Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 is an important government health-benefit card under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Eligible beneficiaries can receive cashless treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals under the scheme.
Ayushman Bharat Card 2026
cPM-JAY provides health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible beneficiaries for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. Benefits are portable across India, meaning eligible beneficiaries can use the scheme at empanelled hospitals outside their home state as well.
Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 – Overview
| Details | Information Ayushman Bharat Card |
| Scheme Name | Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana |
| Short Name | AB PM-JAY |
| Card | Ayushman Card |
| Health Cover | Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year |
| Beneficiaries | Eligible PM-JAY families and eligible senior citizens aged |
| Application Mode | Online and assisted enrolment, depending on eligibility/category |
| Treatment | Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals |
| Hospital Type | Government and empanelled private hospitals |
| Portability | Available across India |
| Official Authority | National Health Authority |
What is Ayushman Bharat Card?
- The Ayushman Bharat Card is a beneficiary identification card used under AB PM-JAY to access eligible healthcare benefits.
- The scheme is administered nationally by the National Health Authority (NHA) along with State Health Agencies. The official PM-JAY information states that eligible beneficiaries can receive cashless benefits at empanelled public and private hospitals across the country.
- The card itself does not mean that every medical expense is automatically covered. Treatment must fall under an eligible PM-JAY package and be taken at an empanelled hospital.
Who is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat Card 2026?
- Eligibility depends on the applicable PM-JAY beneficiary database and government rules.
- For the main PM-JAY population, eligibility is based on the scheme’s identified beneficiary families rather than a general open application available to every citizen.
Special Eligibility for Senior Citizens
One of the most important updates is that every Indian citizen aged 70 years or above is eligible for AB PM-JAY regardless of economic status. The age is determined using the age recorded in Aadhaar.
- Age must be 70 years or above.
- Income is not a condition.
- Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory.
- Aadhaar is the required document for enrolment.
- A separate Ayushman card is issued.
- Enrolment can be completed through the official beneficiary portal or Ayushman App.
If a family already covered under PM-JAY has a member aged 70 or above, that senior citizen receives an additional cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year that does not have to be shared with family members below 70.
How to Check Ayushman Bharat Card Eligibility Online
Ayushman Bharat Card Before trying to obtain an Ayushman Card, it is important to check whether your name or family is eligible.
Step 1: Visit the Official Beneficiary Portal
- Open the official Ayushman Bharat beneficiary portal.
- Ayushman Bharat Beneficiary Portal
Step 2: Login
- Use the available login option and enter your mobile number.
Step 3: Complete OTP Verification
- An OTP may be sent to the registered mobile number for authentication.
Step 4: Search for Beneficiary
Use the available beneficiary search options and provide the required information.
Depending on the portal and beneficiary category, the search may involve details such as:
- State
- Name
- Aadhaar
- Family details
- Other permitted identification information
Step 5: Check Eligibility
If your details are found in the beneficiary database, the portal will show the applicable beneficiary information and available card/enrolment options.
How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Card Online?
Step-by-Step Online Process for Eligible 70+ Senior Citizens
Step 1: Open the official Ayushman Bharat beneficiary portal.
Step 2: Enter your mobile number and complete OTP verification.
Step 3: Search for the eligible senior citizen.
Step 4: Select the appropriate enrolment option.
Step 5: Complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
Step 6: Verify the beneficiary information.
Step 7: Submit the enrolment request.
Step 8: After successful processing, access/download the Ayushman Card as instructed by the portal.
How Can Existing PM-JAY Beneficiaries Get an Ayushman Card?
Ayushman Bharat Card For beneficiaries already included in the eligible PM-JAY database, the card-generation process can involve assisted verification and authentication.
- Common Service Centres (CSC)
- Empanelled hospitals
- Ayushman Mitras
- State-authorised enrolment facilities
NHA material also identifies Ayushman Mitras as facilitators at empanelled hospitals for enrolment, admission and claim-related processes.
Therefore, if the online portal does not allow you to complete the process yourself, visiting an authorised CSC or empanelled hospital can be an alternative.
How to Download Ayushman Card Online
After successful enrolment or card generation:
- Open the official beneficiary portal.
- Login using the required authentication.
- Select the relevant beneficiary.
- Look for the card/download option.
- Complete any required verification.
- Download or print the Ayushman Card.
How to Check Ayushman Card Status
- Step 1: Visit the official beneficiary portal.
- Step 2: Login using the required mobile/OTP authentication.
- Step 3: Search for your beneficiary record.
- Step 4: Check whether your enrolment/card is pending, approved or available.
- Step 5: Follow the portal’s instructions if additional verification is required.
Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ayushman Bharat Card?
- Ayushman Card is the beneficiary card used under AB-PMJAY to access eligible healthcare benefits at empanelled hospitals.
How much coverage is available under PM-JAY?
- Eligible beneficiaries can receive coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
Can people aged 70+ apply for Ayushman Card?
- Yes. All senior citizens aged 70 years or above, regardless of income, are eligible under the expanded AB-PMJAY coverage.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for 70+ enrolment?
- Yes. Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for enrolment and issuance of an Ayushman Card for eligible 70+ senior citizens.
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