Access to quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is transforming this vision into reality by offering free health insurance to millions of families across India. Here’s everything you need to know about this life-changing scheme, explained in simple words.
What is the Ayushman Bharat Card?
The Ayushman Bharat Card is your health insurance ID under the PMJAY scheme. With this card, eligible families can get free medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh every year at government and selected private hospitals across India.
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Cashless Treatment: No need to pay at the hospital; the scheme covers your expenses.
- Wide Coverage: Both government and private hospitals are included.
- Family Floater: The whole family is covered under one card—no age or family size limits.
- Comprehensive Care: Covers pre-hospitalization, hospitalization, and post-hospitalization expenses.
- No Waiting Period: Pre-existing diseases are covered from day one.
- Nationwide Access: Get treatment anywhere in India at empaneled hospitals.
Who Can Get the Ayushman Bharat Card?
Eligibility is mainly based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. Here’s a quick checklist:
For Rural Families:
- Families living in one-room houses with weak walls/roof
- Families with no adult male member (16–59 years)
- Families with a disabled member and no able-bodied adult
- Landless families relying on casual labor
For Urban Families:
- Ragpickers, beggars, and domestic workers
- Street vendors, cobblers, hawkers, and other service providers
- Construction workers, plumbers, masons, laborers, painters, welders, security guards, porters, etc.
- Sanitation workers, gardeners, and domestic helpers
- Drivers, conductors, rickshaw pullers, and other transport workers
- Shop assistants, delivery boys, waiters, electricians, mechanics, repair workers, and more
Other Criteria:
- Indian citizenship is mandatory
- Previous beneficiaries of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana are also included
Documents Needed for Registration
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- Income Certificate
- BoCW (Building and Other Construction Workers) Certificate (if applicable)
How to Download Your Ayushman Bharat Card
Online Method:
- Visit the official PMJAY website.
- Enter your registered mobile number.
- Verify your Aadhaar details.
- Download your card in PDF format.
Offline Method:
- Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
- Provide your documents and mobile number.
- The CSC staff will help you register and print your card.
Other Ways:
- Use the UMANG app or DigiLocker for digital access to your card.
What’s Covered Under the Scheme?
| Benefit | Details |
| Insurance Cover | Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year |
| Hospitalization | Secondary and tertiary care |
| Pre-Hospitalization | 3 days (including diagnostics, medicines) |
| Post-Hospitalization | 15 days (follow-up, medicines, investigations) |
| Family Size/Age Limit | No restrictions |
| Pre-existing Diseases | Covered from day one |
| Cashless Facility | Yes, at empaneled hospitals |
| Portability | Valid across India |
Why Choose the Ayushman Bharat Card?
- Reduces the burden of high medical bills
- Empowers families to seek timely medical care
- Promotes health and well-being for all
