Ayushman Card Apply Online – Eligibility, Documents, Benefits & Complete Application Process
The Ayushman Card, issued under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), provides important healthcare benefits to eligible individuals and families in India. The scheme offers cashless hospitalisation coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year for approved medical treatments at empanelled hospitals.
The government has also expanded the scheme to include all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income or economic status.
Eligible beneficiaries can check their details, complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC, create their digital Ayushman Card and download it using the official beneficiary system or mobile application.
This guide explains the eligibility criteria, required documents, online application process, hospital benefits and common problems to help you understand how to obtain and use your Ayushman Card.
What Is an Ayushman Card?
An Ayushman Card is a digital identification card issued to eligible beneficiaries under the PM-JAY scheme. It helps hospitals verify a beneficiary’s identity and eligibility before providing covered medical treatment.
The scheme primarily focuses on reducing the financial burden of hospitalisation for economically vulnerable families and eligible senior citizens.
Benefits of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
The scheme provides several healthcare benefits to eligible beneficiaries.
| Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Coverage | Up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family |
| Treatment | Covered hospitalisation and applicable day-care procedures |
| Payment Method | Cashless treatment |
| Hospital Network | Empanelled government and private hospitals |
| Portability | Across India |
| Pre-existing Diseases | Covered from day one |
| Hospital Expenses | Applicable pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses |
The ₹5 lakh coverage is generally provided on a family-floater basis under PM-JAY. Benefits are subject to approved treatment packages and scheme conditions.
Who Is Eligible for an Ayushman Card?
Eligibility depends on the beneficiary category and applicable government rules.
Under the general PM-JAY scheme, eligible families are identified through approved government beneficiary databases. State-specific eligibility provisions may also apply.
In addition, all Indian senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible under the expanded senior citizen coverage, regardless of income.
Ayushman Card Eligibility Details
| Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| General PM-JAY Families | Families identified in eligible beneficiary databases |
| Senior Citizens | Indian citizens aged 70 years and above |
| Income Requirement | Depends on the applicable category |
| Family Members | According to approved scheme records |
| State Beneficiaries | Subject to applicable state provisions |
For senior citizens, the age recorded in Aadhaar is used for determining eligibility. Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for enrolment.
Important: Having an Aadhaar Card or ration card alone does not guarantee eligibility under the general PM-JAY scheme.
Documents Required for Ayushman Card
Keep the following information ready before starting the verification process.
| Documents | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Mobile Number | OTP verification |
| Ration Card | Family identification, if applicable |
| Family ID | Beneficiary search, where supported |
| Supporting ID | Additional verification, if required |
For the 70+ senior citizen category, Aadhaar is the only document required for enrolment under the central scheme guidelines. Requirements for other beneficiary categories may differ.
How to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility Online
Before creating your card, verify whether your name is available in the eligible beneficiary database.
Follow these steps:
- Open the official Ayushman Bharat beneficiary system.
- Select the beneficiary login option.
- Enter your active mobile number.
- Complete OTP verification.
- Select your state.
- Choose an available search category.
- Enter the requested identification details.
- Submit the information to search for your beneficiary record.
- Check whether your name appears in the search results.
If your details are available, proceed with the applicable verification and card-generation process.
If your name is missing, contact an authorised Common Service Centre (CSC) or the relevant State Health Agency to confirm your eligibility.
How to Apply for an Ayushman Card Online
Eligible beneficiaries can create their digital card through the official beneficiary system.
Follow the application process below.
Step 1: Open the Beneficiary System
Open the official beneficiary application platform using your mobile phone or computer.
Step 2: Enter Your Mobile Number
Select the beneficiary option and enter your active mobile number. Complete OTP verification.
Step 3: Select Your State
Choose your state and the available identification method.
Step 4: Search Beneficiary Details
Enter the required information to find your eligible family or individual beneficiary record.
Step 5: Select the Beneficiary
Check the displayed details and select the eligible family member whose card you want to create.
Step 6: Complete Aadhaar e-KYC
Complete the required Aadhaar-based verification using an available authentication method, such as OTP or another supported option.
Step 7: Submit Your Details
Review the information carefully and provide any additional details requested by the system.
Step 8: Complete Verification
Wait for the required verification and processing. The available card-generation option depends on the beneficiary’s status.
Step 9: Generate Your Card
After successful verification, use the available option to generate your digital Ayushman Card.
Online Application Process Summary
| Step | Process |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open Beneficiary System |
| 2 | Mobile Number Verification |
| 3 | Select State |
| 4 | Search Beneficiary Details |
| 5 | Select Eligible Member |
| 6 | Complete Aadhaar e-KYC |
| 7 | Submit Information |
| 8 | Complete Verification |
| 9 | Generate Digital Card |
How to Create an Ayushman Card Using a Mobile App
Beneficiaries can also use the official Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY mobile application to access supported card-related services.
- Open the official Ayushman mobile application.
- Select the beneficiary option.
- Complete mobile verification.
- Choose your state.
- Enter the required identification details.
- Search for your beneficiary record.
- Select the eligible family member.
- Complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
- Submit the information for verification.
- Generate the card when the option becomes available.
The available features may vary depending on the beneficiary category and application version.
How to Download Ayushman Card Online
After successful verification and card generation, you can download your digital card.
- Open the beneficiary application system.
- Log in using your registered mobile number.
- Complete OTP verification.
- Search for your beneficiary details.
- Select the family member whose card has been generated.
- Check the card availability.
- Select the download option.
- Save the PDF on your mobile phone.
You can keep the digital card on your phone or print a physical copy for future hospital visits.
How to Find an Ayushman Card Empanelled Hospital
Ayushman Card benefits are available at hospitals participating in the PM-JAY network. Not every private hospital automatically accepts the card.
To find a participating hospital:
- Open the official beneficiary or hospital information system.
- Select the hospital search option, where available.
- Choose your state and district.
- Select the required hospital category or speciality.
- Review the available hospital details.
- Contact the hospital to confirm whether your required treatment is covered.
You can also ask the hospital’s Ayushman Mitra desk for assistance with beneficiary verification and admission.
What Treatments Are Covered Under Ayushman Card?
The scheme covers approved secondary and tertiary hospitalisation packages, including applicable day-care procedures.
| Treatment Benefits | Coverage Information |
|---|---|
| Hospitalisation | Covered packages |
| Surgery | Approved surgical procedures |
| Day-care Treatment | Applicable approved procedures |
| Pre-existing Diseases | Covered from day one |
| Pre-hospitalisation | Applicable expenses |
| Post-hospitalisation | Applicable expenses |
| Outpatient Consultation | Generally not covered under PM-JAY |
Cosmetic treatments, routine outpatient care and other excluded services are generally outside the scheme’s standard coverage. Always confirm the applicable package with the hospital before treatment.
Common Ayushman Card Application Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Suggested Solution |
|---|---|
| OTP Not Received | Check mobile network and retry |
| Name Not Found | Verify details and search category |
| e-KYC Failed | Recheck Aadhaar information and authentication |
| Card Pending | Wait for verification to finish |
| Download Not Available | Check card-generation status |
| Incorrect Details | Contact an authorised service centre |
If the problem continues, seek assistance from an authorised CSC or the relevant health agency. You can also contact the Ayushman Bharat helpline at 14555.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can get an Ayushman Card?
Eligible PM-JAY beneficiaries and all Indian senior citizens aged 70 years and above can obtain an Ayushman Card, subject to applicable enrolment rules.
2. Is Ayushman Card registration free?
Yes. The official beneficiary enrolment and card-generation process is free.
3. Can I create an Ayushman Card using my mobile phone?
Yes. Eligible beneficiaries can use the official mobile application or beneficiary system for supported verification and card-generation services.
4. Is Aadhaar mandatory for Ayushman Card e-KYC?
Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the expanded coverage.
5. How much treatment coverage is available?
Eligible PM-JAY families receive coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year for approved hospitalisation.
6. Can I use my Ayushman Card outside my home state?
Yes. Eligible beneficiaries can receive covered treatment at empanelled hospitals across India under the portability provision.
7. What if my name is not available in the beneficiary list?
Check your details and search category. If your name is still missing, contact an authorised CSC or State Health Agency to confirm your eligibility.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme provides valuable healthcare protection to eligible families and senior citizens across India. By checking eligibility, completing the required Aadhaar e-KYC and generating a digital Ayushman Card, beneficiaries can access covered hospital treatment at participating hospitals.
Before applying, verify your beneficiary details and understand the applicable coverage conditions. Once your card is generated, keep a digital or printed copy for future use.