Eligibility depends on the beneficiary category and applicable government rules.
What Is the ₹5 Lakh PM-JAY Coverage?
PM-JAY provides eligible beneficiaries with health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
The ₹5 lakh is not ₹5 lakh cash paid to the beneficiary.
Instead, it represents the maximum applicable health-cover entitlement for eligible services under the scheme.
Treatment is provided through participating hospitals according to approved PM-JAY packages and procedures.
The Government of India continues to describe PM-JAY as providing ₹5 lakh annual health cover for eligible families.
Who Is Eligible for Ayushman Card in 2026?
There are two important eligibility situations readers should understand.
1. Existing PM-JAY beneficiary families
The traditional PM-JAY beneficiary population is identified through the applicable government beneficiary databases and scheme rules.
The scheme originally focused on economically vulnerable families identified using defined deprivation and occupational criteria.
States and Union Territories may also implement approved expansions of the beneficiary base.
Therefore, a person cannot assume eligibility merely because they own land, have an Aadhaar card or have a low income.
2. Senior citizens aged 70 years and above
This is a separate and important 2026 eligibility route.
All senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for AB PM-JAY irrespective of their socioeconomic status.
The National Health Authority states that the age recorded in Aadhaar is used for determining eligibility in this category.
Eligible senior citizens receive the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card under the expanded scheme.
The Government of India estimates that this expansion covers approximately 6 crore senior citizens belonging to about 4.5 crore families.
Ayushman Card for Senior Citizens Aged 70+
The 70+ expansion is particularly important because it does not use the same socioeconomic eligibility test as the traditional PM-JAY beneficiary population.
For this category:
Age 70 years or above → eligible irrespective of socioeconomic status.
The National Health Authority's FAQ states that:
The only eligibility criterion is age 70 or above.
Aadhaar-based eKYC is mandatory.
Aadhaar is the only document required for enrolment.
A distinct Ayushman Card is issued.
Enrolment can be done through the beneficiary portal and Ayushman App.
If both parents are aged 70 or above
The NHA FAQ states that separate initial enrolments are not required for every family member. After enrolling one eligible family member, another eligible member aged 70+ can be added using the applicable Add Member facility.
What Happens If a 70+ Senior Citizen Already Has Another Government Health Scheme?
Senior citizens aged 70+ who already receive certain public health schemes such as CGHS, ECHS or Ayushman CAPF have a choice between the existing applicable public scheme and AB PM-JAY, according to the government announcement.
However, the government has clarified that people aged 70+ with private health insurance or Employees' State Insurance can still be eligible for AB PM-JAY.
Is Aadhaar Mandatory for Ayushman Card?
The answer depends on the beneficiary category.
For senior citizens aged 70+
Aadhaar-based eKYC is mandatory for enrolment, and NHA states that Aadhaar is the only document required for this enrolment category.
For other PM-JAY beneficiaries
The beneficiary-identification process can use applicable KYC and identification procedures.
Therefore, it is not accurate to say that an Aadhaar number by itself automatically makes every person eligible for PM-JAY.
What Documents Are Required?
Requirements depend on the beneficiary category.
For 70+ senior citizens
The NHA FAQ specifically states:
Aadhaar is the only document required for enrolment.
Aadhaar-based eKYC is mandatory.
For other PM-JAY beneficiaries
The applicable identification process may involve beneficiary and family information, identity/KYC information and other details required by the official system.
Do not assume that every document listed on third-party websites is mandatory.
The current official beneficiary system should be treated as the controlling source.
How to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility
Before trying to generate a card, check whether you are an eligible beneficiary.
For ordinary PM-JAY beneficiaries, the system checks the applicable beneficiary records.
For senior citizens aged 70+, the eligibility route is based on the age criterion and Aadhaar-based verification.
General process
Open the official PM-JAY beneficiary service.
Enter the identification information requested.
Search for the beneficiary record.
Check the displayed beneficiary information.
Complete the applicable KYC/eKYC process.
Follow the official card-generation instructions.
If the beneficiary record cannot be found, do not pay an agent who claims to be able to create eligibility.
How to Apply for Ayushman Card Online
“Apply” should be understood differently from applying for a private health-insurance policy.
For many PM-JAY beneficiaries, the first step is eligibility identification, followed by KYC and card generation.
Step 1: Open the Official Beneficiary Portal
Use the official National Health Authority beneficiary platform or authorized PM-JAY service.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Search for your beneficiary record using the identification method supported by the portal.
Step 3: Select the Correct Beneficiary
If multiple family members appear, carefully select the correct person.
Step 4: Complete KYC/eKYC
Follow the authentication method provided by the official system.
For 70+ senior citizens, Aadhaar-based eKYC is mandatory.
Step 5: Complete Verification
Follow the instructions displayed by the beneficiary system.
Step 6: Generate the Ayushman Card
After successful enrolment and verification, the Ayushman Card can be generated through the authorized system.
Can 70+ Senior Citizens Get Treatment Immediately?
The National Health Authority's official FAQ states that eligible senior citizens can begin accessing treatment from the first day of enrolment and that there is no waiting period for a disease or treatment under this senior-citizen expansion.
This is an important point that should not be replaced by a generic claim that every Ayushman Card applicant must wait several days.
How to Download Ayushman Card
Once the beneficiary has completed the applicable verification and the card is available:
Open the authorized Ayushman beneficiary service.
Complete the requested login or authentication.
Select the verified beneficiary.
Choose the card-generation/download option where available.
Save the digital card.
Keep a printed copy if convenient.
A beneficiary can also seek assistance from an authorized centre or participating hospital.
How to Check Ayushman Card Status
The exact status terminology can vary as the PM-JAY technology platforms are updated.
A beneficiary may need to check whether:
The beneficiary record is found.
Eligibility is confirmed.
KYC is pending.
Verification is pending.
The card has been generated.
Additional action is required.
If an online status is unclear, contact the official PM-JAY support channel or an empanelled hospital.
What If My Name Is Not Found?
If your name is not found, do not immediately assume that you are permanently ineligible.
First check:
Name spelling.
Family details.
Aadhaar information where applicable.
Alternative permitted search methods.
Whether you fall under the 70+ category.
Whether the state has an approved beneficiary expansion.
For 70+ senior citizens, the age-based eligibility route is particularly important because socioeconomic status is not the eligibility test.
How to Use Ayushman Card at a Hospital
If you have a valid Ayushman Card:
Visit a PM-JAY empanelled hospital.
Tell the hospital that you are an AB PM-JAY beneficiary.
Present your Ayushman Card or beneficiary identification.
Complete beneficiary verification.
The hospital checks the applicable treatment package.
If the service is covered and the required authorization is completed, treatment is processed under PM-JAY.
The hospital handles the applicable claim process under the scheme.
The scheme is designed to provide cashless treatment for covered services at empanelled hospitals.
Can Ayushman Card Be Used in Private Hospitals?
Yes, but the hospital must be empanelled under PM-JAY.
The scheme operates through both public and private hospitals.
A private hospital being well known or large does not automatically mean that it accepts PM-JAY.
Check the current empanelment information before planned treatment.
Can Ayushman Card Be Used Outside the Home State?
Yes.
PM-JAY provides nationwide portability for eligible beneficiaries.
A beneficiary can obtain covered treatment outside the home state at an empanelled hospital, subject to the applicable scheme rules.
The government reported in July 2026 that more than 29.05 lakh inter-state admissions had been authorized under PM-JAY, demonstrating the scale of the portability system.
What Does the ₹5 Lakh Coverage Include?
PM-JAY covers approved secondary and tertiary hospitalization services under the applicable health-benefit packages.
The exact treatment covered depends on the package and scheme rules.
NHA beneficiary material describes coverage that can include eligible treatment expenses, medicines, implants, food and specified pre- and post-hospitalization expenses associated with covered treatment.
Therefore, the ₹5 lakh figure should not be interpreted as a general-purpose medical-spending balance.
Is Every Medical Expense Covered?
No.
PM-JAY coverage is based on approved treatment packages and applicable rules.
Official NHA material identifies exclusions that can include routine outpatient care, drug rehabilitation, cosmetic/aesthetic procedures and certain dental procedures, among others.
Therefore:
Ayushman Card ≠ unlimited free healthcare for every medical expense.
Ayushman Card Benefits
₹5 Lakh Annual Family Cover
Eligible beneficiaries can receive up to ₹5 lakh of annual coverage for applicable covered hospitalization.
Cashless Treatment
Covered services at participating hospitals are processed through the PM-JAY system.
Nationwide Portability
Eligible beneficiaries can receive covered treatment outside their home state at empanelled hospitals.
Public and Private Hospital Network
PM-JAY operates through government and empanelled private hospitals.
Coverage of Pre-existing Conditions
PM-JAY beneficiary material states that eligible pre-existing illnesses are covered under the scheme.
Senior-Citizen Expansion
All citizens aged 70+ are covered irrespective of socioeconomic status under the expanded PM-JAY framework.
Common Ayushman Card Problems
1. Name mismatch
The name in the beneficiary record and identity documents may not match.
2. Aadhaar authentication failure
Incorrect information or authentication problems can prevent eKYC completion.
3. Beneficiary not found
The person's details may not match the applicable beneficiary database.
4. Card generation pending
The required identification or verification process may not yet be complete.
5. Hospital cannot locate the beneficiary
The hospital's PM-JAY/Ayushman Mitra desk should check the beneficiary record through the official system.
6. Treatment package not available
Not every treatment is automatically covered. The hospital must check the applicable package and authorization requirements.
What If eKYC Fails?
Check the information being used for verification.
For a 70+ senior citizen, verify the Aadhaar information because Aadhaar-based eKYC is mandatory for this category.
If the problem continues, seek assistance from:
An authorized PM-JAY centre
An Ayushman Mitra
A PM-JAY empanelled hospital
The official PM-JAY helpline
Do not give your OTP to an unknown person.
What If a Hospital Refuses Covered PM-JAY Treatment?
If you believe an eligible covered service is being refused, first ask to speak with the hospital's Ayushman Mitra/PM-JAY help desk.
If the problem is not resolved, use the official PM-JAY grievance mechanism or helpline.
The NHA's operational material provides a grievance mechanism and identifies 14555 as the PM-JAY support number.
Ayushman Card Fraud and Fake Websites
Be careful with websites or individuals claiming:
“Pay ₹100 and get an Ayushman Card.”
“Everyone gets ₹5 lakh.”
“₹5 lakh will be deposited into your bank account.”
“Guaranteed Ayushman Card in 5 minutes.”
“Pay money to activate your card.”
These claims should not be trusted without verification through an official PM-JAY channel.
The ₹5 lakh figure represents health coverage for eligible services. It is not a cash payment to the beneficiary.
PM-JAY and Private Health Insurance
PM-JAY is a government health-assurance scheme and is different from purchasing a private health-insurance policy.
For senior citizens aged 70+, the government has specifically clarified that having private health insurance does not by itself prevent eligibility for AB PM-JAY.
The rules can differ for people covered by other government-sponsored health schemes such as CGHS, ECHS and CAPF schemes.
Ayushman Card 2026: Important Points
Remember these points:
PM-JAY provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible covered hospitalization.
The ₹5 lakh is not cash paid to the beneficiary.
The traditional PM-JAY beneficiary population is identified under applicable government eligibility records and rules.
All citizens aged 70+ are eligible irrespective of socioeconomic status.
Senior citizens aged 70+ receive the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card under the expanded coverage.
Aadhaar-based eKYC is mandatory for the 70+ enrolment category.
Aadhaar is the only document specified by NHA for enrolment in that category.
Treatment must fall within applicable PM-JAY coverage.
The hospital must be empanelled.
Portability is available across India subject to scheme rules.
A general Ayushman Card does not mean every medical expense is free.
Use official government channels rather than private agents for verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ayushman Bharat Card?
The Ayushman Card is a beneficiary identification card associated with AB PM-JAY. It is issued after the applicable beneficiary identification and verification process.
How much coverage does PM-JAY provide?
Eligible beneficiaries can receive up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalization services.
Is the ₹5 lakh paid into my bank account?
No. It is a health-cover entitlement, not a cash payment.
Who can get an Ayushman Card in 2026?
Eligibility depends on the beneficiary category. Traditional PM-JAY beneficiaries are identified under applicable government records and scheme rules. In addition, all citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible irrespective of socioeconomic status under the expanded scheme.
Are all people aged 70+ eligible?
Yes. The NHA states that all senior citizens aged 70 or above are eligible irrespective of economic status, with age determined from Aadhaar.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for people aged 70+?
Yes. Aadhaar-based eKYC is mandatory for enrolment in the senior-citizen category.
What document is required for 70+ enrolment?
The NHA FAQ states that Aadhaar is the only document needed for enrolment in the 70+ senior-citizen scheme.
Can a 70+ senior citizen with private health insurance get PM-JAY?
Yes. The government has clarified that private health insurance does not prevent an eligible 70+ senior citizen from receiving AB PM-JAY benefits.
Can I use Ayushman Card in another state?
Yes. PM-JAY provides nationwide portability at empanelled hospitals, subject to scheme rules.
Can I use Ayushman Card at a private hospital?
Yes, if the private hospital is empanelled under PM-JAY and the treatment is covered.
Does Ayushman Card cover every disease?
No. Coverage is based on applicable PM-JAY packages and exclusions.
Does PM-JAY cover pre-existing diseases?
NHA beneficiary information states that eligible pre-existing illnesses are covered under the scheme.
Can I get free outpatient treatment with Ayushman Card?
PM-JAY is primarily a hospitalization-based health-assurance scheme. Routine outpatient care is among the exclusions identified in official PM-JAY material.
How can I generate an Ayushman Card?
First check eligibility through an authorized PM-JAY beneficiary service. Complete the applicable KYC/eKYC and verification process, then generate the card through the authorized system.
How long does Ayushman Card generation take?
There is no single universal processing time applicable to every beneficiary category and situation.
Can 70+ beneficiaries receive treatment immediately after enrolment?
The NHA FAQ states that eligible senior citizens can access treatment from the first day of enrolment and that there is no waiting period for disease or treatment.
What should I do if my name is not found?
Check the spelling and identification details, use other permitted search methods and contact an official PM-JAY support channel if necessary. If you are 70+, make sure you are checking through the senior-citizen eligibility route.
What should I do if eKYC fails?
Check your identification details and follow the official KYC instructions. A 70+ beneficiary must complete Aadhaar-based eKYC.
What should I do if a hospital refuses treatment?
Ask for the hospital's Ayushman Mitra or PM-JAY help desk. If necessary, contact the official PM-JAY grievance/support mechanism.
What is the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?
It is the distinct Ayushman card issued to eligible senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the expanded AB PM-JAY coverage.
Official PM-JAY Services
For current eligibility, enrolment, card generation, hospital information and assistance, use official National Health Authority/PM-JAY services.
The official PM-JAY support number is 14555.
The NHA also provides beneficiary-facing digital services and the Ayushman App for applicable enrolment processes.
Do not pay an unofficial agent merely to check eligibility or obtain information that is available through official channels.
Latest Official Verification Note
PM-JAY eligibility, beneficiary databases, treatment packages, hospital empanelment, KYC procedures and government expansions can change.
For a current decision, verify the information through the official PM-JAY/NHA system.
In particular, remember that the eligibility rules for ordinary PM-JAY beneficiary families and the 70+ senior-citizen expansion are not identical.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes.
PM-JAY benefits are subject to official eligibility, beneficiary verification, approved treatment packages, hospital empanelment and applicable government rules.
The ₹5 lakh amount represents applicable annual health coverage and is not a cash payment.
Readers should verify their individual eligibility, card status and treatment coverage through official PM-JAY/NHA channels before relying on this information for healthcare decisions.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 provides eligible beneficiaries access to covered PM-JAY hospitalization services through participating hospitals.
The scheme provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible secondary and tertiary hospitalization. This is a health-cover entitlement rather than money deposited into the beneficiary's bank account.
For 2026, one of the most important eligibility changes to understand is the separate coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of socioeconomic status. These beneficiaries can receive the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card after the required Aadhaar-based eKYC and enrolment process.
For other PM-JAY beneficiaries, eligibility continues to depend on the applicable government beneficiary records and scheme rules.
The practical process is therefore:
Check eligibility → complete applicable KYC/eKYC → verify beneficiary → generate Ayushman Card → use it at an empanelled hospital for covered treatment.
Always verify the current beneficiary status, hospital empanelment and treatment coverage through official PM-JAY/NHA channels rather than relying on agents or unofficial websites.
Official Sources
