Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is India’s flagship health assurance scheme that offers families cashless hospitalization up to ₹5,00,000 per family per year. If you want to create your Ayushman Card (PMJAY card) from home, avail free treatment, and secure your family’s health welfare, you must know the correct process, eligibility, documents, and how to apply. This article gives you a step-by-step updated guide including how to check if you are eligible, applying online/offline, and downloading your Ayushman card.
What Is the Ayushman Card / PM-JAY?
The Ayushman Card is the formal card issued under PM-JAY that allows you to receive cashless treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals. Once your card is active, it serves as a health insurance identity for hospitalization, diagnostics, doctor’s consultation, ICU stays, pre-hospitalization & post-hospitalization care, medicines, etc., up to ₹5 lakhs per year under the scheme. All medically necessary secondary and tertiary treatments for covered diseases/procedures are included for eligible families. The scheme covers incomes and deprivation criteria based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011. (National Health Authority)
Who Is Eligible for Ayushman Card?
To become eligible for PM-JAY and receive the Ayushman Card, the following criteria generally apply:
- Your family should be identified under the SECC 2011 data as belonging to poor or vulnerable households.
- There is no cap on family size, age, or gender of members; all members listed under an eligible household are covered.
- Pre-existing medical conditions are covered from day one.
- The scheme is fully government funded, so there is no premium to pay for eligible beneficiaries.
Some additional state-level eligibility criteria might apply based on local definitions or expansions, but SECC list inclusion is the core criterion.
Key Benefits of Ayushman Card (PM-JAY)
- Health cover of ₹5,00,000 per family per year for secondary & tertiary hospitalization.
- Cashless treatment at any hospital empanelled under PM-JAY across India. No upfront payment needed for covered treatments.
- Services include diagnostics, pre-hospitalization, medicines, ICU/OT charges, surgeon fees, etc.
- Coverage is portable: you can use your Ayushman Card in any empanelled hospital, even in states other than your home state.
- No age restriction; pre-existing illnesses are covered from day one.
Documents Required
To apply for the Ayushman Card, you will need to have certain documents ready in advance. Here’s a typical list:
- Aadhaar Card (or Aadhaar Number) — mandatory for e-KYC / identity verification.
- Proof of Identity (if needed) — Voter ID, Ration Card, etc.
- Proof of Address — any government-approved document: utility bills, voter ID, etc.
- SECC-2011 details (your household’s inclusion information) or other scheme entitlement letter (if applicable).
- Mobile number (ideally Aadhaar-linked) for OTP verification.
How to Apply for Ayushman Card Online
Here is a step-by-step process to apply for the Ayushman Card online:
- Go to the official PM-JAY / Ayushman Bharat portal. )
- Click on the “Am I Eligible” section (or “Check Eligibility”) to confirm if your household is included. You may need to enter state, district, ration card number, household ID, or name.
- If eligible, proceed to fill the beneficiary registration form: provide your Aadhaar number, mobile number, name, address, and other personal/family details.
- Complete e-KYC verification via Aadhaar OTP or other methods.
- Submit the required documents scanned/uploaded as per portal requirements.
- After submission and verification, you will get confirmation of successful registration.
- Once approved, you can download the Ayushman Card digitally from the portal/app. Or collect the physical card if your state issues it that way.
Offline / Common Service Centre (CSC) Option
If you cannot complete the online process, there are offline options:
- Visit a Common Service Centre (CSC) near you. The CSC staff (or an Ayushman Mitra) will help with the application process.
- You might also apply via empanelled hospitals, social welfare offices, or local health offices.
- You’ll submit the same documents, let them verify your identity, eligibility, and then get your Ayushman Card.
How to Download / Use Your Ayushman Card
Once your application is approved and your name appears in the beneficiary list:
- Login to the PM-JAY portal or your state’s portal and click on “Download Ayushman Card” or e-card option.
- You may need to verify via Aadhaar OTP or mobile OTP.
- You can print the downloaded digital card.
- At empanelled hospitals, when you need treatment, present your Ayushman Card (digital or physical) along with identity proof. The hospital will verify and offer cashless treatment for covered health procedures. (National Health Authority)
FAQs & Important Tips
- How long does it take to get the Ayushman Card? Usually once documents are in order and eligibility confirmed, approval may take some days (often 7-30 days).
- Do I need to pay for registration? No, registration for Ayushman Card is free. There is no premium or fee for eligible households. (National Health Authority)
- What if I’m not in the SECC list? Generally only SECC-2011 identified households are automatically eligible. If not listed, check whether your state has expanded eligibility or has grievance redressal.
- Is treatment really cashless? Yes, if you are treated in an empanelled hospital and your card is valid, you won’t need to pay in advance for covered services.
Conclusion
If your family is eligible, getting the Ayushman Card is one of the best ways to secure health protection up to ₹5,00,000 per year. With online application, Aadhaar-based verification, and many empanelled hospitals across the country, the scheme helps reduce financial stress during medical emergencies. Keep your documents ready, check your eligibility using the “Am I Eligible” tool, apply online or via CSC, and once your card is approved, you will be able to access quality healthcare services without paying upfront for covered treatments.