Healthcare expenses can be overwhelming, especially for families with limited income. To address this, the government has introduced two powerful tools: the Ayushman Card and the ABHA Card. Each serves a unique purpose, ensuring both financial protection and easy access to your health records.
Ayushman Card: Your Health Insurance Shield
The Ayushman Card, launched under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is designed for families who need financial support during medical emergencies. It offers:
- Coverage up to ₹5 lakh per year for hospitalisation, surgeries, cancer treatment, and emergencies.
- Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India.
- Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses included.
- Eligibility: Families with an annual income below ₹5 lakh, manual labourers, homeless individuals, and certain caste groups.
For example, if a farmer’s family faces a costly heart surgery, the Ayushman Card can cover the expenses, sparing them from financial hardship.
ABHA Card: Your Digital Health Locker
The ABHA Card (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) is a 14-digit digital ID that puts your entire medical history at your fingertips. Here’s what it offers:
- Stores prescriptions, lab reports, and vaccination records in one secure place.
- Instant sharing of health data with doctors, anywhere in India, with your consent.
- Links to telemedicine services for online consultations.
- Eligibility: Open to all Indian citizens, regardless of income.
Imagine a patient in Delhi instantly sharing diabetes reports with a specialist in Mumbai – paperwork, no hassle.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Ayushman Card | ABHA Card |
| Purpose | Pays hospital bills | Stores health records digitally |
| Coverage | Up to ₹5 lakh/year per family | No financial coverage |
| Eligibility | Low-income families | All Indian citizens |
| Issued by | National Health Authority (NHA) | Ministry of Health |
| Data Storage | No health data stored | Complete medical history |
Can You Use Both Cards?
Absolutely! The Ayushman Card takes care of your hospital bills, while the ABHA Card keeps your health records organised and accessible. For example, a street vendor may use the Ayushman Card for free cancer treatment while tracking his family’s health reports with the ABHA Card.
Latest Updates
- Ayushman Card: Plans are underway to expand eligibility to more middle-class families.
- ABHA Card: New features now allow you to link insurance policies and book lab tests directly from the app.
Common Questions Answered
- Is ABHA mandatory? No, but it makes managing your health records much easier.
- Can I apply for an Ayushman Card online? Yes. Check eligibility at pmjay.gov.in and complete the process at your nearest Common Service Centre.
- How to get an ABHA Card? Download the ABHA app or visit the website, enter your Aadhaar number, and get your 14-digit ID instantly.
The Ayushman Card and ABHA Card are transforming healthcare in India. The Ayushman Card has already supported millions of hospitalisations, while the ABHA Card makes health data management seamless for over 50 crore users. Together, they offer a blend of financial security and digital convenience, ensuring you and your family are prepared for any health emergency, without the paperwork chaos. Whether you’re a daily wage earner or a salaried employee, these cards put you in control of your health journey.
