Ayushman Card Yojana 2026: Eligibility, Benefits, Apply Online & Download PDF

Ayushman Card Yojana is a flagship healthcare initiative launched by the Government of India to provide free and cashless medical treatment to economically weaker sections of society. Under this scheme, eligible families receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation at empanelled government and private hospitals across India.

The Ayushman Card, also known as the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY card, helps beneficiaries access quality healthcare services without worrying about high medical expenses. From major surgeries to critical treatments, the scheme covers a wide range of medical procedures, making it one of the largest government-funded health insurance programmes in the world.

In this article, you will learn everything about Ayushman Card Yojana, including eligibility criteria, key benefits, how to apply online, and how to download the Ayushman Card PDF. This detailed guide will help you check your eligibility and complete the application process easily to take full advantage of the scheme.

What Is an Ayushman Card?

The Ayushman Card is a key component of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), one of the world’s largest government-funded healthcare schemes. Launched in September 2018, this initiative was introduced to provide affordable and accessible healthcare services to economically weaker sections of society. Under PMJAY, eligible beneficiaries can receive cashless medical treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled government and private hospitals across India. The Ayushman Card, also known as the PM-JAY card, serves as official proof of eligibility to access these benefits.

The Government of India later introduced Ayushman identification cards to strengthen the digital healthcare ecosystem under the Ayushman Card Yojana. This card helps create a unified digital health infrastructure while ensuring that eligible citizens can easily access public hospitals and healthcare schemes. The Ayushman Card covers a wide range of medical expenses, including hospitalisation, medicines, diagnostics, and treatment costs, offering free healthcare services worth up to ₹5 lakh annually.

As per government data, nearly 55 crore people across India have benefitted from the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The Ayushman Card plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals who cannot afford expensive medical treatment receive quality healthcare without financial stress. It covers expenses related to hospital admission, diagnostic tests, pre-hospitalisation, and post-hospitalisation care, making it a lifeline for millions of Indian families.

Ayushman Card Yojana – Key Features at a Glance

Key Features of Ayushman Card Yojana

The Ayushman Card Yojana, launched under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme, is designed to provide cashless and paperless healthcare to economically weaker sections of society. Below are the key features that make the Ayushman Card an important and life-saving initiative for millions of Indian families.

1. Health Coverage up to ₹5 Lakh per Year

Each eligible family receives health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. This coverage applies on a family-floater basis and helps reduce financial stress during medical emergencies.

2. Cashless and Paperless Treatment

Ayushman Card holders can avail cashless treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals across India. There is no need to pay any amount upfront, as treatment costs are directly settled under the scheme.

3. Nationwide Hospital Network

The scheme provides access to a wide network of PM-JAY empanelled hospitals across all states and union territories. Beneficiaries can seek treatment even outside their home state.

4. Coverage for Pre-Existing Diseases

One of the most important features is that pre-existing diseases are covered from day one, unlike many private health insurance policies.

5. Wide Range of Medical Procedures

The Ayushman Card covers more than 1,400 medical and surgical procedures, including major surgeries, critical treatments, and specialised care.

6. No Age or Family Size Limit

There is no age restriction for beneficiaries, and no limit on family size, making the scheme inclusive and accessible to large families.

7. Digital Health ID and Records

Each beneficiary is linked to a unique digital health ID, which helps in storing and sharing medical records securely with healthcare providers when required.

8. Free Treatment for Economically Weaker Sections

The scheme is targeted towards SC/ST, EWS, rural and urban poor, and vulnerable workers, ensuring healthcare access for those who need it the most.

9. Simple Application and Online Services

Eligible citizens can easily apply for Ayushman Card online, check eligibility, log in, and download the Ayushman Card PDF through the official portal or mobile app.

10. Government-Backed and Fully Secure

The Ayushman Card Yojana is fully funded by the Government of India, making it a reliable and secure healthcare scheme with no risk of policy cancellation.

These features make the Ayushman Card one of the most advanced public healthcare initiatives in India.

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Objectives of Ayushman Card Yojana

The Ayushman Card Yojana, implemented under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme, has been introduced with the primary goal of ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for economically weaker sections of society. The key objectives of the scheme focus on reducing healthcare inequality and protecting families from high medical expenses.

1. Provide Financial Protection Against Medical Expenses

One of the main objectives of the Ayushman Card Yojana is to offer health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. This helps families manage costly hospital treatments without falling into debt or poverty.

2. Ensure Cashless and Quality Healthcare

The scheme aims to provide cashless and paperless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India. Beneficiaries can receive quality healthcare services without worrying about upfront payments.

3. Improve Access to Healthcare for the Poor

The Ayushman Card Yojana focuses on SC/ST communities, economically weaker sections, rural and urban poor, and vulnerable workers, ensuring that essential healthcare services reach those who need them the most.

4. Cover Pre-Existing Diseases

Another important objective is to ensure that pre-existing diseases are covered from day one, allowing beneficiaries to seek treatment without discrimination based on their medical history.

5. Reduce Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Expenditure

By covering hospitalisation, diagnostics, medicines, and surgeries, the scheme aims to significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses, which are a major cause of financial hardship in India.

6. Promote Digital and Paperless Healthcare

The Ayushman Card is linked to a digital health ID, which helps in maintaining electronic health records, improving treatment efficiency, and supporting India’s digital healthcare ecosystem.

By ensuring timely and affordable treatment, the scheme helps improve overall health outcomes, supports workforce productivity, and contributes to the nation’s economic growth.

How Does the Ayushman Card Work?

The Ayushman Card works as a digital health identity for beneficiaries. Once the card is verified at an empanelled hospital, treatment costs are directly settled by the government under PM-JAY.

• First, the beneficiary’s eligibility is verified through the PM-JAY portal, Ayushman app, or a Common Service Centre (CSC). Once eligible, the Ayushman Card is issued.
• The Ayushman Card acts as a digital health ID, storing basic personal and medical information securely for future use.
• When treatment is needed, the beneficiary visits a PM-JAY empanelled hospital, where the card is verified using Aadhaar or mobile-based authentication.
• The hospital submits the treatment request for approval under the approved PM-JAY packages. After approval, treatment begins.
• The beneficiary receives completely cashless treatment, as all eligible medical expenses are directly settled by the government with the hospital.

All medical records are digitised and linked to the beneficiary’s health ID. This reduces repeated tests, improves diagnosis accuracy, and ensures continuity of care across hospitals.

Benefits of Ayushman Card Yojana

The Ayushman Card Yojana is a powerful healthcare initiative that provides financial protection and quality medical care to economically weaker and low-income families. The scheme ensures that eligible citizens can access necessary healthcare services without worrying about high treatment costs or hospital bills.

One of the key advantages of the Ayushman Card is that it offers free and cashless hospitalisation at empanelled government and private hospitals across India. Beneficiaries do not need to pay any amount upfront, as all eligible medical expenses are settled directly under the scheme.

Key Benefits of Ayushman Card Yojana

• Cashless Hospitalisation:
  Free treatment at PM-JAY empanelled hospitals without any upfront payment.
• Wide Medical Coverage:
  Covers 1,400+ medical and surgical procedures, including major and critical treatments.
• Complete Treatment Coverage:
  Includes expenses related to surgeries, diagnostic tests, medicines, and therapies during hospitalisation.
• Pre and Post-Hospitalisation Benefits:
  Covers pre-hospitalisation costs (up to 3 days) and post-hospitalisation expenses (up to 15 days) as per scheme rules.
• Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
  Helps families avoid heavy medical bills and financial stress during medical emergencies.
• Coverage for Pre-Existing Diseases:
  All pre-existing illnesses are covered from the first day of enrolment.
• Nationwide Portability:
  Beneficiaries can receive treatment at empanelled hospitals anywhere in India, even outside their home state.
• No Age or Family Size Limit:
  There is no restriction on the age of beneficiaries or the size of the family.

The Ayushman Card Yojana plays a vital role in improving access to healthcare and protecting vulnerable families from financial hardship caused by unexpected medical expenses.

Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Card Yojana

The Eligibility criteria for Ayushman Card Yojana are based on the socio-economic conditions of families, as identified under government records. The scheme primarily targets economically weaker sections to ensure access to free and cashless healthcare services.

Eligibility is determined separately for rural and urban households, depending on living conditions, occupation, and income status.

Ayushman Card Eligibility for Rural Households

Families living in rural areas may be eligible for the Ayushman Card if they meet one or more of the following conditions:

• Living in a kuccha house or having no proper shelter
• No adult earning member in the family within the age group of 16 to 59 years
• Belonging to SC/ST households
• Earning income mainly through manual labour or daily wage work

These criteria help identify families that are financially vulnerable and in need of government-supported healthcare benefits.

Who Is Not Eligible for Ayushman Card?

Although the Ayushman Card Yojana aims to cover a large section of economically weaker families, not everyone is eligible to receive benefits under the scheme. Individuals and families who are financially stable or fall outside the defined socio-economic criteria are generally excluded.

Individuals Not Eligible for Ayushman Card

The following categories of people are not eligible for benefits under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme:

• Government employees and pensioners
• Individuals with a monthly income above ₹10,000
• Income tax payers
• Families owning a car, tractor, or four-wheeler
• Individuals owning agricultural land above 5 acres
• Households owning farming machinery
• Individuals holding a Kisan Credit Card
• Families owning a motorised fishing boat
• Households with refrigerators or landline phones

Note – Eligibility is determined using government databases and socio-economic surveys. Even if a person applies online, final approval depends on official verification. Therefore, it is recommended to perform an Ayushman Card eligibility check through the official portal or a Common Service Centre before applying.

Ayushman Card Apply Offline (CSC)

You can also apply through:

• Common Service Centres (CSC)
• Empanelled government hospitals

CSC operators assist with ayushman card apply and document submission.

Documents Required for Ayushman Card Yojana

To apply for the Ayushman Card Yojana, applicants must submit a few essential documents for identity verification and eligibility confirmation. Providing correct and valid documents ensures a smooth application and approval process.

List of Documents Required

The following documents are generally required to apply for an Ayushman Card:

• Aadhaar Card (mandatory for identity verification)
• Proof of Age, such as birth certificate or Aadhaar card
• Identity Proof, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, or voter ID
• Income Certificate (to verify economic eligibility)
• Caste Certificate (for SC/ST applicants, if applicable)
• Ration Card or family identification document
• Aadhaar cards of all family members (for family verification)
• Registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar

Important Points to Remember

• Documents may vary slightly depending on state guidelines
• Aadhaar authentication is required for online and offline applications
• Original documents should be carried for verification at CSC or hospital

Submitting accurate documents helps avoid rejection and delays in the Ayushman Card apply online process.

How to Apply for Ayushman Card Yojana Online?

Applying for the Ayushman Card Yojana online is a simple process and can be done through the official PM-JAY portal or Ayushman app. Eligible beneficiaries can complete the application using their registered mobile number and Aadhaar details.

Steps to Apply for Ayushman Card Online

• Visit the official PM-JAY website or open the Ayushman app
• Click on the “Am I Eligible” option to check your eligibility
• Enter your mobile number, captcha code, and verify using OTP
• If eligible, proceed with Ayushman Card online registration
• Fill in required details such as name, state, family details, and Aadhaar number
• Submit the application for verification

Once the verification process is completed successfully, your Ayushman Card will be generated.

Important Notes

• Aadhaar-linked mobile number is required for OTP verification
• Eligibility is verified based on government records
• If not eligible online, you can apply through a Common Service Centre (CSC)

The Ayushman Card apply online process makes it easy for eligible citizens to access healthcare benefits without visiting multiple offices.

How to Download Ayushman Card PDF?

Once approved, you can download ayushman card by following these steps:

1. Visit the official portal
2. Complete ayushman card login using mobile number
3. Select approved beneficiary
4. Click on Ayushman Card Download PDF

The card can be saved or printed for future use.

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Ayushman Card Yojana Hospital List

The Ayushman Card Yojana Hospital List includes all empanelled government and private hospitals where beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme. These hospitals are authorised by the government to provide free medical treatment to eligible Ayushman Card holders.

The hospital list is updated regularly and covers hospitals across all states and union territories of India. Beneficiaries can choose hospitals based on location, speciality, and type of treatment required.

Types of Hospitals Covered Under Ayushman Card

Under the Ayushman Card Yojana, treatment is available at:

• Government hospitals (district hospitals, medical colleges, ESIC hospitals)
• Empanelled private hospitals
• Trust hospitals approved under PM-JAY
• Selected speciality hospitals for advanced treatments

Both secondary and tertiary care hospitals are included in the Ayushman Card hospital network.

How to Check Ayushman Card Hospital List Online?

You can easily check the Ayushman Card hospital list online by following these steps:

1. Visit the official PM-JAY website
2. Click on the “Find Hospital” option
3. Select your State, District, and Hospital Type
4. Choose the required speciality or treatment
5. Enter the captcha code and submit
6. View the list of empanelled hospitals near you

This helps beneficiaries identify the nearest hospital before starting treatment.

Information Available in Ayushman Hospital List

The Ayushman Card hospital list provides details such as:

• Hospital name and address
• Type of hospital (government/private)
• Available medical specialities
• Contact details
• PM-JAY registration status

This ensures transparency and helps patients make informed decisions.

Important Points to Remember

• Cashless treatment is available only at empanelled hospitals
• Always verify the hospital’s PM-JAY status before admission
• Not all hospitals offer all specialities; check speciality availability
• Treatment packages must be approved under the scheme

The Ayushman Card Yojana Hospital List plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and hassle-free access to healthcare services. By choosing the right empanelled hospital, beneficiaries can receive quality treatment without any financial burden.

Expenses Covered Under Ayushman Card Yojana

The Ayushman Card Yojana under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme provides comprehensive financial coverage for a wide range of medical expenses related to hospitalisation. The scheme is designed to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs for economically weaker families by offering cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India.

Under this scheme, beneficiaries can avail free medical treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, covering both secondary and tertiary healthcare expenses.

Types of Medical Expenses Covered

The following medical expenses are covered under the Ayushman Card Yojana:

• Hospital admission and room charges, including ICU expenses when required
• Doctor consultation fees, surgeon charges, and nursing services
• Surgical procedures, including major and minor surgeries
• Cost of medicines and medical consumables used during treatment
• Diagnostic and laboratory tests, such as X-rays, blood tests, CT scans, and MRIs
• Pre-hospitalisation expenses for up to 3 days, including consultations and investigations
• Post-hospitalisation expenses for up to 15 days, including follow-up treatment and medicines
• Treatment of complications arising during or after hospitalisation
• Day-care procedures that do not require long hospital stays

Cashless Treatment Facility

One of the biggest advantages of the Ayushman Card is the cashless hospitalisation facility. Beneficiaries are not required to pay any amount upfront at empanelled hospitals. The hospital directly settles the treatment cost with the government under the PM-JAY scheme.

Important Points to Know

• Expenses are covered only at PM-JAY empanelled hospitals
• OPD (outpatient) consultations without hospitalisation are not covered
• Coverage is subject to approved treatment packages under the scheme
• The ₹5 lakh limit applies per family per year

The Ayushman Card Yojana ensures that essential healthcare services remain accessible and affordable for vulnerable sections of society. By covering major hospitalisation-related expenses, the scheme provides strong financial protection against unexpected medical emergencies.

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Diseases Covered Under Ayushman Card Yojana

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PM-JAY) provides comprehensive health insurance coverage for a wide range of serious and life-threatening diseases. The scheme mainly focuses on secondary and tertiary hospitalisation, ensuring that beneficiaries can receive quality medical treatment without worrying about high costs.

Under the Ayushman Card Yojana, treatment expenses for more than 1,400 medical and surgical procedures are covered across empanelled government and private hospitals in India. This makes the scheme one of the most inclusive government-funded healthcare programmes in the country.

Major Diseases Covered Under Ayushman Card Scheme

Below are some of the key diseases and medical conditions covered under the Ayushman Card Yojana:

• Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and cancer surgeries
• Heart diseases, such as bypass surgery, angioplasty, and valve replacement
• Kidney diseases, including dialysis and kidney-related surgeries
• Liver diseases, including liver disorders requiring hospitalisation
• Neurological disorders, such as brain surgeries, stroke treatment, and epilepsy-related procedures
• Respiratory diseases, including severe lung infections and chronic respiratory conditions
• Orthopaedic procedures, such as joint replacement, fracture treatment, and spinal surgery
• Burn injuries, including plastic and reconstructive procedures for severe burns
• Neonatal and paediatric illnesses, covering critical newborn and child healthcare
• Mental health disorders, where hospitalisation-based treatment is required

Medical Procedures Covered

The scheme covers expenses related to:

• Hospital admission and room charges
• Doctor consultation and surgical fees
• Diagnostic tests and laboratory investigations
• Medicines and medical consumables
• Pre-hospitalisation expenses (up to 3 days)
• Post-hospitalisation care (up to 15 days)
• Treatment for complications arising during hospitalisation

Important Note for Beneficiaries

• Coverage applies only at PM-JAY empanelled hospitals
• All treatments are cashless, subject to scheme guidelines
• The exact list of covered diseases may vary slightly by state and hospital package

The Ayushman Card Yojana plays a crucial role in protecting economically weaker families from catastrophic health expenses. By covering major diseases and high-cost treatments, the scheme ensures timely medical care and financial security for millions of Indian citizens.

Diseases Not Covered Under Ayushman Card Yojana

Although the Ayushman Card Yojana provides extensive health insurance coverage for a wide range of medical treatments, it does not cover all types of diseases and medical procedures. The scheme mainly focuses on secondary and tertiary hospitalisation, which means certain treatments and services are excluded.

Understanding what is not covered under the Ayushman Card is important so that beneficiaries can plan their medical expenses accordingly and avoid confusion at the time of treatment.

Medical Treatments Not Covered Under Ayushman Card

The following treatments and services are generally not included under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY coverage:

• OPD (Outpatient Department) services, including routine doctor consultations
• Cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, such as plastic surgery done for appearance enhancement
• Fertility-related treatments, including IVF and other assisted reproductive procedures
• Organ transplant procedures, unless specifically approved under certain state guidelines
• Dental treatments, except in cases of severe accidents or life-threatening conditions
• Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes
• Individual diagnostic tests done outside hospitalisation
• Unproven or experimental treatments
• Lifestyle-related treatments, such as weight-loss surgeries done for non-medical reasons

Diseases and Conditions Not Covered

Some diseases and conditions that are not covered under the Ayushman Card include:

• HIV/AIDS-related treatments
• Cosmetic skin and hair treatments
• Long-term OPD-based chronic disease management
• Infertility and reproductive health treatments
• Mental health OPD counselling (hospitalisation-based treatment may be covered in select cases)

Important Points to Remember

• Coverage may vary slightly from state to state, as some states add extra benefits under their own health schemes
• Emergency and life-saving hospitalisation is prioritised, but OPD care remains excluded
• Beneficiaries are advised to check the hospital package list before starting treatment

The Ayushman Card Yojana is designed to reduce the burden of high hospitalisation costs, but it does not replace personal health insurance for OPD, cosmetic, or fertility-related expenses. Knowing these exclusions helps beneficiaries make informed healthcare decisions and avoid unexpected expenses.

What Is an ABHA Card?

The ABHA Card (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) is part of the digital health ecosystem under ABDM. It provides a 14-digit health ID that allows citizens to store and share health records digitally across India.

Conclusion

The Ayushman Card Yojana under PM-JAY is not just a government scheme but a powerful support system for millions of Indians. By offering free healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year, the scheme ensures that quality medical treatment is accessible even to the most vulnerable sections of society.

With features like ayushman card apply online, ayushman card download PDF, and nationwide hospital coverage, the scheme continues to strengthen India’s public healthcare system and protect families from financial distress caused by medical emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)