PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026: Eligibility, Benefits, Registration & Download

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Medical treatment can become a major financial burden for families, especially when someone needs surgery, hospitalisation or long-term medical care. Even a single hospital visit can disturb a family's savings, and serious health problems can sometimes create debt that takes years to repay.

To help eligible families access essential healthcare without worrying about the full cost of hospital treatment, the Government of India introduced Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries can receive cashless hospital treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled public and private hospitals. The scheme also covers eligible senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income or economic background, through the Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative.

The PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026 serves as an important identity and verification document for people eligible to receive these healthcare benefits. With this card, beneficiaries can access covered treatments without paying the approved hospitalisation expenses themselves, subject to scheme rules and available benefit limits.

In this article, we explain everything you should know about the PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026, including eligibility, benefits, documents required, online registration, card download, hospital treatment and frequently asked questions.

What Is the PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026?

The PMJAY Ayushman Card is a beneficiary identification card issued under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The scheme is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in partnership with state and union territory governments.

AB PM-JAY was launched on 23 September 2018 in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Its main objective is to provide financial protection to eligible poor and vulnerable families against the cost of secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.

Under the scheme, eligible families receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year. Beneficiaries can use this coverage for approved medical procedures at empanelled government and private hospitals across India.

The Ayushman Card makes it easier for hospitals to identify eligible beneficiaries and verify their entitlement to treatment under the scheme.

Another important development is the expansion of PM-JAY to include all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income. This expansion was introduced through the Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative on 29 October 2024.

Official Website: https://pmjay.gov.in/

Beneficiary Portal: https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/

PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026: Overview

ParticularsDetails Scheme NameAyushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Popular NameAyushman Bharat Scheme Card NameAyushman Card Launched ByGovernment of India Launch Date23 September 2018 Implementing AuthorityNational Health Authority MinistryMinistry of Health and Family Welfare Health CoverageUp to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year BeneficiariesEligible poor and vulnerable families and all senior citizens aged 70 years or above Coverage TypeCashless hospitalisation Hospital NetworkEmpanelled public and private hospitals Registration ModeOnline and assisted registration Card DownloadOnline through the beneficiary portal Helpline Number14555 Official Websitepmjay.gov.in

What Is the Main Objective of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?

The main purpose of PM-JAY is to make quality hospital treatment more accessible to families who may otherwise struggle to afford expensive medical care.

Many families delay treatment because of financial difficulties. In some cases, people even borrow money or use their lifetime savings to pay hospital bills.

PM-JAY aims to reduce this financial pressure by providing eligible beneficiaries with cashless treatment at participating hospitals.

The scheme focuses on several important objectives:

• Reducing the financial burden of hospitalisation on eligible families.
• Improving access to quality secondary and tertiary healthcare.
• Providing financial protection against major medical expenses.
• Encouraging access to public and private healthcare facilities.
• Supporting economically vulnerable households.
• Improving healthcare access for senior citizens.
• Reducing out-of-pocket expenditure on covered hospital treatments.

Rather than providing a cash payment to every registered family, the scheme offers financial protection for approved healthcare services.

PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is one of the most important things to understand before applying for an Ayushman Card. Not every Indian citizen automatically qualifies for the regular PM-JAY scheme.

The regular PM-JAY beneficiary list is based on specified eligibility databases and applicable government criteria. These include the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 deprivation and occupational criteria, along with eligible state-specific beneficiary databases and approved expansions.

However, the eligibility rules are different for senior citizens aged 70 years and above.

1. Eligibility Under Regular PM-JAY

The regular scheme primarily covers identified poor and vulnerable families. Eligibility is determined through the approved beneficiary identification system and applicable state rules.

In rural areas, eligible households may include families identified under specified deprivation categories, such as:

• Households living in only one room with kucha walls and roof.
• Households without an adult member aged between 16 and 59 years.
• Female-headed households without an adult male member aged between 16 and 59 years.
• Households with a disabled member and no able-bodied adult member.
• Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households covered by the specified criteria.
• Landless households deriving a major part of their income from manual casual labour.

In urban areas, eligibility is based on specified occupational categories, including certain types of workers such as:

• Domestic workers.
• Street vendors and small shop workers.
• Construction workers.
• Rag pickers and sanitation workers.
• Transport workers and drivers.
• Repair workers and other specified informal occupations.
• Other eligible occupational groups included in the approved database.

These are examples of eligibility categories, not a substitute for checking the official beneficiary database. State governments may also have approved expanded beneficiary coverage.

2. Eligibility for Senior Citizens Aged 70 Years and Above

One of the biggest changes to Ayushman Bharat is the inclusion of all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their economic status.

Under the Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative:

• Every eligible individual aged 70 years or above can enrol.
• There is no income-based eligibility restriction for this senior citizen expansion.
• Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory.
• Eligible senior citizens receive a distinct Ayushman card.
• Coverage is available from the first day of enrolment, subject to the scheme rules.

Senior citizens who already have private health insurance or are covered under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) scheme can also be eligible.

Those covered under government health schemes such as CGHS, ECHS or Ayushman CAPF may choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY, according to the applicable rules.

This expansion is particularly helpful for elderly people who previously did not qualify for regular PM-JAY because of their household income or economic status.

Benefits of PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026

The Ayushman Card can provide significant financial protection to eligible families when they need hospital treatment. Its benefits go beyond simply having a government-issued health card.

1. Free Treatment Coverage Up to ₹5 Lakh

Eligible families receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year for covered hospitalisation expenses.

This coverage is provided on a family-floater basis under regular PM-JAY. This means eligible family members can use the available annual coverage according to their medical needs and scheme conditions.

There is no separate ₹5 lakh limit for every individual family member under the regular family-floater arrangement.

2. Cashless Treatment at Empanelled Hospitals

One of the most useful features of the scheme is cashless treatment.

Eligible beneficiaries can receive approved treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals without paying the covered package cost upfront.

The hospital verifies the beneficiary's eligibility and processes the treatment under the PM-JAY system.

3. Coverage for Pre-Existing Diseases

Many health insurance arrangements have waiting periods for certain pre-existing conditions. PM-JAY provides coverage for eligible pre-existing conditions from the first day of coverage.

This means beneficiaries do not have to wait for a specified number of years before accessing covered treatment for an existing illness.

4. No Restriction on Family Size

There is no restriction on family size, age or gender under the regular PM-JAY family coverage.

All eligible family members can access the scheme's benefits, subject to the available annual family coverage and applicable rules.

5. Treatment Across India

PM-JAY provides portability of benefits across the country.

For example, an eligible beneficiary registered in Maharashtra may be able to receive covered treatment at an empanelled hospital in another participating state.

This is particularly useful for migrant workers and families who travel to different cities for employment or other reasons.

6. Pre-Hospitalisation and Post-Hospitalisation Expenses

The scheme includes eligible pre-hospitalisation expenses for up to three days and post-hospitalisation expenses for up to 15 days, as part of the covered treatment package.

These expenses may include prescribed medicines, diagnostic investigations and other related services according to the package rules.

7. Coverage for Major Medical Procedures

PM-JAY includes approved healthcare packages across different medical specialties.

These may cover treatments related to:

• Cardiology and heart-related conditions.
• Orthopaedics and bone-related treatment.
• General surgery.
• Oncology and selected cancer treatments.
• Neurology and neurological conditions.
• Kidney-related medical care.
• General medicine.
• Emergency and critical care packages.
• Other approved medical and surgical procedures.

The exact treatment available depends on the approved Health Benefit Package, the hospital's empanelled specialties and applicable medical approval requirements.

8. Special Benefits for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens aged 70 years and above receive special coverage under Ayushman Vay Vandana.

For senior citizens belonging to families already covered under PM-JAY, an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year is available exclusively for the eligible senior citizens. It is separate from the coverage available to family members below 70 years.

Other eligible senior citizens aged 70 years and above receive coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis.

What Is Not Covered Under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?

Although PM-JAY provides extensive hospitalisation coverage, it does not cover every type of medical expense.

Understanding the limitations is important because many people assume that an Ayushman Card can be used for all doctor visits, medicines and healthcare services.

Some services generally outside the standard PM-JAY hospitalisation coverage include:

• Routine outpatient consultations (OPD).
• Regular medicines purchased without a covered hospitalisation package.
• Purely cosmetic treatments.
• Routine dental procedures not included in approved packages.
• Fertility and assisted reproductive treatments unless specifically included in an approved package.
• Other excluded services specified under the scheme guidelines.

The scheme is primarily designed for approved secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. Treatment availability and exclusions must be checked with the hospital's Ayushman helpdesk before admission.

Documents Required for PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026

Before applying for an Ayushman Card, keep your identity and family-related documents ready. The exact requirements may differ depending on the beneficiary category and state.

Commonly requested documents and information include:

• Aadhaar Card: Used for identity verification and e-KYC.
• Mobile Number: An active number for OTP verification and communication.
• Ration Card: May help identify family details under the applicable beneficiary database.
• Family Identification Details: Required to locate the eligible household or family record.
• Other Government ID: Additional identification documents may be required under state-specific procedures.

For senior citizens aged 70 years and above under Ayushman Vay Vandana, Aadhaar is the only document required for enrolment, and Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory.

Keep the original documents available when visiting a Common Service Centre or empanelled hospital for assisted registration.

How to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility Online in 2026?

Before starting the card creation process, check whether your name or family is included in the eligible beneficiary database.

The government provides an online beneficiary portal where individuals can search for their eligibility.

Steps to Check Eligibility

1. Visit the official beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
2. Select the beneficiary login option.
3. Enter your mobile number and complete OTP verification.
4. Select the appropriate state and search category.
5. Search using the available details, such as Aadhaar number, family ID, ration card number or name, depending on the portal options.
6. Check the search results for your family or individual beneficiary record.
7. If your details appear, follow the available e-KYC or card creation instructions.

You can also check your eligibility by calling the official PM-JAY helpline at 14555 or visiting a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC) or empanelled hospital.

How to Apply for PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026 Online?

Eligible beneficiaries can complete the card creation process online through the official National Health Authority beneficiary portal.

The process includes beneficiary identification, identity verification and e-KYC. A card becomes available for download after the required verification and approval steps are completed.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

1. Open the official portal: Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
2. Select beneficiary login: Choose the beneficiary login option displayed on the portal.
3. Enter your mobile number: Provide your registered mobile number and complete OTP verification.
4. Select your state: Choose the state or union territory where your beneficiary record is maintained.
5. Search for your family: Enter the requested details to locate your beneficiary record.
6. Select the eligible member: Check the family list and select the individual for whom the card needs to be created.
7. Complete e-KYC: Verify your identity using the authentication method available on the portal.
8. Submit the details: Review your personal information and complete the required submission.
9. Wait for verification: Follow the portal instructions while the card creation request is processed.
10. Download the card: Once approved, use the available download option to save your Ayushman Card.

Registration and card creation are free through the official government process. Avoid paying unauthorised agents who promise guaranteed approval.

How to Apply for Ayushman Vay Vandana Card for Senior Citizens?

Senior citizens aged 70 years and above can enrol under the special Ayushman Vay Vandana expansion, regardless of their income or economic status.

The process is designed to make enrolment accessible to elderly citizens and their family members.

Online Registration Steps for Senior Citizens

1. Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in or use the official Ayushman App.
2. Select the relevant senior citizen enrolment option.
3. Enter the required mobile number and complete verification.
4. Provide the Aadhaar details of the senior citizen.
5. Complete mandatory Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
6. Review the personal details and submit the application.
7. Complete any additional verification requested by the portal.
8. After successful enrolment and approval, download the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.

Eligible senior citizens can also seek assistance at an empanelled hospital or an authorised enrolment centre.

Important: If more than one member of a family is aged 70 years or above, the additional eligible senior citizens can be enrolled using the portal's Add Member facility.

How to Download PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026?

If your Ayushman Card has already been approved, you can download it online without visiting a government office.

Keep your mobile number and other required identification details ready before starting the process.

Steps to Download Your Ayushman Card

1. Visit the official beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
2. Log in using your mobile number and OTP.
3. Select your state and search for the eligible beneficiary.
4. Locate your name in the family or beneficiary list.
5. Complete any pending e-KYC requirement, if applicable.
6. Open the card or beneficiary details section.
7. Select the approved beneficiary card.
8. Click the Download Card option.
9. Save the PDF file on your mobile phone or computer.
10. Print a copy if you want to carry a physical version.

Make sure that the downloaded card contains the correct name and other personal details.

How to Download Ayushman Card Using the Mobile App?

People who prefer using a smartphone can also access Ayushman services through the official Ayushman App.

The application provides beneficiary-related services such as searching for eligible beneficiaries, completing e-KYC and accessing card-related options.

Mobile App Process

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android smartphone.
2. Search for the official Ayushman App by the National Health Authority.
3. Check the publisher details before installing the application.
4. Open the application and select the appropriate beneficiary option.
5. Log in using your mobile number and complete OTP verification.
6. Search for your beneficiary record.
7. Complete the required e-KYC process.
8. After approval, access the card download option.
9. Save your Ayushman Card on your device.

Always use the official application and avoid downloading APK files from unknown websites.

Where Can You Use the Ayushman Card?

The Ayushman Card can be used at hospitals empanelled under the PM-JAY scheme.

These include participating government hospitals and approved private hospitals that provide services under the scheme.

Beneficiaries can search for hospitals through the official PM-JAY website or ask for assistance through the helpline.

How to Find an Empanelled Hospital?

1. Visit the official PM-JAY website.
2. Look for the Find Hospital or Hospital Search option.
3. Select your state and district.
4. Choose the relevant hospital type or medical specialty if the search option is available.
5. Review the list of participating hospitals.
6. Contact the hospital to confirm that the required treatment is available under the scheme.

Official website: pmjay.gov.in

It is important to confirm that the hospital is empanelled for the required specialty and that the proposed treatment is included in the approved package.

How to Get Cashless Treatment Using an Ayushman Card?

After receiving your Ayushman Card, you can use it to access approved cashless hospital treatment at an empanelled facility.

The process generally works as follows:

1. Visit a hospital empanelled under PM-JAY.
2. Contact the Ayushman helpdesk or Pradhan Mantri Arogya Mitra at the hospital.
3. Provide your Ayushman Card or other requested beneficiary identification details.
4. The hospital verifies your eligibility through the PM-JAY system.
5. The treating doctor examines the patient and identifies the appropriate treatment.
6. The hospital completes the required package selection and pre-authorisation process, where applicable.
7. Once the required approval is obtained, covered treatment is provided according to scheme rules.
8. After treatment, the hospital processes the claim through the scheme system.

Beneficiaries should not pay for services that are included in an approved PM-JAY package. If a hospital demands an unauthorised payment, contact the official helpline or grievance channel.

Is the Ayushman Card Free of Cost?

Yes. Creating and downloading an Ayushman Card through the official government process is free of charge.

Eligible beneficiaries do not need to purchase the card or pay an annual premium to obtain the standard PM-JAY benefit.

However, only eligible beneficiaries can receive the scheme's coverage. Having a card does not mean that every medical service or every hospital bill is automatically covered.

Always use the official government portal and authorised enrolment centres.

PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026: Important Links

ServiceOfficial Link PM-JAY Official WebsiteClick Here Beneficiary Login and EligibilityClick Here Ayushman Card DownloadDownload Here National Health AuthorityClick Here PM-JAY Helpline14555 Official Ayushman AppGoogle Play Store

Important Things to Remember Before Using Your Ayushman Card

Before visiting a hospital, beneficiaries should understand a few important points to avoid confusion during treatment.

• Check your eligibility through the official beneficiary portal.
• Download your card after completing the required verification.
• Visit only empanelled hospitals for PM-JAY benefits.
• Confirm whether your required treatment is included in the approved package.
• Remember that the regular coverage is up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year.
• Do not confuse the annual family coverage with an individual ₹5 lakh limit for every family member.
• Keep your Aadhaar and other relevant identification details available.
• Do not share OTPs with unknown individuals.
• Never pay an unauthorised person for card creation or guaranteed eligibility.
• Contact the official helpline if a hospital refuses an eligible covered service.

PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026?

The PMJAY Ayushman Card is an identification card issued to eligible beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. It helps beneficiaries access approved cashless hospital treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.

2. Who is eligible for an Ayushman Card in 2026?

Eligible poor and vulnerable families identified under the approved PM-JAY beneficiary database can receive the card. In addition, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible under the Ayushman Vay Vandana expansion, regardless of their income.

3. Does the Ayushman Card provide ₹5 lakh every year?

Yes. Regular eligible PM-JAY families receive coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family-floater basis for approved hospitalisation. It is not a cash payment, and the coverage can be used only for eligible healthcare services under the scheme.

4. Can senior citizens above 70 years apply for an Ayushman Card?

Yes. Every senior citizen aged 70 years or above can enrol under the Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative, irrespective of income or economic status. Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory.

5. How can I check my Ayushman Card eligibility online?

Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in, log in using your mobile number and OTP, select your state and search for your beneficiary record using the available details.

6. How can I download my Ayushman Card?

Visit the official beneficiary portal, complete login and search for your approved beneficiary record. Open the card details and select the Download Card option.

7. Is an Ayushman Card free to apply for?

Yes. Registration, card creation and downloading through the official government process are free. Avoid paying unauthorised agents who promise guaranteed card approval.

8. Can I use my Ayushman Card in another state?

Yes. PM-JAY provides national portability. Eligible beneficiaries can receive covered cashless treatment at participating empanelled hospitals outside their home state, subject to scheme rules.

9. Are pre-existing diseases covered under PM-JAY?

Yes. Eligible pre-existing conditions are covered from the first day of coverage, subject to the approved treatment packages and scheme rules.

10. Does the Ayushman Card cover private hospitals?

Yes. Beneficiaries can receive approved treatment at private hospitals that are empanelled under PM-JAY, as well as participating government hospitals.

11. Is outpatient treatment covered under Ayushman Bharat?

Routine outpatient consultations are generally not covered under the standard PM-JAY hospitalisation benefit. The scheme primarily covers approved secondary and tertiary hospitalisation and eligible associated expenses.

12. What is the official Ayushman Bharat helpline number?

The official PM-JAY toll-free helpline number is 14555. Beneficiaries can contact the helpline for information and assistance regarding eligibility and scheme-related issues.

13. Can a person with private health insurance get an Ayushman Card after turning 70?

Yes. Senior citizens aged 70 years and above who have private health insurance or ESI coverage are also eligible for the Ayushman Vay Vandana expansion, subject to enrolment requirements.

14. Is there any age limit for regular PM-JAY family members?

There is no age restriction for eligible family members under regular PM-JAY coverage. The scheme does not impose a restriction on family size or gender.

Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

The PMJAY Ayushman Card 2026 is an important healthcare initiative for families that need financial protection against major medical expenses. By providing eligible beneficiaries with cashless hospitalisation coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, the scheme helps reduce the financial pressure associated with serious medical treatment.

The expansion to include all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income, has made the programme even more important for elderly people and their families.

If you believe your family is eligible, check your details through the official beneficiary portal. Complete the required verification, download your card after approval and keep it available when visiting an empanelled hospital.

Remember that the Ayushman Card is not a direct cash assistance scheme or a replacement for every type of health insurance. It provides cashless treatment for approved services under the scheme's rules.

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