The Ayushman Card is an important beneficiary card associated with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). It helps eligible beneficiaries access covered hospital treatment through the PM-JAY network. The scheme provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible beneficiaries for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
Many people search for How to Apply for Ayushman Card because they want to know whether they are eligible, what documents are needed, how e-KYC is completed, where the card can be generated and how the card can later be used for treatment.
The process is different from applying for an ordinary identity card. Under PM-JAY, beneficiary identification is carried out through the scheme’s beneficiary identification system, followed by verification and e-KYC where applicable. The National Health Authority’s beneficiary identification documentation describes identification through authorised operators and verification using Aadhaar KYC or other permitted identification methods, along with family and supporting documents where required.
It is therefore important to first check whether your name or family is eligible under the applicable beneficiary database or whether you qualify through a separate eligibility category.
What Is an Ayushman Card?
An Ayushman Card is issued to eligible beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY after their identity and beneficiary eligibility are verified.
The card serves as proof that the identified beneficiary is registered under the scheme and can be used when seeking covered treatment at an empanelled hospital.
The PM-JAY framework provides cashless access to covered hospitalisation services at empanelled public and private hospitals. The scheme’s official material also states that benefits are portable across India, meaning an eligible beneficiary can receive covered treatment at an empanelled hospital outside the home state.
An Ayushman Card should not be confused with a general health insurance card available automatically to every Indian citizen. Eligibility depends on the applicable PM-JAY rules.
Who Can Apply for an Ayushman Card?
The eligibility process depends on the category under which the beneficiary is covered.
For the regular PM-JAY beneficiary population, eligibility is based on the applicable government beneficiary database and scheme rules.
A particularly important expansion applies to senior citizens.
Ayushman Card for Citizens Aged 70 Years and Above
The Government has approved AB PM-JAY health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income. Eligible senior citizens receive a distinct Ayushman card under the scheme.
This means an applicant who is 70 or older does not have to satisfy an income limit merely to qualify under this senior-citizen provision.
If a family is already covered under PM-JAY, an eligible member aged 70 years or above can receive an additional top-up benefit of up to ₹5 lakh per year for the senior citizen, separate from the existing family cover available to other family members.
However, senior citizens covered by certain other government health schemes may have to choose between the existing government health scheme and AB PM-JAY according to the applicable rules. The official government FAQ also clarifies that private health insurance or ESIC coverage does not by itself prevent an eligible person aged 70 or above from being covered under PM-JAY.
What Benefits Are Available Under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
The core PM-JAY benefit is health assurance for eligible beneficiaries.
The scheme provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for covered secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. It is implemented through a network of empanelled hospitals and uses a cashless treatment model for covered services.
Important features include:
- Hospitalisation coverage for eligible treatment packages.
- Cashless access at empanelled hospitals.
- Coverage for eligible family members under the applicable beneficiary rules.
- Portability of benefits across India.
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions under PM-JAY.
- Pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses associated with covered treatment, as prescribed under the scheme.
- Treatment through public and private empanelled hospitals.
- No general family-size restriction under the scheme’s standard PM-JAY framework.
The actual treatment available depends on the health benefit package and the services covered under the scheme.
How to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility
Before applying for the card, the first step is to determine whether the applicant is an eligible beneficiary.
The eligibility verification process can be completed through authorised PM-JAY channels.
Step 1: Check Your Beneficiary Details
Your name or family details may already exist in the relevant government beneficiary database.
An authorised Ayushman Mitra, Common Service Centre or designated beneficiary identification facility can help search the applicable record.
Step 2: Provide Identification Details
Depending on the process available in your area, identification may involve Aadhaar or another permitted identification document.
The PM-JAY beneficiary identification process includes individual identification, identity verification, document upload and family identification.
Step 3: Complete e-KYC
If e-KYC is required, the applicant must complete the prescribed identity verification process.
Aadhaar-based authentication may be used where applicable.
Step 4: Wait for Verification
The submitted information can go through the prescribed verification and approval process.
After successful verification, the beneficiary’s Ayushman Card can be generated or downloaded through the authorised system.
How to Apply for Ayushman Card Online
The online process can be useful for eligible beneficiaries who want to complete beneficiary identification and e-KYC digitally.
The exact screen sequence can vary as the National Health Authority updates its digital systems and state implementation arrangements.
A general process is as follows.
Step 1: Open the Official Ayushman Service
Use the authorised PM-JAY or National Health Authority service available for beneficiary identification and card generation.
Avoid websites that simply use the words “Ayushman Card” without being connected to the government system.
Step 2: Enter the Required Details
Depending on the service, the applicant may be asked for information such as:
- Mobile number
- Aadhaar details
- State
- Family details
- Beneficiary identification information
The information requested depends on the applicant’s beneficiary category and the available verification method.
Step 3: Search for the Beneficiary
The system checks the available beneficiary records.
If the applicant is found in the applicable database, the identification process can proceed.
Step 4: Select the Beneficiary
If several family members are displayed, select the correct person whose Ayushman Card needs to be generated.
Step 5: Complete e-KYC
Complete the required e-KYC using the available authentication method.
The applicant should make sure that the details shown during verification are correct.
Step 6: Submit for Verification
After the required information and documents have been submitted, the application may be sent for verification or approval according to the applicable process.
Step 7: Generate the Ayushman Card
Once the beneficiary is verified and approved, the card can be generated through the authorised system.
The card can then be downloaded or printed according to the facility available to the beneficiary.
How to Apply for Ayushman Card Through CSC
A Common Service Centre can be useful for people who are not comfortable completing the digital process themselves.
The applicant can visit an authorised CSC and request Ayushman beneficiary identification or card-generation assistance.
Generally, the process involves:
- Visiting the authorised CSC.
- Providing the required identification document.
- Providing family or ration-card details if required.
- Searching the beneficiary database.
- Selecting the eligible family member.
- Completing e-KYC.
- Uploading or verifying documents where required.
- Completing the approval process.
- Generating the Ayushman Card after successful verification.
The exact documents and authentication requirements may vary according to the beneficiary record and state implementation.
How to Get an Ayushman Card from an Empanelled Hospital
An eligible person can also seek assistance at an empanelled hospital.
PM-JAY uses designated hospital personnel, including Ayushman Mitra or authorised staff, for beneficiary identification and treatment-related registration.
The National Health Authority’s beneficiary identification documentation describes the role of authorised operators in identifying beneficiaries, completing verification and processing the e-card.
A beneficiary should carry available identification and supporting family documents when visiting the hospital for this purpose.
If the person’s beneficiary record is available and verification is completed successfully, the Ayushman Card can be generated according to the applicable process.
Documents Required for Ayushman Card
The exact document requirement can differ depending on the beneficiary category and state implementation.
Common documents that may be requested include:
- Aadhaar Card
- Mobile number
- Ration Card
- Family identification document
- Other government-issued identity proof
- Address-related documents, where required
- Documents supporting family relationship, where required
- Other beneficiary-specific documents
For Aadhaar-based e-KYC, the Aadhaar information must be available for authentication.
The PM-JAY beneficiary identification process has historically included Aadhaar KYC or non-Aadhaar identification, mobile verification and supporting document uploads, along with family identification through ration-card or other accepted documents.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that one fixed document list applies to every person.
Is Aadhaar Mandatory for Ayushman Card?
Aadhaar is an important identity-verification method in the PM-JAY beneficiary identification process, particularly for e-KYC.
However, the official beneficiary identification documentation also describes Aadhaar KYC and non-Aadhaar identification pathways in the beneficiary verification process.
The exact verification method available to an applicant can depend on the applicable beneficiary category and current implementation rules.
If Aadhaar authentication fails, the applicant should not immediately assume that the entire application is cancelled. The appropriate authorised centre can explain the alternative verification process, if available.
Ayushman Card e-KYC Process
e-KYC confirms the identity of the beneficiary.
A typical Aadhaar-based e-KYC process may involve:
- Entering or verifying Aadhaar information.
- Requesting authentication.
- Receiving an OTP on the registered mobile number, where OTP authentication is used.
- Entering the OTP.
- Completing identity verification.
- Confirming the beneficiary information.
- Submitting the verification.
- Waiting for approval where required.
The applicant should never share an OTP with an unknown person over the phone.
If a CSC operator or authorised service provider is assisting with the process, the applicant should remain present during authentication and review the details before confirming the submission.
How to Download Ayushman Card
Once the beneficiary has been successfully verified and the card is approved, the digital card can be downloaded through the authorised Ayushman service.
The general process is:
- Open the authorised beneficiary service.
- Log in or verify the beneficiary.
- Select the approved beneficiary.
- Complete authentication if requested.
- Select the card-download option.
- Download the digital card.
- Save a copy on your device.
- Print a copy if required.
The NHA’s operational documentation states that after beneficiary identification and approval, the e-card is printed with the unique beneficiary ID and handed to the beneficiary as proof for future verification.
How to Check Ayushman Card Status
If the card has not been generated immediately, the applicant should check the application or verification status through the authorised system.
Depending on the process, status information may relate to:
- Beneficiary identification
- e-KYC
- Document verification
- Approval
- Card generation
If an application remains pending, the applicant should avoid repeatedly submitting new applications without understanding the reason for the pending status.
A CSC, Ayushman Mitra or designated government health facility can help identify the next step.
What to Do If Ayushman Card e-KYC Fails
e-KYC may fail because of an incorrect Aadhaar detail, mobile authentication problem, biometric issue, beneficiary-record mismatch or another technical reason.
In such a situation:
- Check whether the Aadhaar details are correct.
- Confirm that the beneficiary’s name and other information match the available records.
- Try the authorised verification method again if permitted.
- Visit an authorised CSC or empanelled hospital.
- Ask the Ayushman Mitra to check the beneficiary record.
- Use the official grievance or support mechanism if the issue cannot be resolved locally.
Do not create multiple applications simply because one authentication attempt failed.
How to Add or Check Family Members
PM-JAY’s standard framework does not impose a general restriction on family size. Official NHA material also states that there is no limit on family size for the scheme.
However, family-member addition and record correction are controlled by the applicable beneficiary-identification rules.
If a family member is missing from the beneficiary record, the applicant should approach the authorised centre and ask what supporting documents are required.
A new family member should not be added through an unofficial website or by paying an unauthorised person.
How to Use Ayushman Card for Hospital Treatment
After receiving the card, the beneficiary can use it at an empanelled hospital for eligible treatment.
The basic process is:
- Find an empanelled hospital.
- Carry the Ayushman Card or beneficiary details.
- Carry Aadhaar or another required identity document.
- Approach the Ayushman Mitra or designated hospital desk.
- Complete beneficiary verification.
- Consult the hospital’s medical team.
- If the required procedure is covered, the hospital processes the treatment under the applicable package.
- Follow the hospital’s admission and discharge procedure.
PM-JAY benefits are portable across the country, allowing beneficiaries to obtain covered treatment at empanelled hospitals outside their home state.
Can Ayushman Card Be Used in a Private Hospital?
Yes, eligible beneficiaries can use PM-JAY benefits at private hospitals that are empanelled under the scheme, provided the required treatment and package are covered.
The scheme also operates through public hospitals.
The important point is not simply whether a hospital is private or government-run. The hospital must be empanelled for PM-JAY, and the required treatment must fall within the applicable covered package.
Can Ayushman Card Be Used Outside Your State?
Yes.
PM-JAY provides portability of benefits. An eligible beneficiary can receive covered treatment at an empanelled hospital in another state. The NHA’s official FAQ states that treatment outside the home state can be provided on a cashless basis at an empanelled hospital under PM-JAY.
This feature can be especially useful for beneficiaries who travel for work, education or family reasons.
What Treatments Are Covered Under Ayushman Card?
PM-JAY focuses on secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
Treatment is provided through defined health benefit packages.
The availability of a particular treatment depends on the applicable package, medical requirements and scheme rules.
The scheme should not be understood as covering every medical expense in every situation.
For example, the NHA’s FAQ identifies certain services such as routine outpatient care, cosmetic treatment and some other categories as excluded under PM-JAY.
Therefore, before assuming that a particular procedure is covered, beneficiaries should confirm the package with the empanelled hospital.
Is Pre-Existing Disease Covered Under Ayushman Card?
PM-JAY has coverage for pre-existing conditions under its scheme framework.
Official NHA material states that pre-existing conditions are covered from the beginning of coverage.
However, the actual treatment still has to fall within the applicable PM-JAY health benefit package and treatment conditions.
Does Ayushman Card Cover Cancer Treatment?
Cancer treatment can be covered under PM-JAY through applicable health benefit packages.
The NHA’s official support material states that cancer treatment is covered, subject to the relevant treatment packages and the required clinical approval process.
Beneficiaries should therefore approach an empanelled hospital and ask the hospital’s authorised PM-JAY team to check the specific treatment package.
Ayushman Card for Senior Citizens Above 70 Years
The 70-plus category is particularly important because the eligibility rule is different from the income-based eligibility that applies to many welfare programmes.
All Indian citizens aged 70 years or above are eligible for AB PM-JAY under the senior-citizen expansion, irrespective of income.
For these applicants:
- Age must meet the prescribed 70-year threshold.
- Income is not used as an eligibility restriction for this category.
- Aadhaar-based e-KYC is part of the enrolment process where prescribed.
- A distinct Ayushman card is issued for eligible senior citizens.
- Existing government health-scheme beneficiaries may have to choose between schemes according to applicable rules.
- Private health insurance does not by itself disqualify an eligible 70-plus citizen.
- ESIC coverage does not by itself disqualify an eligible 70-plus citizen.
Senior citizens should check their exact status through the authorised PM-JAY channel rather than relying on unofficial eligibility lists.
Ayushman Card and Private Health Insurance
Having private health insurance does not automatically mean that an eligible senior citizen aged 70 years or above cannot receive PM-JAY coverage.
The official NHA FAQ specifically states that a 70-plus person can remain eligible even when covered by private health insurance.
However, the rules concerning other government health schemes can be different, so beneficiaries should verify their situation before choosing or switching between government health programmes.
Common Reasons an Ayushman Card Application May Not Proceed
An application or card-generation process may face difficulties when:
- The beneficiary cannot be found in the relevant record.
- Identity information does not match.
- Aadhaar authentication fails.
- Family details are incomplete.
- Required documents are unavailable.
- The mobile verification process fails.
- The beneficiary record requires correction.
- The application is awaiting approval.
- The person is not eligible under the applicable category.
- There is a technical issue with the service.
The correct response depends on the specific reason.
Applicants should ask an authorised Ayushman Mitra, CSC or designated official to check the beneficiary record rather than paying an unofficial person to “activate” the card.
How to Find an Ayushman Empanelled Hospital
Before visiting a hospital for treatment, beneficiaries should confirm that the hospital is empanelled under PM-JAY.
The National Health Authority maintains a hospital-empanelment system for PM-JAY facilities.
The beneficiary can check the available hospital information through the official PM-JAY system or seek assistance from the authorised Ayushman service.
This is important because simply visiting a private hospital does not automatically make treatment eligible for PM-JAY coverage.
Important Points Before Applying for Ayushman Card
Applicants should remember these points:
- First check eligibility.
- Use an authorised government channel.
- Keep Aadhaar and other supporting documents ready.
- Complete e-KYC carefully.
- Check your name and family details before submission.
- Do not share OTPs with strangers.
- Do not pay unofficial charges for card generation.
- Confirm the hospital’s PM-JAY empanelment before treatment.
- Check whether the required procedure is covered.
- Save the digital card after approval.
- Keep a printed copy if convenient.
- Report problems through the authorised grievance mechanism.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Applying on a Fake Website
Many unofficial websites use government scheme keywords.
Always verify that you are using an authorised government service.
2. Assuming Everyone Is Automatically Eligible
PM-JAY eligibility depends on the applicable category and rules. The 70-plus senior-citizen provision is a separate important eligibility route.
3. Paying for a Free Card
Beneficiaries should be cautious if anyone demands an unofficial fee for simply generating an Ayushman Card.
4. Entering Incorrect Details
Incorrect names, dates of birth or family information can create verification problems.
5. Ignoring e-KYC
Where e-KYC is required, the card-generation process may not be completed until identity verification is successfully carried out.
6. Going to a Non-Empanelled Hospital
PM-JAY benefits are linked to the scheme’s empanelled hospital network and applicable treatment packages.
Conclusion
The process of How to Apply for Ayushman Card begins with checking eligibility and identifying the correct beneficiary record. For regular PM-JAY beneficiaries, identification is carried out through the applicable government beneficiary database and verification process. For citizens aged 70 years and above, the Government has extended PM-JAY coverage irrespective of income, making this a separate eligibility route for senior citizens.
Eligible applicants can complete the required beneficiary identification and e-KYC through authorised digital services, CSCs or designated personnel at empanelled hospitals. Aadhaar-based verification may be used where applicable, while the official beneficiary-identification framework also provides for other permitted identification methods.
After successful verification, the Ayushman Card can be generated and used at eligible empanelled hospitals for covered treatment. Beneficiaries should always confirm hospital empanelment and the applicable treatment package before relying on the scheme for a particular medical procedure.
The safest approach is to use authorised government channels, keep identity and family documents ready, review every detail before submission and avoid unofficial websites or agents claiming guaranteed card approval.
FAQs
1. Can a person above 70 years apply for an Ayushman Card?
Yes. Indian citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for AB PM-JAY irrespective of income, subject to the applicable enrolment and verification process.
2. Is Aadhaar needed for Ayushman Card e-KYC?
Aadhaar-based e-KYC is an important verification method, but the applicable identification process can vary by beneficiary category and authorised verification route.
3. Can the Ayushman Card be used in another state?
Yes. PM-JAY benefits are portable, so eligible beneficiaries can receive covered treatment at empanelled hospitals outside their home state.