🏥 How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Card Online – Step-by-Step Guide, Eligibility, Benefits & Download

Healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for Indian families. A serious illness or surgery often means heavy expenses that can push a middle-class or poor family into debt. According to surveys, before 2018, more than 80% of Indian households had no health insurance, and medical expenses forced many to sell their land, gold, or borrow loans.

To solve this, the Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in September 2018. Popularly known as the Ayushman Bharat Card or Golden Card, it provides free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.

In just 7 years, the scheme has become the world’s largest health insurance programme, covering 60 crore citizens. Now, in 2025, Ayushman Bharat has expanded further with senior citizens (70+ years) included automatically, more hospitals, digital health IDs, and telemedicine services.

This blog post will guide you step-by-step on how to apply for your Ayushman Bharat Card online in 2025, along with eligibility, required documents, benefits, and latest updates.

What is Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY?

Ayushman Bharat is a government health insurance scheme designed to provide cashless treatment for poor and vulnerable families.

• Launched: 23rd September 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• Coverage: ₹5 lakh per family per year.

• Beneficiaries: Over 60 crore citizens.

• Hospitals: 32,000+ government and private hospitals empanelled.

• Diseases covered: Over 1,960 procedures across 27 specialties (including heart, kidney, cancer, maternity, etc.).

The scheme not only provides financial protection but also ensures that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, regardless of income or social background.

📌 Quick Access Table

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)

This part of Ayushman Bharat provides free medical insurance of ₹5 lakh per family per year. Its key benefits include:

• Cashless Treatment: Free treatment in private and government hospitals.
• No Limit on Family Size: Covers all family members, who have eligible family.
• Covers Pre-Existing Diseases: Even old illnesses are also included.
• Hospital Expenses Covered: Includes doctor fees, operations, ICU charges, and medical tests.

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

This digital mission makes medical services more efficient. Its key features include:

• ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) ID: A digital health ID to store patient medical history in online.
• Easily Share Health Records: Doctors can access patients past medical reports in digitally.
• Telemedicine & Online Pharmacies: Helps patients consult doctors and buy medicines online.

Key Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Card

1. Free Cashless Treatment

   • Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.

   • Covers hospitalisation, surgery, ICU, medicines, diagnostics.

2. Wide Coverage

   • 1,960+ medical procedures across 27 specialties.

   • Includes major illnesses like cancer, kidney disease, heart problems.

3. Portable Across India

   • The Golden Card can be used in any empanelled hospital nationwide.

4. Pre- & Post-Hospitalisation Care

   • Costs before and after surgery/treatment also included.

5. Special State-Level Add-ons

   • Odisha: Additional ₹5 lakh for families with women members.

   • Delhi: Extra top-up of ₹5 lakh, making coverage ₹10 lakh.

   • Jammu & Kashmir: 100% population covered.

6. Senior Citizen Coverage

   • Since 2024, all citizens aged 70+ are automatically included.

7. Women & Children Focus

   • 49% of Ayushman cardholders are women.

   • Free maternity care under SUMAN & Janani Suraksha schemes.

8. Primary Healthcare Access

   • 2 lakh+ Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Wellness Centres) provide free check-ups, screenings, and early diagnosis.

Achievements of Ayushman Bharat (Till 2025)

The scheme has transformed India’s healthcare landscape. Key achievements include:

• 41 crore+ Ayushman Cards issued.

• ₹1.25 lakh crore saved by families in treatment costs.

• 9.42 crore hospital admissions covered free of cost.

• 200 crore+ medical tests conducted at Wellness Centres.

• 2 lakh+ Ayushman Arogya Mandirs opened.

• 36+ crore people benefited from e-Sanjeevani telemedicine.

• 80+ crore ABHA IDs (Digital Health Records) created.

• ₹38,000 crore saved on medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

• 157 new medical colleges and 23 new AIIMS established.

• Maternal mortality rate reduced by 86% (1990–2023).

• Infant mortality rate dropped from 45 (2014) to 31 (2021) per 1,000 births.

👉 These numbers prove that Ayushman Bharat is not just a scheme, but a healthcare revolution.

Eligibility for Ayushman Bharat

Ayushman Bharat eligibility is based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011.

Eligible groups include:

• Families identified as poor under SECC.

• Rural landless households, daily wage labourers.

• Urban poor: domestic workers, street vendors, ragpickers.

• Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe families.

• All citizens aged 70 years and above (since 2024, irrespective of income).

👉 States may expand eligibility beyond SECC using their own criteria.

📑 Documents Required

To apply for Ayushman Bharat Card, you’ll need:

• Aadhaar Card (mandatory)

• Ration Card or Family ID

• Mobile number for OTP

• Income certificate (if needed)

• Caste certificate (if applicable)

• Passport-size photograph

How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat?

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) using the official web portal.

Step 1: Open the Registration Link

Click on or copy-paste the following link into your web browser:
🔗 ABHA Registration Portal

Step 2: Choose Your Registration Method

On the registration page, you will see multiple options to create your ABHA ID (Ayushman Bharat Health Account). You can choose any one which is easy to you for register:

1. Aadhaar Card
2. Driving License (Only for generating an Enrolment Number)
3. Mobile Number (linked with Aadhaar)

Note: Aadhaar-based registration is the easiest and quickest method.

Step 3: Enter Aadhaar Number

• If you choose Aadhaar, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Number and click on “I Agree” to give consent.
• Click on “Next” to proceed.

Step 4: Verify with OTP

• You will receive a Aadhaar Six digits OTP on your Aadhaar linked mobile number.
• Enter that OTP in the given box and then click “Submit”.

Step 5: Fill in Personal Details

After Aadhaar verification, the system will auto-fill some your details. Verify and complete the following:
✔ Full Name
✔ Date of Birth
✔ Gender
✔ Mobile Number
✔ Email ID (Optional)

Click on “Next” after entering the details.

Step 6: Create ABHA Number

• The system will generate a 14-digit ABHA Number.
• You may also create a username (ABHA Address) for easy login in the future.

Step 7: Download and Save Your ABHA ID

• Once successfully registered, you can download the ABHA Card.
• Save that ABHA Number and QR Code for future use.

Step 8: Link to Ayushman Bharat Benefits (Optional)

• If eligible for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), you can link your ABHA ID to avail free medical benefits at empanelled hospitals.

How to Download Ayushman Bharat Card?

Downloading your Ayushman Bharat card is easy. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

• Go to https://pmjay.gov.in.

Step 2: Log in

• Click on ‘Beneficiary Login’.
• Enter your registered mobile number and verify using OTP.

Step 3: Search for Your Ayushman Bharat Card

• Click on ‘Download Ayushman Card’.
• Enter your Aadhaar number or mobile number.

Step 4: Download and Save the Card

• Your Ayushman Bharat card will be displayed.
• Click ‘Download’ and save it as a PDF.

Step 5: Print and Use

• Take a printout of the Ayushman Bharat e-card.
• Show it at hospitals to get free treatment as per guidelines.

Interesting Facts About Ayushman Bharat

Here are some key numbers that show the impact of Ayushman Bharat:

Benefits of Ayushman Bharat

• Saves Money: Covers hospital expenses for poor and middle-class families.
• No Need to Pay for Treatment: Free medical care in registered hospitals.
• Better Healthcare: More hospitals and better facilities for treatment.
• Encourages Private Hospitals to Help: Private hospitals also provide free treatment.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Ayushman Bharat?

Ayushman Bharat, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is a national health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018. The scheme aims to provide cashless healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year to economically vulnerable sections of society. It aims to improve the healthcare system, especially for the underprivileged.

2. Who is eligible for the Ayushman Bharat Card?

Eligibility for the Ayushman Bharat card is primarily determined through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. The eligibility is based on:

• Rural Areas: Households with no adult male members, families living in kutcha houses, landless laborers, families belonging to SC/ST, and manual scavengers.

• Urban Areas: Based on occupation types like street vendors, rickshaw pullers, sanitation workers, construction workers, domestic helpers, electricians, plumbers, and security guards.

The official website and CSC centers allow you to check eligibility.

3. What documents are required to apply for the Ayushman Bharat card?

To apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card, you need the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card (mandatory for verification)

• Ration Card or Family ID for identification

• Income Certificate (if applicable)

• Caste Certificate (for SC/ST category applicants)

• Passport-sized Photograph

• Mobile number for OTP verification

• Other government-issued IDs (if necessary)

These documents are used for eKYC verification during the registration process.

4. Can I apply for Ayushman Bharat Card online?

Yes, you can apply for the Ayushman Bharat card online by visiting the official PMJAY portal (https://pmjay.gov.in) and following the steps for eligibility checking and registration. However, biometric verification is required, which can be completed at a Common Service Center (CSC) or an empaneled hospital.

5. How can I check if my name is in the Ayushman Bharat beneficiary list?

To check if you are eligible and listed in the Ayushman Bharat beneficiary list, follow these steps:

1. Visit https://pmjay.gov.in

2. Click on “Am I Eligible” on the homepage

3. Enter your mobile number and receive an OTP for verification

4. Select your state and search for your family’s name using Aadhaar, Ration Card, or other options.

If you qualify, you’ll be listed as an eligible beneficiary.

6. How do I register for Ayushman Bharat Card?

Follow these steps for registration:

1. Visit the official website https://pmjay.gov.in

2. Check your eligibility by using the “Am I Eligible” feature.

3. If eligible, visit your nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or hospital to complete biometric verification.

4. Provide the required documents for verification.

5. Your Ayushman Bharat Card will be generated after verification. You can either download it from the portal or print it from the DigiLocker.

7. How to download Ayushman Bharat Card?

To download the Ayushman Bharat Card, follow these steps:

1. Visit https://bis.pmjay.gov.in

2. Enter your mobile number and OTP for verification.

3. Click on “Download Ayushman Card”.

4. Your Ayushman Bharat card will be available for download in PDF format. You can print it for use.

Alternatively, you can access your card through the DigiLocker app or ABHA Health ID portal.

8. Is there a fee to apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card?

No, there is no fee to apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card. It is a free government service provided to eligible citizens. Some Common Service Centers (CSC) may charge a small fee for administrative or facilitation services like document uploading or biometric verification.

9. Can I use the Ayushman Bharat Card for medical treatment anywhere in India?

Yes, the Ayushman Bharat Card is valid across India at empaneled hospitals. The scheme allows cashless treatment for listed medical procedures in both public and private hospitals under the PM-JAY network.

10. What health treatments are covered under Ayushman Bharat?

The Ayushman Bharat Card covers over 1,500 medical procedures, including:

• Surgical procedures for heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, kidney ailments, and neurological issues.

• Maternity care, newborn health, and child immunization.

• Diagnostics and treatment of critical illnesses such as cancer, stroke, and accidents.

• Pre-existing medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are also covered.

11. How can I update my Ayushman Bharat details if there is an error?

If there’s an error in your Ayushman Bharat registration details, you can request updates at the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or hospital that facilitated your registration. Make sure to provide valid proof for corrections.

12. Can I apply for Ayushman Bharat Card if I already have private health insurance?

Yes, you can still apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card even if you have private health insurance. The Ayushman Bharat scheme provides additional health coverage over and above any private insurance you may have, and it is specifically designed for economically vulnerable sections of society.

13. Is the Ayushman Bharat Card valid for the entire family?

Yes, the Ayushman Bharat Card covers the entire family unit as per the eligible member’s details. This includes all members listed in the family’s Ration Card or as per the SECC 2011 data.

14. What happens if I lose my Ayushman Bharat Card?

If you lose your Ayushman Bharat Card, you can download a new copy from the PM-JAY portal or visit your Common Service Center (CSC) to have it reissued.

15. What are the benefits of having the Ayushman Bharat Card?

The Ayushman Bharat Card provides the following benefits:

• Cashless healthcare at over 24,000 hospitals across India.

• Coverage for hospitalization, surgery, diagnosis, and pre-existing conditions.

• No age or family size restrictions.

• The card is valid for family members and includes maternity and newborn care.

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Whether you’re applying for Ayushman Bharat, Ration Card, or Meeseva services—we’re here to guide you with step-by-step tutorials and official links.

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📝 Final Thoughts

The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme is a revolutionary step toward universal health coverage in India. If you or your family qualify under the SECC 2011 list, don’t miss out on the benefits. Apply for your Ayushman Bharat card online, download it, and enjoy cashless healthcare at hundreds of empaneled hospitals across India.

For more updates and official guides, bookmark National Info Desk!