Every year, millions of Indian families are pushed into financial ruin by a single medical emergency. A cardiac surgery, a cancer diagnosis, or a critical hospitalization can wipe out years of savings — and for families living below the poverty line, it often means choosing between treatment and survival.
That is precisely why the Government of India launched Ayushman Bharat Yojana, officially known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). This flagship health scheme provides free cashless treatment of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year to economically vulnerable households across India — at no cost whatsoever to the beneficiary.
This 2026 guide is your one-stop resource for everything related to Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Whether you want to check eligibility, apply for your Ayushman Card, download it online, find nearby hospitals, or troubleshoot a problem — it is all covered here in plain, easy-to-follow language.
| Quick Facts at a Glance: Scheme Name: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) / Ayushman Bharat Yojana Launched: 23 September 2018 Coverage: Up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year Beneficiaries: 50+ crore people (approx. 12 crore families) Hospitals: 28,000+ empanelled hospitals across India Procedures Covered: Approximately 1,949 medical procedures Helpline: 14555 / 1800-11-4477 (Toll-Free, 24×7) Official Portal: pmjay.gov.in | beneficiary.nha.gov.in |
What is Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PMJAY Scheme)?
Overview of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a central government health insurance scheme launched on 23 September 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Administered by the National Health Authority (NHA), it is widely regarded as the world’s largest government-funded health assurance programme.
The scheme operates under the broader Ayushman Bharat mission, which rests on two key pillars: (1) Ayushman Arogya Mandirs — formerly known as Health and Wellness Centres — that provide primary healthcare at the community level, and (2) PMJAY, which covers secondary and tertiary hospitalization costs for eligible families.
Under PMJAY, eligible families receive an Ayushman Card — a health identity card that grants cashless, paperless access to treatment at over 28,000 empanelled public and private hospitals anywhere in India. The card covers every member of the registered household with no cap on family size.
Key Features of Ayushman Bharat Scheme
| Feature | Details |
| Annual Coverage | Rs. 5 lakh per family per year |
| Treatment Type | Cashless and paperless at empanelled hospitals |
| Hospital Network | 28,000+ government and private hospitals |
| Procedures Covered | Approx. 1,949 secondary and tertiary procedures |
| Family Size Limit | No cap — all household members covered |
| Pre-existing Diseases | Covered from Day 1 with no waiting period |
| Portability | Valid at any empanelled hospital across all states |
| Senior Citizen Benefit | All citizens aged 70+ get extra Rs. 5 lakh (from Sept 2024) |
| Cost to Beneficiary | Completely FREE |
A standout feature of the Ayushman Bharat scheme is its full portability across India. A beneficiary from Rajasthan can seek treatment at an empanelled hospital in Mumbai or Delhi without needing prior authorization from their home state — a critical advantage during medical emergencies.
Ayushman Bharat Benefits: Rs. 5 Lakh Free Treatment Scheme
What Benefits Do You Get Under PMJAY?
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana covers a comprehensive range of medical expenses from the moment a beneficiary is admitted to an empanelled hospital. Here is a complete breakdown of what is included:
- Hospitalization charges: Room rent, boarding, nursing, and ICU fees
- Surgery and approved medical procedures under PMJAY packages
- Medicines and consumables used during hospitalization
- Diagnostic tests: Laboratory tests, X-Ray, MRI, and CT scans linked to hospitalization
- Pre-hospitalization expenses: Covered for up to 3 days before admission
- Post-hospitalization expenses: Covered for up to 15 days after discharge, including medicines and follow-up consultations
- Specialist and doctor consultation fees during the hospital stay
- Maternity care: Delivery-related complications and neonatal intensive care
- Mental health treatment: Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder
- COVID-19 treatment and related complications
- Day-care procedures that do not require overnight hospitalization
Important Advantage — No Waiting Period: Unlike private insurance plans, Ayushman Bharat covers pre-existing conditions from the very first day. Whether you have diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or cancer, you are entitled to treatment immediately upon card activation.
Diseases and Conditions Covered Under PMJAY
The scheme covers treatments across 27 medical specialty areas, with approximately 1,949 defined procedure packages. Major categories include:
- Cardiology: Coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty, heart valve replacement, pacemaker implantation
- Oncology: Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology for multiple cancer types
- Nephrology: Kidney dialysis, chronic kidney disease management, kidney transplant (selected packages)
- Neurology: Brain tumor surgery, stroke treatment, spinal surgeries, epilepsy management
- Orthopedics: Hip and knee replacement, spinal fusion, trauma and fracture surgeries
- Gastroenterology: Gallbladder removal, liver conditions, pancreatitis, appendectomy
- Ophthalmology: Cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, retinal detachment surgery
- Pulmonology: Chronic respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, lung surgeries
- Gynecology and Obstetrics: Maternity complications, hysterectomy, reproductive health
- Pediatrics: Neonatal intensive care, congenital heart defects, childhood critical illnesses
- Burns and Reconstructive Surgery: Treatment for trauma-related burns
- ENT: Major ear, nose, and throat procedures
- Psychiatry and Mental Health: Including depression, anxiety, and psychotic disorders
What is NOT Covered: Cosmetic and plastic surgeries (unless medically necessary due to trauma), outpatient consultations without hospitalization, fertility and IVF treatments, organ transplants not listed in PMJAY packages, and administrative or non-medical services.
Ayushman Bharat Eligibility Criteria
Who is Eligible for the Ayushman Card?
Eligibility under PMJAY is primarily determined by data from the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011. The criteria are divided into separate categories for rural and urban families based on deprivation indicators and occupational status respectively.
Rural Eligibility — At Least One of the Following Conditions Must Apply:
- D1: Living in a one-room dwelling with unplastered (kucha) walls and roof
- D2: Household has no adult male member between the ages of 16 and 59
- D3: Female-headed household with no adult male member between 16 and 59
- D4: Household includes a disabled member and no able-bodied adult
- D5: Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) households
- D6: Landless households earning their primary income from manual casual labour
- Automatic Inclusion: Families without shelter, destitute or living on charity, manual scavengers, tribal groups notified under relevant acts, and released bonded labourers
Urban Eligibility — Based on Occupational Categories:
- Ragpicker, beggar, domestic worker, street vendor, cobbler, or hawker
- Construction worker, mason, plumber, painter, welder, or general labourer
- Transport worker, auto or taxi driver, conductor, cart puller, or rickshaw puller
- Shop worker, peon, helper, delivery person, waiter, or attendant in small establishments
- Electrician, mechanic, assembler, or repair worker
- Washerman, chowkidar, security guard, or head-load worker
2024 Update — Senior Citizens Aged 70 and Above: Since September 2024, the Union Cabinet has expanded PMJAY coverage to all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income, profession, or economic background. These senior citizens receive a separate Ayushman Vay Vandana Card with an additional Rs. 5 lakh annual coverage. Senior citizens from families already covered under PMJAY can receive up to Rs. 10 lakh in total annual health coverage.
Who is NOT Eligible for Ayushman Bharat:
- Households that pay income tax or professional tax
- Salaried government employees
- Families that own four-wheeler vehicles (cars or tractors)
- Owners of agricultural land exceeding 5 acres
- Families with a Kisan Credit Card with a credit limit above Rs. 50,000
- Owners of pucca (permanent) houses with three or more rooms
- Households that own a refrigerator, landline phone, or motorized fishing boat
How to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility Online — Step by Step
You can verify your PMJAY eligibility in under two minutes using the official government portal:
- Visit the official portal: www.pmjay.gov.in
- Click on the ‘Am I Eligible?’ button on the homepage
- Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and click ‘Generate OTP’
- Enter the OTP received on your phone to verify your identity
- Select your state, then enter your name, Aadhaar number, or ration card number
- The system will display whether you are eligible under the PMJAY scheme
Alternatively, call the toll-free helpline 14555 (available 24×7), or visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Ayushman Mitra for an assisted eligibility check at no cost.
Ayushman Card — What It Is and Why It Matters
What is the Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman Card — also referred to as the PMJAY e-Card — is a government-issued health identity card provided to all eligible beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. It is a digital card that carries your unique PMJAY ID, name, and family registration details.
When you visit any empanelled hospital for treatment, you present this card at the Ayushman Mitra counter. The hospital verifies your eligibility online through the PMJAY system and initiates cashless treatment — no upfront payment is required at any stage during admission or discharge.
Benefits of Having the Ayushman Card
- Enables completely cashless and paperless hospitalization at empanelled hospitals
- Valid at all 28,000+ empanelled hospitals across India — fully portable between states
- Covers every family member listed under the registered PMJAY household
- No annual premium, no renewal fee — the card is issued and used for free
- Covers pre-existing conditions from Day 1 with no waiting period
- Can be downloaded and re-printed anytime from the official beneficiary portal
- Available as a mobile download via the official Ayushman App
Documents Required to Apply for the Ayushman Card
- Aadhaar Card — mandatory for eKYC identity verification
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar — required for OTP authentication
- Ration Card (BPL or AAY category preferred as supporting document)
- Proof of identity: Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving Licence
- Proof of residence: Utility bill or voter ID with address
- Family details: Names and Aadhaar numbers of all family members to be enrolled
Ayushman Card Apply Online — Step-by-Step 2026 Guide
How to Apply for Ayushman Card Online
The online application process for the Ayushman Card has been significantly streamlined in 2026 through the National Health Authority’s beneficiary portal. You can complete the entire process from a smartphone or computer:
- Visit the official beneficiary portal: beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- Click on ‘Login’ and enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Enter the OTP received on your phone to verify your identity
- Select your State and the relevant Scheme from the dropdown menu
- Search for your family record using your Aadhaar number, family ID, or PMJAY ID
- Your household details will appear — select the member for whom you want to generate the card
- Complete eKYC verification: This can be done via Aadhaar OTP authentication or biometric verification at a CSC
- Once eKYC is successfully completed, click ‘Generate Card’
- Your Ayushman Card will be created and available for download in PDF format
Important Note: eKYC verification is mandatory before the card can be generated. If OTP-based verification is not working, visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC), Jan Seva Kendra, or Ayushman Mitra at any empanelled hospital for biometric-assisted card generation. This service is completely free of charge.
Offline Application Process
If you prefer offline assistance or do not have internet access, you have several options:
- Visit the nearest Ayushman Mitra counter at any empanelled hospital
- Approach a Common Service Centre (CSC) or Jan Seva Kendra in your area
- Visit your District Health Office (DHO) or Block Health Office
The designated operator will verify your eligibility, complete Aadhaar-based eKYC, and generate your Ayushman Card on the spot. No payment is required. If anyone demands a fee to create your card, refuse and report it to 14555 immediately.
Ayushman Card Download — Three Easy Methods (2026)
Method 1: Download Ayushman Card by Mobile Number
- Visit the official portal: beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- Login using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Enter the OTP received to verify your identity
- Select your State and the applicable Scheme
- Locate your name in the family member list
- Click the Download icon next to your name
- Complete Aadhaar OTP authentication to confirm identity
- Your Ayushman Card will be downloaded as a PDF file
Method 2: Download Using Aadhaar Number
- Go to beneficiary.nha.gov.in and log in with your mobile number
- Under ‘ID Type’, select ‘Aadhaar’
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Verify with the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Select the desired family member and click the Download button
Method 3: Download via Ayushman App
- Download the official ‘Ayushman App’ from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Log in using your mobile number and OTP
- From the Family List screen, select the desired member
- Navigate to the ‘Issued Documents’ section
- Tap ‘Download Card’ — the Ayushman Card saves as a PDF on your device
Useful Tip: Always keep both a printed copy and a digital copy of your Ayushman Card. During medical emergencies, the card can also be retrieved at the hospital using your Aadhaar number directly through the PMJAY verification system.
Ayushman Bharat Beneficiary List and Search
How to Check If Your Name Is on the Beneficiary List
If you want to verify whether your name is registered in the official PMJAY database, follow these steps:
- Visit pmjay.gov.in and click on ‘Am I Eligible?’
- Enter your registered mobile number and verify with the OTP
- Enter your name, Aadhaar number, or Ration Card number
- Select your state and district from the dropdown menus
- The portal will display your name and household details if registered in the system
How to Check Ayushman Card by Name
If you do not have your Aadhaar or ration card handy, you can still search using your name through these channels:
- PMJAY official portal (pmjay.gov.in) — search by name, state, and district
- Beneficiary portal (beneficiary.nha.gov.in) — name plus location-based search
- Helpline 14555 — provide your name and family details to the operator
- Nearest CSC or Ayushman Mitra — the operator can run a full name-based database search on your behalf
PMJAY Beneficiary List 2026: The updated PMJAY beneficiary list for 2026 includes all families from the SECC 2011 database, state-added beneficiaries, and the newly added senior citizens aged 70 and above. Several states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have added crores of additional beneficiaries to the scheme in recent years.
Ayushman Bharat Hospital List — State Wise
How to Find Empanelled Hospitals Near You
With over 28,000 hospitals empanelled under PMJAY across every state and union territory in India, locating a facility near you is straightforward using the official hospital finder tool:
- Visit the Hospital Finder: hospitals.pmjay.gov.in/Search/
- Select your State from the dropdown
- Select your District
- Choose the hospital type: Government, Private, or Both
- Optionally select a medical specialty (e.g., Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopedics)
- Enter the Captcha code and click Search
- A list of empanelled hospitals with names, addresses, and contact numbers will appear
Private vs Government Hospitals Under PMJAY
Approximately 50% of all PMJAY empanelled hospitals are private healthcare facilities. Both government and private hospitals offer the same cashless treatment benefits under the scheme. Private hospitals must meet strict quality and infrastructure criteria set by the NHA before being empanelled.
Before visiting a private hospital for a planned procedure, always verify its current empanelment status on the official portal. The hospital list is updated periodically, and some hospitals may have had their empanelment suspended or cancelled.
State-wise Hospital Availability
States with the highest number of empanelled hospitals include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. Every state and union territory in India has empanelled hospitals under PMJAY, ensuring nationwide access to cashless treatment for all eligible beneficiaries.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Ayushman Card Not Showing or Not Getting Generated
- Ensure your Aadhaar number is linked to an active mobile number for OTP delivery
- If OTP is not working, visit your nearest CSC for biometric-based eKYC verification
- Confirm your name appears in the PMJAY beneficiary database before attempting card generation
- Call helpline 14555 for manual assistance and guidance
Problem 2: Name Not Found or Eligibility Not Showing
- Try searching by Aadhaar number instead of name — spelling variations in records are common
- If you belong to a state with its own parallel scheme (e.g., West Bengal, Delhi), also check your respective state health portal
- Newly added beneficiaries (including 70+ senior citizens) should wait 2 to 4 weeks for the database to update, or visit a CSC
- Contact your District Health Officer (DHO) with supporting SECC documents to request manual addition
Problem 3: Card Download Not Working
- Use only the official portal beneficiary.nha.gov.in — avoid third-party websites
- Try using Google Chrome browser; clear cache and cookies before retrying
- Use the official Ayushman App as an alternative download method
- If Aadhaar OTP is not being received, update your mobile number with UIDAI at uidai.gov.in first
- Visit a CSC for in-person assisted card download
Problem 4: Hospital Refusing Treatment Under PMJAY
- Immediately ask to speak with the Ayushman Mitra assigned to the hospital — every empanelled hospital must have one
- Call PMJAY helpline 14555 directly from the hospital premises
- Lodge a formal complaint at grievances.pmjay.gov.in
- Note that empanelled hospitals are legally obligated to provide cashless treatment to verified PMJAY beneficiaries
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman Card is a government-issued health identity card provided to eligible beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). It grants access to free cashless treatment worth up to Rs. 5 lakh per year at over 28,000 empanelled hospitals across India. The card is issued completely free of charge and covers all members of an eligible household.
Q2. How do I apply for Ayushman Bharat Yojana online?
Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in, log in with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, verify with the OTP, select your State and Scheme, search for your family using your Aadhaar number, complete eKYC verification, and generate your card. Alternatively, visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Ayushman Mitra for free assisted registration.
Q3. How do I download the Ayushman Card?
Go to beneficiary.nha.gov.in, log in with your mobile number and OTP, select your State and Scheme, find your name in the family list, click the Download icon, complete Aadhaar OTP verification, and save the card as a PDF. You can also download it via the official Ayushman App on Android or iOS.
Q4. Who is eligible for Ayushman Bharat Yojana?
Eligibility is based on SECC 2011 data. Rural families with deprivation indicators — such as living in a kucha house, having no adult male earner, or belonging to SC/ST categories — qualify. In urban areas, workers in low-income occupations such as construction, domestic work, and transport are eligible. Additionally, all senior citizens aged 70 and above are now eligible regardless of income.
Q5. How much money do you get under the Ayushman Card?
Each eligible family receives up to Rs. 5 lakh in free health coverage per year for hospitalization at empanelled hospitals. This is not cash given to the beneficiary — it is a credit used directly to pay for medical treatment. Senior citizens aged 70 and above get an additional Rs. 5 lakh on top of the family coverage, potentially providing up to Rs. 10 lakh in total annual coverage.
Q6. How do I check the Ayushman Card beneficiary list?
Visit pmjay.gov.in and click ‘Am I Eligible?’. Enter your mobile number, verify the OTP, and search using your name, Aadhaar number, or ration card number. Your registration status and family details will be displayed if you are in the system. You can also call 14555 for assisted beneficiary status verification.
Q7. How do I find hospitals under PMJAY near me?
Visit hospitals.pmjay.gov.in/Search/ and select your State, District, and preferred hospital type (government, private, or both). You can also filter by medical specialty. A full list of nearby empanelled hospitals with addresses and contact details will appear. The helpline 14555 can also assist with hospital location queries.
Q8. Are pre-existing diseases covered under Ayushman Bharat?
Yes. One of the key advantages of PMJAY is that pre-existing conditions are covered from the very first day of card activation. There is no waiting period. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer are all covered under the applicable PMJAY treatment packages at empanelled hospitals.
Q9. Can the Ayushman Card be used at private hospitals?
Yes. Approximately 50% of PMJAY empanelled hospitals are private facilities. Beneficiaries can receive the same cashless treatment at empanelled private hospitals as at government ones. Before visiting a private hospital for a planned procedure, verify its current empanelment status at hospitals.pmjay.gov.in to avoid any issues.
Q10. Is there any fee for getting the Ayushman Card?
No. The Ayushman Card is issued completely free of charge through official government channels including the beneficiary portal, Common Service Centres, and Ayushman Mitras at empanelled hospitals. If any agent or operator asks you to pay for the card, refuse and report it to the PMJAY helpline at 14555 immediately.
Q11. What is the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is a special Ayushman Card issued exclusively to senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the expanded PMJAY coverage approved in September 2024. It provides an additional Rs. 5 lakh in annual health coverage. Even senior citizens from higher-income families qualify for this card — there is no income-based restriction for those aged 70 and above.
Q12. How many family members can be covered under one Ayushman Card?
There is no restriction on the number of family members covered. The entire registered household — including children, elderly members, and all dependent relatives — is covered under a single family Ayushman Card. The Rs. 5 lakh annual coverage is shared across the entire family for hospitalization expenses.
Expert Tips to Maximize Your Ayushman Bharat Benefits
- Always verify eligibility at pmjay.gov.in before visiting a hospital, especially for planned procedures
- Link your Aadhaar to your active mobile number via UIDAI (uidai.gov.in) before applying — it is mandatory for eKYC
- Use only official government portals (pmjay.gov.in, beneficiary.nha.gov.in) for all applications and downloads
- Before any planned surgery, confirm that the specific hospital is currently empanelled and the procedure is covered under a PMJAY package
- Download the Ayushman Card as a PDF and keep both a digital copy on your phone and a printed copy at home
- Senior citizens aged 70 and above should separately apply for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card to access the additional Rs. 5 lakh coverage
- For multiple surgeries in one admission, PMJAY covers 100% for the first procedure, 50% for the second, and 25% for the third
- If you are denied treatment at an empanelled hospital, call 14555 immediately from the hospital premises — do not leave without getting this resolved
- Keep all discharge summaries, prescriptions, and post-hospitalization documents — these are essential for the 15-day post-discharge follow-up coverage
- Never pay any agent or middleman to create or download your Ayushman Card — the entire process is free through official channels
Conclusion
Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PMJAY) is one of the most impactful health protection programmes ever launched in India. By providing Rs. 5 lakh in free annual health coverage to over 50 crore people across 12 crore families, it has fundamentally changed the way economically vulnerable households access medical care.
From cardiac surgeries and cancer treatment to kidney dialysis and orthopedic procedures, the scheme ensures that the most expensive and critical medical needs are met without a single rupee of out-of-pocket expense for the beneficiary. With 28,000+ empanelled hospitals across every state, and full portability nationwide, quality healthcare is now genuinely within reach.
The recent 2024 expansion to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above — regardless of income — has extended this safety net even further, covering millions of elderly Indians who were previously unprotected.
| Take Action Right Now: 1. Check your eligibility: pmjay.gov.in > ‘Am I Eligible?’ 2. Apply for or download your card: beneficiary.nha.gov.in 3. Find empanelled hospitals near you: hospitals.pmjay.gov.in/Search/ 4. Need help? Call the 24×7 toll-free helpline: 14555 or 1800-11-4477 5. Report problems or lodge complaints: grievances.pmjay.gov.in |
Do not wait for a medical emergency to discover you were eligible all along. Check your status today, generate your Ayushman Card, and give your entire family the protection they deserve — because access to quality healthcare should never depend on how much money you have.