Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 – Eligibility, Documents & Card Download Process
The Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 is designed for people who are eligible under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. It is an important health-benefit card linked with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries can access cashless treatment for covered hospitalization services at empanelled government and private hospitals.
If you want to check your eligibility, know which documents may be required, or download your Ayushman Card, it is important to follow the official process. Eligibility does not depend only on submitting an application form. A person generally needs to be included in the relevant beneficiary database or fall under a notified eligibility category.
Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 – Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana |
| Common Name | Ayushman Bharat Card / Ayushman Card |
| Scheme Type | Government Health Assurance Scheme |
| Main Benefit | Cashless treatment for eligible hospitalization |
| Financial Coverage | Up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year |
| Hospital Type | Empanelled Government and Private Hospitals |
| Card Process | Beneficiary Verification and e-KYC |
| Senior Citizen Eligibility | Citizens aged 70 years or above, irrespective of economic status |
| Official Helpline | 14555 |
| Card Availability | Digital or printable after successful verification and approval |
Under PM-JAY, eligible families can receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalization services.
What Is an Ayushman Bharat Card?
The Ayushman Bharat Card is issued to verified beneficiaries under AB PM-JAY. It helps identify eligible beneficiaries when they visit an empanelled hospital for covered cashless healthcare services.
The card should not be considered a general health insurance card that anyone can purchase. Eligibility is determined according to PM-JAY beneficiary data and other categories notified under the scheme.
After successful verification of a beneficiary's identity and eligibility, the Ayushman Card can be generated and used for future beneficiary identification.
Ayushman Bharat Card Eligibility 2026
Eligibility may vary depending on the beneficiary category and the state where the scheme is being implemented.
Under PM-JAY, eligible families are generally identified through approved beneficiary databases and applicable state-level eligibility criteria. Applicants should therefore check their beneficiary status instead of assuming that simply having an Aadhaar Card or Ration Card automatically makes them eligible.
Major Eligibility Points
A person may be eligible if:
Their family is included in the applicable PM-JAY beneficiary database.
They meet the PM-JAY eligibility criteria applicable in their state.
They belong to another beneficiary category included under the scheme.
They are aged 70 years or above, under the expanded senior-citizen provision irrespective of economic status.
Ayushman Card Eligibility for Senior Citizens Above 70
An important provision under AB PM-JAY covers senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
Eligible senior citizens can receive a separate Ayushman Card. Aadhaar-based e-KYC is required for enrolment under this category.
Families that were not previously covered under PM-JAY should also check the eligibility of family members aged 70 years or above.
Documents Required for Ayushman Bharat Card
The documents required may vary depending on the beneficiary category and the verification method.
Commonly required documents or details may include:
| Document / Detail | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity and e-KYC verification |
| Mobile Number | OTP verification and communication |
| Ration Card / Family Details | Family identification where applicable |
| Beneficiary Details | Matching records with the PM-JAY database |
| Other Identity Proof | May be required depending on the verification process |
Beneficiaries visiting an authorized centre or empanelled hospital may also be asked to provide identity and family-related information for verification.
Documents for Senior Citizens Aged 70+
For eligible senior citizens aged 70 years or above, Aadhaar is required for enrolment, and Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for card issuance.
Applicants should avoid uploading documents on unofficial websites or sharing OTPs with unknown persons.
How to Check Ayushman Bharat Card Eligibility
Before trying to download the card, check whether your name is available as an eligible beneficiary.
Step 1: Open the Official Beneficiary Service
Visit the official PM-JAY/NHA beneficiary service or use the official Ayushman application.
Step 2: Verify Your Mobile Number
Enter the requested mobile number and complete OTP verification if required.
Step 3: Select Your State
Choose the appropriate state and enter the required information.
Step 4: Search Beneficiary Details
Depending on the available search option, you may be able to search using:
Aadhaar details
Family details
Beneficiary details
Other permitted identification methods
Step 5: Check the Result
If the beneficiary record appears, carefully verify the name, age, and family information.
If your details are not available online, you may seek assistance from an authorized centre or PM-JAY empanelled hospital. The official PM-JAY helpline is 14555.
How to Complete Ayushman Card e-KYC
If your name appears as eligible but your Ayushman Card has not yet been generated, beneficiary verification may be required.
The general process may include:
Find the eligible beneficiary record.
Select the beneficiary who requires verification.
Complete Aadhaar-based or permitted identity verification.
Enter and verify the requested information.
Complete the e-KYC process.
Submit the verification request.
Wait for approval if required.
Download the Ayushman Card once it becomes available.
The exact process may change depending on updates made to the beneficiary system.
Ayushman Bharat Card Download Process 2026
After successful verification and approval, eligible beneficiaries can download their digital Ayushman Card.
Step-by-Step Card Download
Step 1: Visit the official Ayushman beneficiary portal or open the official Ayushman mobile application.
Step 2: Log in using the requested mobile number or beneficiary verification method.
Step 3: Complete OTP authentication.
Step 4: Find the approved beneficiary profile.
Step 5: Check the Ayushman Card status.
Step 6: If the card has been approved and the download option is available, click on Download Card.
Step 7: Save the digital card securely on your mobile or take a printout for convenient use.
Major Benefits of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
Cashless Hospitalization
Eligible beneficiaries can receive covered treatment at empanelled hospitals without directly paying the approved hospitalization cost, subject to scheme rules and package eligibility.
Up to ₹5 Lakh Health Cover
PM-JAY provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalization services.
Government and Private Hospitals
The scheme works through participating government as well as private hospitals that are officially empanelled under PM-JAY.
Portability Across India
Eligible beneficiaries can access covered treatment at empanelled hospitals in other states or Union Territories under the portability facility.
No Family-Size Limit
Eligible families under PM-JAY are not restricted by a fixed family-size limit.
Treatment Covered Under Ayushman Bharat
PM-JAY primarily focuses on eligible secondary and tertiary hospitalization packages.
Covered services may include:
Hospitalization expenses
Medical procedures
Diagnostic tests related to covered treatment
Medicines linked with eligible hospitalization
ICU treatment under eligible packages
Certain pre-hospitalization services
Certain post-hospitalization services
Covered surgical procedures
Covered medical procedures
However, not every healthcare service is covered. Certain services such as routine outpatient care, cosmetic treatment, fertility treatment, and some other categories may be excluded.
Beneficiaries should confirm whether the required treatment or package is covered before hospitalization.
How to Find an Ayushman Empanelled Hospital
Only hospitals empanelled under PM-JAY can provide treatment under approved cashless packages.
Before visiting a hospital:
Check the official PM-JAY empanelled hospital directory.
Select your state and district.
Check the hospital's speciality and empanelment status.
Contact the hospital if required.
Carry your Ayushman Card and valid identity proof.
Beneficiaries can also use official PM-JAY services or call 14555 for assistance in finding participating hospitals.
Important Things to Remember
Do not pay anyone who claims they can guarantee Ayushman Card eligibility.
Having an Aadhaar Card does not automatically mean that a person is eligible under PM-JAY.
Always check your beneficiary status through the proper official process.
Never share Aadhaar OTPs, banking passwords, or other sensitive details with unknown persons.
Confirm hospital empanelment and treatment-package eligibility before planned hospitalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an Ayushman Bharat Card?
The Ayushman Bharat Card is issued to eligible and verified AB PM-JAY beneficiaries and can be used to access covered cashless healthcare services at empanelled hospitals.
2. How much health coverage is available under PM-JAY?
Eligible families can receive coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for approved secondary and tertiary hospitalization services.
3. Who can apply for an Ayushman Card?
Eligibility is determined according to the applicable PM-JAY beneficiary database or other officially notified beneficiary categories.
4. Are people aged 70 years or above eligible?
Yes. Under the expanded AB PM-JAY provision, senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible irrespective of their economic status.
5. What document is required for senior citizens aged 70+?
Aadhaar is required for enrolment of eligible senior citizens, and Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory.
6. Can I download my Ayushman Card on mobile?
Yes. After beneficiary verification, e-KYC, and approval, the digital Ayushman Card can be downloaded through the supported official beneficiary service or Ayushman application.
7. Can the Ayushman Card be used in a private hospital?
Yes, provided the private hospital is empanelled under PM-JAY and the required treatment is covered under an eligible package.
8. Can I use my Ayushman Card in another state?
Eligible beneficiaries can access covered cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals in other states under the portability facility.
9. What is the Ayushman Bharat helpline number?
The official PM-JAY helpline number is 14555.
10. Is every medical treatment free under Ayushman Bharat?
No. Only treatments and services covered under approved PM-JAY packages are eligible. Beneficiaries should confirm coverage before treatment.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 can help eligible families access cashless hospitalization services under AB PM-JAY. Before trying to create or download the card, first check whether your name or family is included in an eligible beneficiary category.
Keep your Aadhaar and relevant family details ready, complete the required e-KYC through official channels, and download the Ayushman Card after successful verification and approval.
Senior citizens aged 70 years and above should also check their eligibility under the expanded PM-JAY provision. Always use official National Health Authority or PM-JAY services and confirm that the hospital is empanelled before planned treatment.