Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is India’s largest government health insurance program. It brings affordable healthcare to millions of families, aiming to make quality medical treatment accessible for all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
What is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY was launched in September 2018. Its main goal is to provide financial protection against high medical expenses. The scheme covers about 12 crore families, which is nearly 40% of India’s population. Each eligible family gets an annual health cover of up to ₹5 lakh for hospitalisation and treatment at both public and private empanelled hospitals.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
| Annual Coverage | ₹5 lakh per family |
| Beneficiaries | ~12 crore families (about 55 crore people) |
| Hospitals Covered | Government & empanelled private hospitals |
| Coverage Type | Secondary & tertiary care hospitalisation |
| Cashless & Paperless | Yes |
| Pre & Post Hospitalisation | 3 days before, 15 days after |
| Pre-existing Diseases | Covered |
| Eligibility | Based on SECC 2011 and other state databases |
Who Can Benefit?
- Poor and deprived rural families, plus certain occupational groups in urban areas, as identified by the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011.
- Some states have expanded coverage using additional databases.
- All senior citizens aged 70 and above are now included, regardless of income.
What Does PM-JAY Cover?
- Hospitalisation expenses for secondary and tertiary care (like surgeries, cancer treatment, heart procedures, etc.)
- Cashless treatment at over 29,000 empanelled hospitals across India
- Pre-hospitalisation costs for up to 3 days and post-hospitalisation for up to 15 days
- Daycare treatments and all pre-existing conditions
- No restriction on family size, age, or gender
| Benefit Type | What’s Included? |
| Hospitalisation | Room charges, doctor fees, medicines |
| Surgeries | Major and minor surgeries |
| Diagnostics | Tests, scans, X-rays |
| Pre/Post Hospital Care | Up to 3 days before, 15 days after |
| Daycare Procedures | Yes |
| Pre-existing Diseases | Yes |
How to Check Your Eligibility for PM-JAY
Follow these simple steps to see if you qualify:
- Visit the official PM-JAY website.
- Click on the ‘Am I Eligible’ section.
- Enter your mobile number and the captcha code.
- Submit the OTP sent to your phone.
- Fill in the required details and check the result.
If you’re eligible, your details will appear on the screen.
Documents Needed
Keep these documents ready for checking eligibility or availing benefits:
- Aadhaar Card (for identity)
- Proof of residence (Utility bill, Voter ID, or Passport)
- Income certificate
- Ration card
- PM/CM entitlement letter (if available)
Why Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Matters
- Reduces the burden of medical expenses for millions of families
- Provides access to quality healthcare without worrying about costs
- Covers a wide range of treatments, including major surgeries and chronic illnesses
- Empowers people to seek timely medical help
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is transforming healthcare in India by making it affordable and accessible for everyone. If you or your family qualify, make sure to check your eligibility and get your Ayushman card today. This scheme could be your shield against high medical bills and ensure a healthier future for your loved ones.
