Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for hospitalisation. Over 55 crore beneficiaries across India can avail cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals — public and private. This guide walks you through eligibility, how to check your name, download the Ayushman card, and use it at a hospital.
What is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
PM-JAY is the world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme. It covers secondary and tertiary hospitalisation — surgeries, ICU care, medicines, diagnostics — at over 29,000 empanelled hospitals across India. There is no premium to pay and no limit on family size.
- Coverage: ₹5 lakh per family per year
- Beneficiaries: Families listed in SECC 2011 database + state scheme beneficiaries
- Treatment: Cashless at any empanelled (PMJAY-listed) hospital
- Pre-existing diseases: Covered from day one
Am I Eligible for Ayushman Bharat?
Eligibility is based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. You do NOT need to apply separately — if your family is in the database, you are already entitled. Common eligible categories:
Rural Families
- Families with no adult member aged 16–59
- Households with disabled members or no able-bodied adult
- SC/ST households
- Landless households earning mainly from manual labour
- Primitive tribal groups and legally released bonded labourers
Urban Families
- Ragpickers, domestic workers, street vendors, cobblers, hawkers
- Construction workers, plumbers, electricians, painters
- Transport workers (drivers, conductors, helpers)
- Sanitation workers, sweepers, gardeners, security guards
- Home-based workers, artisans, tailors, rickshaw pullers
How to Check if Your Name is in PM-JAY List
Before applying for the card, confirm your family is eligible:
- Visit pmjay.gov.in and click “Am I Eligible?”
- Enter your mobile number and the OTP received
- Select your state and enter your Ration Card number, Aadhaar number, or name + district
- If your family appears in results, you are eligible
- Note the Ayushman family ID shown on screen
Alternatively, call the PM-JAY helpline: 14555 or visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Health Card
Once you confirm eligibility, get your Ayushman card (also called ABHA card or PM-JAY card) through any of these methods:
Method 1: At a Empanelled Hospital (Recommended)
- Visit the nearest PM-JAY empanelled hospital
- Go to the Ayushman Bharat help desk / Arogya Mitra counter
- Provide your Aadhaar card and ration card
- The Arogya Mitra verifies eligibility and creates your card on the spot
- The Golden Card (Ayushman card) is printed free of charge
Method 2: At a Common Service Centre (CSC)
- Visit your nearest Jan Seva Kendra / CSC
- Carry Aadhaar card and ration card
- CSC operator verifies eligibility and registers your biometrics
- Card is printed — a nominal fee of ₹30 may apply
Method 3: Via Ayushman App
- Download the Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY app from Google Play Store or App Store
- Register with your mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Complete eKYC using Aadhaar OTP or face authentication
- Download your digital Ayushman card as PDF
Documents Required for Ayushman Card
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity & biometric verification |
| Ration Card | Family eligibility verification |
| Mobile Number | OTP verification |
| Family ID / SECC ID | If Aadhaar/Ration card not linking |
How to Use the Ayushman Card at Hospital
- Visit any PM-JAY empanelled hospital — check the list at pmjay.gov.in/hospitals
- Show your Ayushman card at the Arogya Mitra desk before admission
- The hospital verifies your card and creates a pre-authorization request
- Treatment is completely cashless — no deposit or advance required
- Medicines, surgeries, diagnostics, and ICU charges are all covered
- Post-discharge, you will receive an SMS with claim details
Diseases and Treatments Covered
PM-JAY covers 1,929 treatment packages across 27 medical specialities including:
- Cancer surgeries and chemotherapy
- Heart surgeries (bypass, valve replacement)
- Knee and hip replacement
- Dialysis for kidney disease
- Maternity care and newborn services
- Eye care (cataract surgery)
- Orthopaedic procedures
- Mental health treatment
State Schemes Linked to Ayushman Bharat
Many states have integrated their own health schemes with PM-JAY, expanding coverage:
- Maharashtra: Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY)
- Delhi: Delhi Arogya Kosh
- Tamil Nadu: Kalaignar Kapitu Thittam
- Andhra Pradesh: Dr. YSR Aarogyasri
- Telangana: Aarogyasri
Important Helplines and Links
- PM-JAY Official Website: pmjay.gov.in
- Toll-Free Helpline: 14555
- State Helplines: Listed at pmjay.gov.in/contact
- Hospital Locator: pmjay.gov.in/hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my Ayushman card in any state?
Yes. PM-JAY is portable — you can use it at any empanelled hospital across India, not just in your home state.
Q: What if my name is missing from the PM-JAY list?
Contact your state’s Ayushman Bharat nodal agency or visit the nearest CSC. Some states have separate grievance portals for name inclusion.
Q: Is the Ayushman Bharat card the same as ABHA (Health ID)?
No. ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) is a digital health ID for storing your health records. The PM-JAY card is specifically for availing the ₹5 lakh insurance benefit. Both can be linked together.
Q: Are private hospitals covered?
Yes. Thousands of private hospitals are empanelled under PM-JAY. Check the full list at pmjay.gov.in/hospitals before visiting.
Q: What if the hospital demands payment even with my Ayushman card?
This is illegal. Immediately report it on the PM-JAY helpline 14555. The hospital can face de-empanelment.
Last updated: July 2025 | Source: pmjay.gov.in