How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Card?

The medical inflation in India is steadily rising, making it difficult for households, especially those belonging to low-income groups, to afford essential medical treatments and procedures. To make healthcare accessible and free for financially disadvantaged groups, the Government of India launched Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

Let’s explore what Ayushman Bharat Yojana is, its eligibility criteria and how you can apply for an Ayushman Bharat card.

What is Ayushman Bharat Yojana?

Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a government-funded health insurance scheme introduced to provide free and cashless healthcare to economically weaker sections of society. Under the scheme, eligible individuals and families, categorised as financially vulnerable, and senior citizens above 70 years get health coverage of ₹5 lakh in a single financial year for secondary and tertiary medical expenses.

Senior citizens whose family is already enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana get additional coverage of ₹5 lakhs. The scheme covers 1,900+ medical treatments and covers pre-existing diseases with no waiting period.

Beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana receive an Ayushman Card to avail medical treatments at empanelled hospitals across the country at zero cost.

How to Apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card?

Applicants can apply for the Ayushman Bharat card either online or offline. Let’s explore both the online and offline Ayushman Bharat card application process.

Applying for the Ayushman Bharat Card Online

Here’s how applicants can apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card online.

Step 1: Download the official Ayushman App from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, or visit the official NHA Beneficiary Portal.

Step 2: On the Ayushman app or NHA Beneficiary portal, check if you’re a beneficiary by logging in and entering your registered mobile number and verifying it using the OTP received on SMS.

Step 3: Check if you are eligible for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana by entering the scheme name as ‘PMJAY’, State, District, Sub-scheme and searching your name in the beneficiary list. Applicants can choose to search by using their Aadhaar Number or Family ID, i.e., Ration Card.

Step 4: Click on the search icon. If the applicant’s name is listed as a beneficiary, then they should click on the ‘Do e-KYC’ button and authenticate their identity using Aadhaar OTP, face authentication or a fingerprint scan.

Step 5: Once the verification is completed, applicants are asked to match their lives with official documents and submit the application. Once the application is approved, applicants can download their digital Ayushman Card.

Applying for the Ayushman Bharat Card Offline

Here’s how you can apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card offline.

Step 1: Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or go to a PMJAY empanelled hospital help desk and ask for an ‘Ayushman Mitra’ who would guide the applicant through the process.

Step 2: Register your mobile number and submit the applicant’s Aadhaar Card and Ration Card.

Step 3: The Ayushman Mitra or operator would verify the applicant’s eligibility for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana by checking the government database. If the applicant is eligible, they would have to complete the e-KYC process.

Step 4: If the applicant applies via a CSC, they would have to pay a nominal fee. Once the Ayushman card is approved and generated, the applicant can collect the physical card or download it.

How to Claim Ayushman Bharat Benefits?

Beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana can avail of free and cashless medical treatment and comprehensive coverage of ₹5 lakhs per year. The coverage includes 3 days pre-hospitalisation and 15 days post-hospitalisation, medical tests, medicines, implants and ICU expenses.

To claim benefits under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the beneficiary seeking medical treatment must choose a PMJAY empanelled hospital and present their Ayushman Card and Aadhaar card for verification before undergoing the treatment. The entire medical expenses for those below ₹5 lakh will be paid under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

FAQs

How do I apply for an Ayushman Card online?

Eligible families and individuals can apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card online via the official NHA Beneficiary Portal, Ayushman App.

Can I apply for an Ayushman Card using my Aadhaar card?

Yes, an Aadhaar card is generally required when applying for an Ayushman Card, but applicants can also use a Ration Card, Voter ID or Driving License for identity verification and e-KYC.

Is there any fee to apply for an Ayushman Card?

There is no fee to apply for an Ayushman Card, though CSCs may charge a nominal processing or printing fee.

Who can apply for an Ayushman Bharat Card?

Eligible families, senior citizens above 70 years and destitute individuals listed under PMJAY and other approved categories can apply.

How do I check if I am eligible for an Ayushman Card?

You can check your eligibility by visiting the NHA Beneficiary portal using your mobile number and verifying it using the OTP received via SMS. Enter the scheme name, state, sub-state, and district to find out if you’re a beneficiary for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

What documents are needed to apply for an Ayushman Card?

Applicants need documents such as an Aadhaar card, a ration card, and a registered Aadhaar-linked mobile number to apply for the Ayushaman Card.

Can I apply for an Ayushman Card from my mobile phone?

Yes. You can apply for an Ayushman Card through the official NHA Beneficiary portal or Ayushman App.

How long does it take to get an Ayushman Card?

Usually, the Ayushman card is issued shortly after successful eKYC, though some applications may take longer.

Can senior citizens apply for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana?

Yes, senior citizens above the age of 70 years can apply for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and get additional coverage of ₹5 lakh even if their family is already enrolled in the scheme.