Ayushman Card 2025: Apply Online, Benefits & Free ₹5 Lakh Coverage

Healthcare costs in India can overwhelm even the poorest families. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) tackles this crisis by offering free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually.The Ayushman Card is your ticket to these benefits, but how do you get it? Who qualifies? Let’s break it down into simple, actionable steps.

Section	Key Details
What is Ayushman Card?	A government-issued health card providing ₹5 lakh/year free healthcare coverage.
Benefits	Covers 1,500+ treatments across 27+ specialties Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals No age or family size limit
Eligibility	Based on SECC 2011 data: Rural: Landless laborers, SC/ST families, disabled households Urban: Ragpickers, street vendors, construction workers Special Categories: Senior citizens, pregnant women, disabled individuals, BPL families
How to Apply	1. Visit PM-JAY website 2. Check eligibility 3. Fill application form 4. Upload documents (Aadhaar, ration card, income certificate) 5. Download Ayushman Card
Covered Treatments	Cardiac: Angioplasty, bypass surgery Cancer: Chemotherapy, radiation Orthopedic: Knee/hip replacements Maternity: C-sections, neonatal care Emergency: Accident injuries, trauma care
How to Check Status	Visit PM-JAY website Enter mobile/Aadhaar details Track application status
Empanelled Hospitals	Over 25,000 hospitals nationwide accept Ayushman Card. Use the PM-JAY portal to find one near you.
Common Issues	Card not working: Verify hospital empanelment Application rejected: Recheck documents Name mismatch: Contact PM-JAY helpline (14555)
FAQs	Lost Aadhaar? Use ration card Moving states? Card works nationwide Duplicate card? Download from PM-JAY portal

What is the Ayushman Card and Why Does It Matter?

The Ayushman Bharat Card is a government-issued health card that lets eligible families access free treatment in both government as well as empanelled private hospitals which are the part of this scheme.

With medical costs skyrocketing, the Ayushman Card acts as a financial shield. It covers everything from heart surgeries to dialysis at government and empanelled private hospitals, ensuring you don’t drown in debt. If you want insurance you checkout the PMJJBY insurance which offers 2 lakh death benefit of any cause.

Real-Life Example 1: How the Ayushman Card Helped Sunita’s Family

Sunita, a 42-year-old woman who was living in Uttar Pradesh had the first-hand experience with the catastrophic health issue at home when her husband got struck down by a sharp, unbearable pain in his chest and breathing problems. The doctors pointed out that the man needed to have a quick operation that would cost around ₹3.5 lakh. As a daily wage laborer, affording ₹3.5 lakh was impossible for Sunita. But her Ayushman Card covered the full cost, saving her husband’s life. Luckily, her Ayushman Card covered the entire cost at an empanelled hospital. Today, her husband is healthy and back to work.

How to Apply for Ayushman Card Online?

Applying for the Ayushman Card online is straightforward. Here’s how:

• Go to the Official PM-JAY Website: Visit the official PM-JAY website: https://pmjay.gov.in.
• Check Eligibility: Enter your mobile number and Aadhaar details to instantly see if you qualify. Takes 2 minutes!
• Fill the Application Form: Enter your name, address, and family details. Pro Tip: Double-check spellings, a typo here could delay your application!
• Upload the Necessary Documents: Identification cards like aadhar card and ration card, and income certificate are mandatory.
• Submit and Wait for Approval: After your application has been processed, you will be sent a message of confirmation on your phone.
• Download the Ayushman Card: Download the PDF, save it on your phone (or email it to yourself), and print a copy, it’s that simple!

If you cannot apply online, you have an alternative of visiting the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) and complete the process offline at there.

Ayushman Card Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) was designed to provide free healthcare services to the most financially disadvantaged and lower backward sections of the society. However, the system is not open for everyone. The criteria for availing these benefits are based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) of the year 2011. These criteria are different for rural and urban areas.

Who is Eligible for Ayushman Card?

In case your household is a part of the SECC 2011 database under the identified categories then you may apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card. The eligibility criteria are classified according to the following categories:

• Rural Households Eligibility
• Urban Households Eligibility
• Special Categories Eligibility

1. Eligibility Criteria for Rural Households

The eligibility of rural families is hence determined by the economic conditions in addition to the type of occupation and the deprivation categories.

Families Eligible in Rural Areas:

• Families with no adult members (aged 16-59) earning a stable income.
• Families with disabled members and no able-bodied adult.
• Households of landless laborers who depend on daily wages.
• Families with only one room with kutcha walls and roof.
• SC/ST families are very poor and living under extreme poverty conditions.
• Manual scavenger families identified under SECC 2011.
• Primitive tribal groups and legally bonded labor families.

Who is NOT Eligible in Rural Areas?

• Families owning a two-wheeler, three-wheeler, or a four-wheeler.
• Households with a government employee.
• Families earning more than ₹1.2 lakh annually.
• Those who are required to pay income tax or professional tax.
• Households with piped water and electricity connections.

If your family doesn’t fall under these exclusions, you likely qualify for PM-JAY. For example, owning a bike or fridge no longer disqualifies you (2024 rules).

2. Eligibility Criteria for Urban Households

Urban households depending on job and poverty level are differentiated. If your family carries out any of the following activities, then you are eligible for Ayushman Bharat Card.

Eligible Professions in Urban Areas:

• Ragpickers and street vendors.
• Domestic workers and sanitation workers.
• Rickshaw pullers, auto drivers, and transport workers.
• Construction workers, plumbers, electricians, and masons.
• Small shop owners and roadside stall vendors.
• Cobblers, sweepers, security guards, and home delivery workers.
• Handloom and tailoring workers.
• Daily wage laborers in unorganized sectors.

Who is NOT Eligible in Urban Areas?

• Households earning over ₹1.2 lakh annually (total family income).
• Families where at least one of the members works for the government.
• Those that have a job that requires them to pay income tax or professional tax.
• Families owning multiple properties (residential or commercial) in different locations.
• Households that have at least one car.

Now, check if your current job falls under any of the categories which are eligible for the Ayushman Bharat Card and apply for it if it is so.

3. Special Categories Eligible for Ayushman Card

The SECC 2011 criteria, other than this, certain special groups are also entitled for the Ayushman Bharat Card.

Ayushman Card for Senior Citizens

• Senior citizens (above 60) who are without any regular income or pension.
• Seniors aged 60+ with no pension or steady income, relying on family support or charity.

Ayushman Card for Pregnant Women

• It will include cover maternity expenses, delivery and post-natal care.
• They will get C-section deliveries and newborn care for free.

Ayushman Card for Disabled Individuals

• People who are permanently physically or mentally disabled.
• The families participating in the support system. (they do not have any adult earning)

Ayushman Card for BPL Families

• Again, if you have Below Poverty Line (BPL) card, you automatically qualify.
• Card that is issued under NFSA (National Food Security Act)

Ayushman Card for Migrant Workers

• Workers who do not have their own housing and work on a temporary basis.
• Street vendors, construction laborers, and self-employed are the examples of this occupational group.

How to Check If You Are Eligible for Ayushman Card?

If you’re not sure if your family is eligible, then go through these easy steps:

• Direct to the Official URL: https://pmjay.gov.in.
• Click on ‘Am I Eligible?’.
• Enter Your Mobile Number (linked with Aadhaar).
• Verify OTP & Check Your Name in the List.

If your name displays in the list, you can apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card.

Documents Required for Ayushman Card Eligibility Verification

To prove eligibility, gather these documents (snap clear photos to avoid rejection):

• Aadhaar Card (for identity verification).
• Ration Card (to confirm family details).
• Income Certificate (to ascertain the economic status).
• BPL Card (if possible).
• Caste Certificate (along with SC/ST category applicants).
• Disability Certificate (in case one is for disabled category).

Make sure your name matches the SECC 2011 database to avoid rejection.

Real-Life Example 2: Rajesh’s Experience with Ayushman Card Eligibility

Rajesh, who was a daily wage laborer from Bihar, was not even aware that he was qualified for the Ayushman Bharat plan until a friend informed him. He was able to see his name on the eligibility list and therefore, in fact, it turned out to be a pleasant surprise for him. Today, Rajesh’s family gets quality healthcare without financial stress, all thanks to the Ayushman Card he nearly missed applying for!

Top Ayushman Card Benefits

The Ayushman Bharat scheme has a long list of benefits, which definitely makes it one of the most efficient and successful health care programs in India:

• ₹5 Lakh Coverage: Hospitalization, surgeries, and medical treatments are some of the things that the card can cover.
• Cashless Treatment: Present your Ayushman Card at any empanelled hospitals for 100% cashless treatment, no upfront payments required
• Covers Major Surgeries: Surgeries like heart or angioplasty, cancer therapy, kidney transplants, or hip replacements are the ones that are within the range of this scheme.
• Nationwide Network: Better yet, over 25,000 hospitals nationwide accept the card.
• No Age or Family Size Limit: One card will be suitable for all the members of your family without excluding anybody.

How to Check Your Ayushman Card Status

After you have applied your Ayushman Card, pay attention and be ready to check your status:

• Proceed to PM-JAY website.
• Fill in your mobile number or Aadhaar details.
• Proceed to the ‘Check Status’ option.
• After that, confirm your approval status and download your Ayushman Card.

In case, if your status is pending or rejected, the documents you had initially submitted may need to be uploaded again.

Ayushman Bharat Hospital List: Where Can You Get Treatment?

Many government and private hospitals across India accept the Ayushman Card. To find an empanelled hospital near you:

1. Go to https://pmjay.gov.in.
2. Click on “Find Empanelled Hospitals“.
3. Enter your state and district.
4. Get a list of hospitals near you.

Ayushman Card Services: What Medical Treatments Are Covered?

Under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (Ayushman Card), over 1,500 medical procedures are covered across 27+ specialties. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the major categories and treatments covered:

Real-Life Example 3: How Shalini Used the Ayushman Card for Her Child’s Surgery

When Shalini’s son needed urgent surgery, the Ayushman Card covered the ₹1.8 lakh bill at a government hospital. Her son is now healthy, and the family’s savings remain intact.Today, her son is thriving, and the Ayushman Card saved their family from financial ruin.

Common Issues with Ayushman Card & How to Fix Them

• Card Not Working at Hospitals: Some hospitals might claim to accept the Ayushman Card but aren’t empanelled. Always verify via the PM-JAY portal first!
• Application Rejected: Check again that the documents are correct this time and reapply for another once rejected.
• Name Not Found in the Eligibility List: Visit your local CSC office or contact the PM-JAY helpline (14555) to resolve SECC data mismatches.

Final Thoughts

Ayushman Bharat is a disruptive and inclusive health program in India. Enroll on the program right away and take care of all medical issues in case of emergency or illness. The procedure is convenient and the gains can be of outstanding import. This program encourages patients to take advantage of free medical care, to secure critical treatments, and to use a nationwide network of service providers by offering coverage for them. This scheme ensures medical bills don’t drain savings, whether you’re a daily wage worker or a middle-class family.

FAQs About Ayushman Card

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. For the latest updates, visit the official PM-JAY portal here.