The Ayushman Card Apply Online 2026 process allows eligible beneficiaries to complete identification and verification for health coverage under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) through authorised government channels. The scheme provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation at empanelled hospitals.
The Ayushman Card is not a general health card that every citizen receives automatically. Eligibility depends on the applicable PM-JAY beneficiary category and government records. A major expansion now covers all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income, subject to the prescribed enrolment and verification process.
People looking for Ayushman Card Apply Online 2026 generally want to know how to check eligibility, complete e-KYC, submit the required details, generate the card and use it at a government or private empanelled hospital.
The process should always be completed through authorised government systems, Common Service Centres, designated personnel or PM-JAY empanelled hospitals. Applicants should avoid websites or agents that promise guaranteed approval in exchange for payment.
What Is Ayushman Card?
Ayushman Card is the beneficiary card associated with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. It identifies an eligible beneficiary under the scheme and can be used for verification when seeking covered treatment at an empanelled hospital.
PM-JAY provides health assurance of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible hospitalisation. The scheme covers secondary and tertiary care services and operates through public and private hospitals that are empanelled under the programme.
The scheme also provides portability. An eligible beneficiary can receive covered treatment outside the home state at an empanelled hospital, subject to the applicable PM-JAY package and rules.
The card itself should therefore be viewed as a means of beneficiary identification rather than as a separate insurance policy purchased by the applicant.
Who Can Apply for Ayushman Card in 2026?
Eligibility depends on the category under which a person is covered.
For the existing PM-JAY beneficiary population, eligibility is determined through the applicable government beneficiary database and scheme rules.
There is also a separate provision for senior citizens.
Ayushman Card for Citizens Aged 70 Years and Above
All Indian citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for AB PM-JAY irrespective of income. Eligible senior citizens are issued a distinct Ayushman Card after the required enrolment and verification.
This is important because the 70-plus eligibility provision does not depend on whether the person’s monthly or annual income is below a particular limit.
Senior citizens who are already members of a PM-JAY beneficiary family can receive an additional top-up benefit of up to ₹5 lakh per year for themselves. This additional amount is not shared with family members below 70 years who continue under the existing family coverage.
Senior citizens receiving certain other government health schemes may have to choose between their existing government scheme and AB PM-JAY according to the applicable rules. However, the official NHA FAQ states that eligible 70-plus citizens can still qualify even if they have private health insurance or ESIC coverage.
Ayushman Card Benefits in 2026
The main benefit of PM-JAY is health coverage for eligible hospitalisation.
Important features include:
- Coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible beneficiaries.
- Treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals.
- Cashless treatment for covered services.
- Portability across India.
- Coverage for eligible pre-existing conditions.
- Defined treatment packages under the scheme.
- Hospitalisation-related services according to the applicable package.
- No general family-size restriction under the standard PM-JAY framework.
The exact treatment available depends on the applicable health benefit package.
Not every medical expense is automatically covered. PM-JAY’s official support material, for example, lists outpatient care and certain other categories among excluded services.
Eligibility Check
Before beginning the card-generation process, applicants should check whether they are eligible.
The process generally involves beneficiary identification followed by identity verification.
For Existing PM-JAY Beneficiaries
Applicants can check whether their family or individual record appears in the applicable PM-JAY beneficiary database.
If the name is found, the beneficiary identification process can continue.
For Senior Citizens 70+
Citizens aged 70 years or above can enrol under the senior-citizen provision irrespective of income.
Age and identity verification are important parts of the process. The official NHA FAQ confirms that an Indian citizen aged 70 or above is eligible regardless of income.
Step-by-Step Process
The online process can be completed through the authorised PM-JAY beneficiary services.
The exact screen layout can change as government portals are updated, but the basic process involves beneficiary identification, authentication, e-KYC and card generation.
Step 1: Open the Authorised Ayushman Service
Use the official PM-JAY beneficiary service or another authorised government channel.
Do not rely on a website simply because its title contains “Ayushman Card Apply Online.”
Step 2: Enter Your Mobile Number
Where the service requires mobile verification, enter the mobile number requested by the system.
An OTP may be sent for authentication.
Step 3: Select the Appropriate State
Select the state relevant to the beneficiary record when the system asks for state information.
Step 4: Search for the Beneficiary
The system may allow beneficiary identification using the available search and identification options.
Depending on the applicant’s category, the process can involve details such as:
- Aadhaar
- Mobile number
- Family information
- Beneficiary identification details
- Other permitted identification information
Step 5: Select the Correct Beneficiary
If the system displays multiple records or family members, carefully select the correct person.
Check the name and other identifying information before continuing.
Step 6: Complete e-KYC
Complete the required e-KYC using the available authentication method.
Aadhaar-based authentication may be used where applicable.
Step 7: Verify the Details
Check the beneficiary’s information before final submission.
Any mismatch in name, age, family details or other information can create problems during verification.
Step 8: Submit the Verification
Submit the completed e-KYC or beneficiary verification request.
If the process requires approval, the application may remain pending until the concerned authority completes verification.
Step 9: Generate the Ayushman Card
After successful verification, the Ayushman Card can be generated through the authorised system.
The beneficiary can then download or print the card according to the available facility.
How to Apply for Ayushman Card Through CSC
People who find the online process difficult can visit an authorised Common Service Centre (CSC).
The National Health Authority has identified CSCs and empanelled hospitals as places where beneficiaries can receive assistance with eligibility and card generation.
The general process is:
- Visit an authorised CSC.
- Carry Aadhaar and other available documents.
- Provide the required beneficiary details.
- Ask the operator to check the PM-JAY record.
- Select the eligible family member.
- Complete the required e-KYC.
- Verify the information.
- Submit the request.
- Complete any required approval process.
- Generate the Ayushman Card after successful verification.
Applicants should remain present during authentication and should review the information before approving the e-KYC.
Ayushman Card Apply Through Empanelled Hospital
An eligible beneficiary can also receive assistance through an empanelled PM-JAY hospital.
The hospital’s designated Ayushman Mitra or authorised staff can assist with beneficiary identification and scheme-related procedures.
The NHA’s beneficiary-support material specifically states that Ayushman Mitra can help beneficiaries check eligibility and generate the Ayushman Card by guiding them to a CSC or PM-JAY empanelled hospital.
The beneficiary should carry available identification and family documents when visiting the facility.
Documents Required for Ayushman Card Apply Online 2026
The exact document requirement depends on the beneficiary category and verification method.
Commonly relevant documents may include:
- Aadhaar Card
- Mobile number
- Ration Card
- Family identification document
- Other accepted identity proof
- Address-related document, where required
- Family relationship documents, where required
- Other scheme-specific supporting documents
Applicants should not assume that every document is mandatory for every person.
The authorised system or operator will indicate the documents required for the particular beneficiary.
Is Aadhaar Mandatory for Ayushman Card?
Aadhaar is an important identity-verification document and Aadhaar-based e-KYC is used for beneficiary authentication where applicable.
However, the beneficiary identification framework also recognises permitted non-Aadhaar identification pathways in applicable circumstances.
If Aadhaar authentication does not work, the applicant should approach an authorised CSC, Ayushman Mitra or empanelled hospital to understand the verification option available for the particular record.
Applicants should not use unofficial methods to bypass government verification.
Ayushman Card e-KYC 2026
e-KYC is used to verify the identity of the beneficiary.
A typical Aadhaar-based e-KYC process may involve:
- Selecting the beneficiary.
- Entering or verifying Aadhaar information.
- Requesting authentication.
- Completing OTP or other authorised authentication.
- Confirming the beneficiary’s details.
- Submitting the verification.
- Waiting for approval if approval is required.
- Generating the card after successful verification.
The applicant should never disclose an OTP to an unknown caller.
If someone asks for an OTP over a phone call or message while claiming to be a government official, the applicant should verify the request through the authorised channel before proceeding.
Ayushman Card Apply Online for 70+ Senior Citizens
The 70-plus senior-citizen category is one of the most significant eligibility changes associated with PM-JAY.
The government has extended AB PM-JAY coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income.
A senior citizen applying under this provision should:
- Confirm that the age requirement is met.
- Keep Aadhaar and other identification details ready.
- Complete the required e-KYC.
- Verify the beneficiary information.
- Complete the enrolment process.
- Generate the distinct Ayushman Card after approval.
If the senior citizen is already part of an existing PM-JAY family, the official FAQ states that Aadhaar e-KYC needs to be completed again for the additional senior-citizen benefit.
Ayushman Card for Families Already Covered Under PM-JAY
Families already covered under PM-JAY continue to receive their applicable existing family benefit.
If a family member reaches the 70-year threshold, the senior citizen can receive the additional benefit available under the 70-plus provision.
The official NHA FAQ clarifies that this does not mean every family member automatically receives ₹10 lakh coverage. The additional ₹5 lakh benefit applies to eligible members aged 70 years or above, while the remaining family members continue under the existing coverage.
How to Download Ayushman Card Online
Once the beneficiary has completed the required verification and the card is generated, it can be downloaded through the authorised beneficiary service.
The general process is:
- Open the authorised Ayushman beneficiary service.
- Log in or complete beneficiary authentication.
- Select the approved beneficiary.
- Complete authentication if requested.
- Choose the card-download option.
- Download the digital card.
- Save it securely.
- Print a copy if required.
The beneficiary should check the card details after downloading it.
If the name or other information appears incorrect, the issue should be reported through an authorised channel instead of creating another application.
How to Check Ayushman Card Status
After completing the online application or e-KYC, the beneficiary may need to wait for verification.
The status can relate to:
- Beneficiary identification
- e-KYC
- Document verification
- Approval
- Card generation
If the card is not immediately available, the applicant should first check the status through the authorised system.
A CSC or empanelled hospital can also help with beneficiary verification where necessary.
Submitting multiple applications without checking the existing record can create confusion.
What If Ayushman Card e-KYC Fails?
An e-KYC attempt can fail because of several reasons.
Possible issues include:
- Incorrect Aadhaar details
- Authentication failure
- Mobile verification problem
- Beneficiary-record mismatch
- Incorrect family information
- Technical problem
- Incomplete information
If e-KYC fails, check the displayed reason and try the authorised process again if permitted.
If the problem continues, visit a CSC or PM-JAY empanelled hospital and ask the authorised staff to check the beneficiary record.
Do not pay an unofficial agent who promises to bypass the verification process.
How to Use Ayushman Card at a Hospital
After receiving the card, the beneficiary can use it at an empanelled hospital for eligible treatment.
The general hospital process is:
- Visit a PM-JAY empanelled hospital.
- Carry the Ayushman Card or beneficiary details.
- Carry Aadhaar or another required identification document.
- Approach the designated Ayushman desk.
- Complete beneficiary verification.
- Explain the medical requirement to the hospital.
- Confirm whether the treatment falls under a covered package.
- Complete admission and treatment formalities.
- Follow the hospital’s discharge procedure.
PM-JAY benefits are portable across states. An eligible beneficiary can receive covered treatment at an empanelled hospital outside the home state.
Can Ayushman Card Be Used at Private Hospitals?
Yes, eligible beneficiaries can use PM-JAY at private hospitals that are empanelled under the scheme.
The important condition is that the hospital must be empanelled and the required treatment must be covered under an applicable PM-JAY package.
Therefore, beneficiaries should verify both:
- Whether the hospital is empanelled.
- Whether the required treatment is covered.
A private hospital being located nearby does not automatically mean that all its treatments will be covered by Ayushman Card.
Can Ayushman Card Be Used Outside Your State?
Yes.
PM-JAY provides portability of benefits. An eligible beneficiary can obtain covered treatment at an empanelled hospital outside the home state. The official NHA support information states that treatment outside the home state can be provided at an empanelled hospital on a cashless basis under the scheme.
This can be useful for people who live temporarily in another state for work, education or family reasons.
What Treatment Is Covered Under Ayushman Card?
PM-JAY focuses on eligible secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
The scheme operates through defined health benefit packages.
Depending on the applicable package, the coverage can include hospitalisation-related services, treatment, medicines and other associated services.
Official PM-JAY material also describes coverage for pre-existing illnesses and certain pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses.
However, not every medical service is covered.
For example, the official PM-JAY support information lists outpatient care, cosmetic treatment, drug rehabilitation, organ transplantation and fertility treatment among excluded categories.
Beneficiaries should therefore confirm the specific treatment package with the empanelled hospital.
Does Ayushman Card Cover Pre-Existing Diseases?
Yes, PM-JAY includes coverage for eligible pre-existing conditions under the scheme framework.
Official NHA material states that pre-existing illnesses are covered under the scheme.
The treatment must still fall within the applicable PM-JAY package and hospitalisation requirements.
Ayushman Card for Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment can be covered under PM-JAY when the relevant treatment package is available and the beneficiary meets the scheme requirements.
The actual coverage depends on the applicable package and treatment procedure.
Patients should approach an empanelled hospital and ask the authorised PM-JAY desk to verify whether the required cancer treatment is covered under the relevant package.
Ayushman Card and Other Health Insurance
For citizens aged 70 years and above, private health insurance does not automatically prevent eligibility under PM-JAY.
The official NHA FAQ specifically states that eligible 70-plus citizens can receive PM-JAY coverage even when they have private health insurance.
ESIC coverage also does not automatically disqualify an eligible senior citizen aged 70 years or above.
However, different rules apply to certain other government health schemes. For example, the official FAQ states that eligible senior citizens receiving schemes such as CGHS must choose between the existing government scheme and AB PM-JAY according to the applicable rules.
How to Find an Ayushman Empanelled Hospital
Before visiting a hospital, beneficiaries should confirm whether it is empanelled under PM-JAY.
Hospital information can be checked through authorised PM-JAY services.
Beneficiaries can also ask the Ayushman Mitra or designated hospital staff for assistance.
This step is important because treatment at a hospital that is not part of the PM-JAY network may not be processed under the scheme.
Common Reasons for Ayushman Card Application Problems
Applicants may face difficulties when:
- The beneficiary record cannot be located.
- Personal information does not match.
- Aadhaar authentication fails.
- e-KYC remains incomplete.
- Family information requires verification.
- Required supporting documents are unavailable.
- The application is pending.
- The applicant does not satisfy the applicable eligibility rules.
- There is a technical issue with the online system.
The correct solution depends on the specific problem.
Applicants should contact an authorised service centre or designated PM-JAY official rather than submitting repeated applications.
Common Mistakes While Applying for Ayushman Card
1. Using an Unofficial Website
Do not enter Aadhaar, OTP or bank information on random websites.
2. Assuming Every Citizen Is Automatically Eligible
The general PM-JAY beneficiary population has specific eligibility rules. The 70-plus provision is a separate eligibility category.
3. Giving OTP to Someone Else
OTP should be entered only during the authorised authentication process.
4. Paying Unofficial Charges
Applicants should be cautious if someone demands money for guaranteed Ayushman Card approval.
5. Ignoring Name Mismatch
The beneficiary should carefully check the details displayed during verification.
6. Not Checking Hospital Empanelment
Always confirm that the hospital is empanelled before relying on PM-JAY for treatment.
7. Assuming Every Treatment Is Free
Only eligible treatments and services covered under the scheme can be processed under PM-JAY.
Important Points
Before submitting the application, remember:
- Check eligibility first.
- Use an authorised PM-JAY service.
- Keep Aadhaar and supporting documents ready.
- Complete e-KYC correctly.
- Verify the beneficiary’s details.
- Save the card after successful generation.
- Check hospital empanelment before treatment.
- Confirm treatment-package eligibility.
- Never share OTP with an unknown person.
- Avoid unofficial websites and agents.
- Keep your application or beneficiary details safely recorded.
- Use the official support mechanism if a problem remains unresolved.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Card Apply Online 2026 process is designed to help eligible beneficiaries complete identification, e-KYC and card generation under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. The scheme provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation through empanelled hospitals.
The eligibility process is particularly important because Ayushman Card is not automatically issued to every citizen. Existing PM-JAY beneficiaries are identified according to the applicable government beneficiary records, while citizens aged 70 years and above have a separate eligibility provision irrespective of income.
Applicants can use authorised online services, CSCs or designated personnel at empanelled hospitals to complete the required process. After successful verification, the card can be generated and used for eligible treatment at empanelled hospitals, including facilities outside the beneficiary’s home state under the portability feature.
Applicants should always verify the latest requirements before submitting their details, keep their identity documents ready and avoid unofficial websites promising guaranteed approval. The safest way to complete Ayushman Card Apply Online 2026 is through authorised government channels and verified PM-JAY services.
FAQs
1. Can people above 70 years apply for an Ayushman Card in 2026?
Yes. Indian citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for AB PM-JAY irrespective of income, subject to the prescribed enrolment and verification process.
2. Can Ayushman Card be used in another state?
Yes. Eligible beneficiaries can receive covered treatment at empanelled hospitals outside their home state under PM-JAY portability.
3. What should I do if my Ayushman Card e-KYC fails?
Check the beneficiary details and authentication information first. If the problem continues, visit an authorised CSC or PM-JAY empanelled hospital for assistance with the verification process.