Knowing how to apply for an Ayushman Card online in 2026 can be useful for every eligible family. Under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), eligible beneficiaries receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. This benefit can be used for cashless treatment at applicable empanelled hospitals.
Considering the rising costs of hospital expenses, health insurance, cashless treatment, and medical emergencies, an Ayushman Card can be an important healthcare benefit. However, not everyone with an Aadhaar Card automatically qualifies for PM-JAY benefits. You must first check your beneficiary eligibility and then complete the applicable eKYC and card generation process.
Ayushman Card 2026 Highlights
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY |
| Health Coverage | Up to ₹5 Lakh Per Family Per Year |
| Treatment | Cashless Hospitalization |
| Hospitals | PM-JAY Empanelled Hospitals |
| Card | Ayushman Card |
| Online Facility | Beneficiary Portal / Ayushman App |
| Verification | Aadhaar eKYC / Applicable Verification |
| Helpline | 14555 |
What Is an Ayushman Card?
An Ayushman Card is a health scheme identification card issued to eligible PM-JAY beneficiaries. After completing beneficiary verification, the generated e-card can be used as identification to access PM-JAY services.
This scheme is different from a regular mediclaim policy or a privately purchased health insurance policy. It is a government-funded health assurance programme that provides cashless treatment under applicable hospitalization packages for eligible beneficiaries.
However, the ₹5 lakh benefit does not mean that the government transfers ₹5 lakh directly into every family’s bank account. It represents annual family health coverage for eligible hospitalization treatment.
What Is the ₹5 Lakh Benefit Under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
Under PM-JAY, eligible families receive hospitalization coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care. The treatment must be covered under an applicable PM-JAY package and provided through an empanelled hospital.
One of the scheme’s biggest advantages is cashless treatment. Eligible beneficiaries can access covered treatment without having to pay the applicable covered hospital costs upfront out of their own pockets, subject to scheme rules and package limits.
Before receiving treatment, it is advisable to verify eligibility and package coverage with the hospital’s Ayushman Help Desk or Ayushman Mitra.
How to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility
The first question to ask before applying for an Ayushman Card is: Is my name included in the Ayushman Bharat beneficiary list?
PM-JAY eligibility depends on the applicable beneficiary database and scheme rules. Having an Aadhaar Card, a Ration Card, or a low income does not automatically mean that everyone can generate an Ayushman Card.
You can check your eligibility through the beneficiary system using your mobile number or applicable family and identity details. Once an eligible record is found, you can proceed with identity verification and the eKYC process.
Special Rules for Senior Citizens Aged 70 and Above
Ayushman Bharat has been expanded to include senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their economic status, subject to the applicable PM-JAY senior citizen provisions.
For senior citizen enrolment, age is determined using the date or year of birth recorded in Aadhaar, and Aadhaar-based eKYC is mandatory. Eligible senior citizens receive a distinct Ayushman Card.
If your parents or grandparents are aged 70 or above, checking their enrolment status is particularly important.
Ayushman Card Apply Online 2026
Eligible beneficiaries may be able to complete the Ayushman Card application process through the online self-service facility. The official Beneficiary Portal and Ayushman App provide beneficiary identification and applicable eKYC facilities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an Ayushman Card Online
- Open the official Ayushman Beneficiary Portal or Ayushman App.
- Select the Beneficiary login option.
- Enter your mobile number and the required verification details.
- Complete login verification using the OTP.
- Select your state and the applicable search details.
- Search for your record using Aadhaar, Family ID, or other available beneficiary details.
- Locate your eligible beneficiary record in the family list.
- Select the eKYC option if it is available.
- Complete Aadhaar authentication and the required verification.
- Carefully verify your beneficiary information.
- Capture or submit the required photograph and details.
- Submit the application or eKYC request.
- Once approval is complete, download your Ayushman Card if the download facility is available.
Portal and app options may change over time. Follow the current instructions displayed on the official platform to complete the process.
What Documents Are Required for an Ayushman Card?
The required documents may vary depending on the beneficiary category and verification process. Aadhaar, a mobile number, and family identification details may be useful for standard PM-JAY beneficiary identification.
It is advisable to keep the following information ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Aadhaar-linked or accessible mobile number
- Ration Card or family details, where applicable
- Beneficiary ID or Family ID, if available
- Identity and family verification documents, if requested by the system
According to National Health Authority information, Aadhaar is the key document for enrolment of eligible senior citizens aged 70 and above, and Aadhaar-based eKYC is mandatory.
How to Download an Ayushman Card
After beneficiary verification and approval are completed, the Ayushman Card may become available in electronic format.
Follow these steps:
- Open the official Beneficiary Portal or Ayushman App.
- Log in using the required details.
- Locate your approved beneficiary record.
- Select the Download Card option, if available.
- Save the card to your mobile phone or computer.
You can keep the downloaded card as a digital copy or PDF and print it if required.
Losing your card does not necessarily mean that your healthcare benefits are permanently lost. Your verified beneficiary record remains in the system, and you may be able to retrieve the card again after completing the applicable verification.
Which Hospitals Provide Treatment Under Ayushman Card?
PM-JAY benefits can be used for applicable treatment packages at empanelled hospitals. Both government hospitals and eligible private hospitals may be part of the empanelled network.
Before admission, check whether the hospital is currently empanelled under PM-JAY and whether the required treatment package is covered.
The scheme also provides portability. Eligible beneficiaries may receive cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals outside their home state, subject to the applicable scheme conditions.
Does the ₹5 Lakh Benefit Get Deposited Into a Bank Account?
No. The ₹5 lakh Ayushman Bharat benefit is not a direct cash payment scheme.
The government does not deposit ₹5 lakh into the beneficiary’s bank account. Instead, it provides health coverage for eligible hospitalization. Beneficiaries can access cashless treatment for applicable medical procedures at empanelled hospitals, subject to scheme rules and coverage limits.