Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2026 – Ayushman Card Eligibility, Registration & Hospital List
Healthcare expenses can become a major financial burden for families, especially when hospitalisation or specialised treatment is required. The **Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)** is a Government of India health assurance scheme designed to provide financial protection to eligible beneficiaries for covered hospitalisation.
Under PM-JAY, eligible families can receive health cover of up to **₹5 lakh per family per year** for eligible secondary and tertiary hospitalisation at empanelled healthcare providers, subject to the applicable scheme rules and benefit packages.
The scheme also includes a separate expansion for **senior citizens aged 70 years and above**, allowing eligible senior citizens to receive PM-JAY benefits irrespective of their socio-economic status, subject to the applicable enrolment requirements.
This guide explains **Ayushman Card eligibility, registration, benefits, documents, hospital search, 70+ senior citizen enrolment and how to use the card at an empanelled hospital**.
> **Important:** PM-JAY eligibility and benefits are subject to official government rules and the applicable treatment packages. Always verify your eligibility and the latest information through official government sources.
## What Is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
**Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)** is a government-funded health assurance scheme administered at the national level by the **National Health Authority (NHA)** under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The scheme is designed to provide financial protection for eligible beneficiaries requiring covered hospitalisation.
Key features include:
* Health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year
* Cashless treatment at empanelled healthcare providers for covered services
* Coverage for eligible secondary and tertiary hospitalisation
* Portability across India at participating empanelled hospitals
* Coverage of eligible pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses according to the applicable package
* No restriction on family size, age or gender for the original eligible beneficiary households
The exact benefits available depend on the applicable PM-JAY rules and treatment packages.
## Who Is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat in 2026?
PM-JAY eligibility is not simply based on whether someone wants to apply for a health card.
The original PM-JAY beneficiary base was identified through government databases, including deprivation and occupational criteria derived from the **Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011**, along with eligible state-specific beneficiary databases and other approved data sources.
Therefore, people who are not part of an eligible beneficiary database cannot necessarily enrol simply by submitting a normal insurance application.
### General PM-JAY Beneficiary Categories
Eligibility can include households identified under the applicable government criteria, including certain rural and urban vulnerable households.
The exact criteria depend on the beneficiary database and applicable government rules.
If you are unsure whether your family is already eligible, the safest option is to check your eligibility through the official PM-JAY system or an authorised beneficiary assistance centre.
# Ayushman Bharat Coverage for Senior Citizens Aged 70+
One of the major expansions of PM-JAY is the coverage introduced for **all senior citizens aged 70 years and above**, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
This expansion is commonly associated with **Ayushman Vay Vandana**.
Senior citizens aged 70 or above can enrol under the applicable programme and receive health coverage subject to the scheme’s rules and enrolment requirements.
### Important Points for 70+ Senior Citizens
* The person must be aged 70 years or above.
* Aadhaar-based e-KYC is required for enrolment.
* Aadhaar is the primary document used for enrolment under the 70+ expansion.
* Eligible senior citizens can receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year under the applicable rules.
* If the senior citizen belongs to an existing PM-JAY family, the benefit structure may differ from a newly covered 70+ household.
Because the rules for existing PM-JAY families and newly covered senior citizens can differ, check the official PM-JAY information before assuming the exact entitlement available to your household.
## What Benefits Does Ayushman Bharat Provide?
PM-JAY provides financial protection for eligible beneficiaries receiving covered hospitalisation.
Major features include:
### ₹5 Lakh Health Cover
Eligible beneficiaries can receive coverage of up to **₹5 lakh per family per year** under the applicable PM-JAY benefit structure.
This is not a cash amount deposited into a bank account. It is health assurance coverage used for eligible treatment at participating hospitals.
### Cashless Treatment
Covered services are provided on a cashless basis at empanelled hospitals, subject to the applicable package and scheme rules.
### Portability Across India
Eligible beneficiaries can use their PM-JAY benefits at participating empanelled hospitals across India, subject to the scheme’s portability and package rules.
### Pre and Post-Hospitalisation Benefits
Eligible pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses can be covered according to the applicable treatment package and scheme provisions.
### No Family Size Restriction
For eligible PM-JAY households, there is no general restriction on the number of family members, age or gender under the original scheme structure.
## What Treatments Are Covered Under PM-JAY?
PM-JAY covers a wide range of eligible secondary and tertiary hospitalisation procedures.
Depending on the applicable package, benefits can include expenses associated with:
* Hospitalisation
* Surgery
* Medicines during covered treatment
* Diagnostic procedures
* ICU care
* Doctor and specialist services
* Room and nursing charges
* Implants where included in the package
* Pre-hospitalisation expenses
* Post-hospitalisation expenses
The exact coverage depends on the treatment package and the applicable government guidelines.
Not every medical expense is automatically covered simply because someone has an Ayushman Card.
## What Is Not Covered?
PM-JAY is primarily a hospitalisation-based health assurance scheme and does not mean that every medical expense is free.
For example, **routine OPD treatment** is generally not covered under the standard PM-JAY benefit structure.
Other exclusions or limitations can apply depending on the treatment and applicable package.
Before starting treatment, beneficiaries should ask the hospital’s **Ayushman help desk / Arogya Mitra** whether the required treatment is covered.
## Documents Required for Ayushman Card
The documents required can vary depending on the beneficiary category and enrolment process.
Generally, applicants may need information such as:
* Aadhaar card
* Mobile number
* Ration card or family identification document, where applicable
* Other identity or beneficiary-related documents requested by the official system
### For Senior Citizens Aged 70+
For the 70+ expansion, **Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory** according to the official PM-JAY information.
Always check the current official requirements before visiting a CSC or hospital help desk.
# How to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility Online
Before trying to create or download an Ayushman Card, first check whether you are eligible.
### Step 1: Open the Official PM-JAY Website
Visit the official National Health Authority PM-JAY website:
**https://pmjay.gov.in/**
### Step 2: Use the Beneficiary / Eligibility Service
Follow the current beneficiary search or eligibility option available on the official portal.
The exact layout and service names may change as the government updates the website.
### Step 3: Enter the Required Details
Depending on the available search service, you may be asked to provide information such as:
* Mobile number
* State
* District
* Name
* Ration card or family details
* Other beneficiary information
### Step 4: Complete Verification
Complete the OTP or other verification requested by the official system.
### Step 5: Check Your Beneficiary Status
If your household or senior citizen record is eligible, the system can provide the applicable information and further instructions for Ayushman Card generation.
# How to Create or Get an Ayushman Card
Eligible beneficiaries can obtain an Ayushman Card through authorised government channels.
Depending on your eligibility category and the current service availability, card creation can be completed through official online services, the Ayushman App, Common Service Centres or authorised hospital help desks.
## Option 1: Online
If the online service is available for your beneficiary record:
1. Open the official PM-JAY beneficiary service.
2. Enter the required details.
3. Complete the identity verification.
4. Complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC where required.
5. Follow the instructions to generate the Ayushman Card.
6. Download or save the digital card.
## Option 2: Ayushman App
The official **Ayushman App** provides beneficiary-related services.
Download apps only from official app stores and verify that the application is published by the appropriate government authority.
Do not install an Ayushman-related APK received through WhatsApp, SMS or an unknown website.
## Option 3: CSC or Hospital Help Desk
Eligible beneficiaries can also seek assistance through:
* Common Service Centres (CSC)
* Ayushman help desks
* Arogya Mitra desks at empanelled hospitals
Carry the required identity and beneficiary documents and follow the verification process provided by the authorised operator.
# How to Find an Ayushman Bharat Empanelled Hospital
Before visiting a hospital for treatment, it is important to confirm that the hospital is **empanelled under PM-JAY** and that the required treatment is covered.
The official hospital search facility can be used to find participating hospitals.
### Steps to Find a Hospital
1. Open the official PM-JAY hospital search service.
2. Select your state.
3. Select the district or other available location filter.
4. Choose the hospital type or speciality if required.
5. Review the available hospital list.
6. Check the hospital address and other displayed information.
7. Contact the hospital before visiting if you need to confirm treatment availability.
**Official Hospital Search:**
https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in/
Hospital empanelment and available services can change, so verify the information before travelling.
# How to Use Your Ayushman Card at a Hospital
Once you identify an empanelled hospital, follow these steps:
1. Visit the hospital’s Ayushman help desk or Arogya Mitra desk.
2. Provide your Ayushman Card or beneficiary details.
3. Provide Aadhaar or other required identification.
4. The hospital verifies your eligibility.
5. The hospital identifies the applicable treatment package.
6. Required approvals are completed according to the scheme process.
7. Covered treatment is provided according to the applicable PM-JAY rules.
8. Keep the treatment and discharge documents for your records.
### Do You Have to Pay for Covered Treatment?
For eligible covered treatment at an empanelled hospital, the applicable PM-JAY benefit is provided on a cashless basis according to the scheme package.
However, do not assume that every service, medicine or expense is automatically covered.
If hospital staff ask you to pay for a service that you believe is covered, ask the **Arogya Mitra / PM-JAY help desk** for clarification and use the official grievance mechanism if necessary.
# Can I Use Ayushman Card Outside My State?
Yes. PM-JAY provides **national portability** for eligible beneficiaries.
This means an eligible beneficiary can use the scheme at participating empanelled hospitals outside their home state, subject to the applicable rules and availability of the required treatment package.
Before travelling, it is still advisable to confirm that the hospital is currently empanelled and provides the treatment you require.
# What If My Name Is Not Found?
If you cannot find your name or beneficiary record, do not assume that you are automatically eligible or ineligible.
The beneficiary database and eligibility process depend on the applicable scheme and government records.
You can:
* Recheck the information you entered.
* Try the search again using the correct details.
* Contact an authorised CSC.
* Visit an empanelled hospital’s Ayushman help desk.
* Contact the official PM-JAY support system.
For senior citizens aged 70 or above, check the separate enrolment process applicable to the 70+ expansion.
# What If a Hospital Refuses an Eligible PM-JAY Service?
If you believe an empanelled hospital is refusing an eligible covered service or asking for an inappropriate payment, first speak to the hospital’s **Arogya Mitra / PM-JAY help desk**.
If the issue is not resolved, use the official PM-JAY grievance mechanism or contact the official support channel.
Do not pay an unknown agent to “activate” or “upgrade” your Ayushman Card.
# Important Safety Tips
There are many websites and social media pages that publish Ayushman Card information. Some may contain outdated information or misleading advertisements.
Keep these points in mind:
* Use official government websites for eligibility checks.
* Download apps only from trusted official app stores.
* Never share your OTP with an unknown person.
* Do not share your Aadhaar OTP unnecessarily.
* Never share your UPI PIN or banking password.
* Do not pay an unofficial agent for guaranteed approval.
* Verify hospital empanelment before visiting.
* Check whether your specific treatment is covered.
* Keep your Ayushman Card and important documents safely stored.
## Beware of Fake Ayushman Card Websites
Be careful if a website claims:
* “Get ₹5 lakh instantly”
* “Guaranteed Ayushman Card”
* “Pay ₹99 to activate your card”
* “Your card will expire unless you pay”
* “Download this APK to receive your card”
Such claims should be treated with caution.
Always verify information through official Government of India or National Health Authority websites.
# Frequently Asked Questions
## Is Ayushman Card free?
The government scheme does not require beneficiaries to purchase a normal insurance policy to receive the PM-JAY benefit. Eligible beneficiaries can obtain the card through authorised government processes. If someone demands money for guaranteed eligibility or approval, verify the request through an official channel.
## Can I apply for Ayushman Card if my name is not in the beneficiary database?
For the original PM-JAY beneficiary group, eligibility is based on the applicable government beneficiary databases and criteria. Simply submitting an application does not make an otherwise ineligible person a beneficiary.
Senior citizens aged 70 and above are covered under the separate expansion, subject to the applicable enrolment and Aadhaar e-KYC requirements.
## Is everyone above 70 eligible?
The 70+ expansion provides coverage to senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of socio-economic status, subject to the applicable programme requirements and enrolment process.
## How much coverage does Ayushman Bharat provide?
The standard PM-JAY benefit provides health cover of up to **₹5 lakh per family per year** for eligible beneficiaries, subject to the applicable scheme structure and treatment packages.
The benefit structure for senior citizens aged 70+ can differ depending on whether they belong to an existing PM-JAY family.
## Can I use Ayushman Card in another state?
Yes. PM-JAY provides national portability at participating empanelled hospitals, subject to the applicable rules and treatment availability.
## Does Ayushman Bharat cover OPD treatment?
PM-JAY is primarily designed for eligible hospitalisation and does not generally cover routine OPD treatment under the standard scheme.
Specific services and packages should always be checked with the hospital’s Ayushman help desk.
## How can I find an Ayushman Bharat hospital near me?
Use the official PM-JAY hospital search facility and select your state, district and other available filters.
Official hospital search:
**https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in/**
## Can I download my Ayushman Card online?
Eligible beneficiaries can use the applicable official beneficiary service to complete the required verification and access their digital Ayushman Card where the service is available.
## What should I do if I cannot find my beneficiary record?
Recheck the details you entered and then contact an authorised CSC, PM-JAY help desk or official support channel for assistance.
## Is Aadhaar required for senior citizens aged 70+?
Yes. Aadhaar-based e-KYC is required for enrolment under the 70+ senior citizen expansion.
# Official Ayushman Bharat Websites
For the latest eligibility requirements, card services, hospital information and scheme updates, use official government sources.
### National Health Authority – PM-JAY
**https://pmjay.gov.in/**
### PM-JAY Hospital Search
**https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in/**
### Ayushman Bharat Beneficiary Services
Use the current beneficiary services linked from the official PM-JAY/NHA website.
Always verify the website address before entering Aadhaar, mobile number or other personal information.
# Final Word
The **Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana** provides important health protection to eligible beneficiaries by covering approved hospitalisation expenses under the scheme’s defined benefit packages.
For eligible families, the scheme can provide up to **₹5 lakh per family per year**, while the expansion for **senior citizens aged 70 years and above** has significantly increased access to PM-JAY benefits.
If you want to use the scheme, the first step is to check your eligibility through an official government service. Once eligible, complete the required verification and obtain your Ayushman Card through an authorised channel.
Before visiting a hospital, always check whether it is currently empanelled and whether the treatment you need is covered under the applicable PM-JAY package.
Most importantly, do not rely on unofficial websites or agents promising guaranteed Ayushman Card approval. Use the official National Health Authority and Government of India platforms for the latest information.
> **Disclaimer:** Government schemes, eligibility conditions, treatment packages and online services can change. This article is for general informational purposes. Always verify the latest rules and beneficiary status through the official PM-JAY/NHA website before making healthcare or financial decisions.
