Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
The Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card, commonly known as the Ayushman Card, provides eligible beneficiaries access to healthcare benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
The scheme provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible secondary and tertiary hospitalisation at empanelled hospitals. The benefits are portable across India, allowing beneficiaries to access covered services at empanelled hospitals in different parts of the country.
If you are looking for information on Ayushman Bharat health insurance card apply online, you can check your eligibility and use the available digital services provided through the National Health Authority.
What Is an Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card?
The Ayushman Card is an identification card issued to verified beneficiaries under AB PM-JAY. It can be used to access eligible cashless healthcare services at participating hospitals.
The scheme provides coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible beneficiaries. The coverage is intended for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation and includes benefits according to the packages and rules applicable under the scheme.
Who Can Get an Ayushman Card?
Eligibility for the regular PM-JAY beneficiary base is determined according to the applicable beneficiary database and government eligibility criteria.
In addition, the Government of India expanded AB PM-JAY coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income. Eligible senior citizens are issued a distinct Ayushman Card under the scheme.
For people who are unsure about their eligibility, checking through the PM-JAY beneficiary services or visiting a Common Service Centre (CSC) or empanelled hospital can help.
Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card Apply Online
Beneficiaries can use the digital services associated with AB PM-JAY to check eligibility and complete the applicable verification process.
A general process is:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
First, check whether your name is included in the eligible beneficiary database.
You can visit the PM-JAY website for information about the scheme and beneficiary services. The National Health Authority also provides beneficiary-related digital services through its platforms.
Step 2: Complete Beneficiary Verification
After identifying your eligibility, the required beneficiary details may need to be verified.
Depending on the applicable process, Aadhaar-based e-KYC or another permitted identification and verification method may be used. The National Health Authority's beneficiary system supports Aadhaar e-KYC as well as non-Aadhaar-based KYC methods.
Step 3: Submit the Required Details
Provide the information requested during the beneficiary verification process.
Make sure the name, date of birth and other personal information match the available identification records to avoid unnecessary verification issues.
Step 4: Complete e-KYC
If Aadhaar-based verification is used, follow the instructions for e-KYC and provide the required consent and authentication.
Successful verification is an important part of generating the Ayushman Card.
Step 5: Download the Ayushman Card
Once the beneficiary verification and approval process is completed, the Ayushman Card can be accessed through the applicable digital platform or assisted service.
Beneficiaries can also seek assistance from a Common Service Centre (CSC) or an empanelled PM-JAY hospital if they need help with the card-generation process.
Documents Required for Ayushman Card
The documents or information required can vary depending on the beneficiary verification process and applicable state procedures.
Commonly used identification or supporting documents may include:
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- Voter ID
- Driving Licence
- Government-issued photo identification
- Proof of relationship, where required
- Mobile number
- Other documents accepted under the applicable PM-JAY process
The National Health Authority's data policy identifies several possible proof-of-identity and proof-of-address documents, including Aadhaar, ration card, MNREGA job card, driving licence, voter ID and passport.
How to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility Online
If you are unsure whether you can receive an Ayushman Card, you should first check your eligibility.
The PM-JAY beneficiary services can be used for eligibility-related information. The National Health Authority also advises beneficiaries to use the PM-JAY website, beneficiary services, Common Service Centres or empanelled hospitals for eligibility assistance.
You can visit:
Ayushman Card for Senior Citizens Above 70 Years
One of the major changes to AB PM-JAY is the inclusion of all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income.
Eligible senior citizens receive coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis. For senior citizens aged 70 and above who already belong to a PM-JAY-covered family, an additional top-up benefit of up to ₹5 lakh is available for themselves and does not have to be shared with family members below 70.
Senior citizens with private health insurance or ESIC coverage can also be eligible for AB PM-JAY. However, government health scheme beneficiaries such as CGHS members may need to choose between the applicable government scheme and AB PM-JAY according to the relevant rules.
What Benefits Does the Ayushman Card Provide?
Eligible beneficiaries can receive covered healthcare services at empanelled hospitals under PM-JAY.
The scheme provides:
- Up to ₹5 lakh coverage per family per year
- Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals
- Secondary and tertiary hospitalisation coverage
- Coverage of eligible pre-existing conditions
- Portable benefits across India
- Coverage according to defined treatment packages and scheme rules
The scheme's coverage and services are subject to applicable guidelines and eligibility requirements.
Where Can You Use the Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman Card can be used at hospitals empanelled under AB PM-JAY for eligible treatments.
Before receiving treatment, beneficiaries should check whether the hospital is currently empanelled and whether the required treatment is covered under the applicable PM-JAY package.
You can use the PM-JAY hospital search service to find participating hospitals.
What If You Need Help Applying for an Ayushman Card?
If you are unable to complete the online process yourself, assistance is available through:
- Common Service Centres (CSCs)
- PM-JAY empanelled hospitals
- Ayushman Mitras at participating hospitals
- PM-JAY beneficiary services
- PM-JAY helpline
The PM-JAY helpline number provided by the National Health Authority is 14555.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an Ayushman Card online?
Eligible beneficiaries can use the available PM-JAY digital services for beneficiary identification, verification and card-related services. The exact process depends on eligibility and the applicable beneficiary database.
Is the Ayushman Card free?
The PM-JAY scheme provides eligible beneficiaries with healthcare coverage without a premium payment for the scheme benefits. Beneficiaries should be cautious of anyone asking for unnecessary payments for accessing scheme benefits.
Can senior citizens above 70 apply for an Ayushman Card?
Yes. All Indian citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for AB PM-JAY irrespective of income, subject to the applicable scheme process.
Can I use my Ayushman Card outside my home state?
PM-JAY benefits are portable across India, allowing eligible beneficiaries to receive covered treatment at empanelled hospitals outside their home state.
What is the Ayushman Bharat helpline number?
The PM-JAY toll-free helpline is 14555.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card is an important identification document for eligible beneficiaries under AB PM-JAY. The scheme provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible hospitalisation at empanelled hospitals.
If you want to apply for an Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Card online, start by checking your eligibility through the PM-JAY beneficiary services, complete the required verification and e-KYC process, and access the card after successful approval.
For assistance, beneficiaries can also visit a Common Service Centre or an empanelled PM-JAY hospital. Always use the latest information available through the National Health Authority before submitting personal details or completing the application process.