Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PM-JAY): Get ₹5 Lakh Free Health Cover & Apply Online
Complete guide to Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Learn how to check eligibility, download your Golden Card, and get ₹5 Lakh free health cover. Now expanded to all seniors aged 70+!
📌 Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) (Instant Details)
| Benefit: | ₹5,00,000 per family per year (Free Cashless Treatment) |
| Eligible: | Poor families in SECC list & All Senior Citizens aged 70+ |
| Application Mode: | Online (eKYC via Ayushman App) / CSC / Empaneled Hospitals |
| Official Website: | pmjay.gov.in |
| Last Date: | Ongoing enrollment |
| Senior Citizens 70+: | Universal Free Cover (Ayushman Vay Vandana Card) |
Key Highlights Table
| Scheme Name | Launch Year | Benefits | Eligibility | Documents Required | Application Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY | 2018 (70+ cover added in 2024-25) | ₹5 Lakh insurance | Identified poor families & seniors (70+) | Aadhaar, Ration Card | Active |
Latest Update: Ayushman Vay Vandana Card for Seniors
In a major expansion, the AB PM-JAY scheme now offers universal health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income. Eligible seniors receive a distinct Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, which provides a dedicated ₹5 lakh per year cashless health cover for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Senior citizens already covered under other public health insurance schemes like CGHS or ECHS have the option to transition to AB PM-JAY.
What Is This Scheme?
Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the flagship national health insurance scheme of the Government of India. It is designed to provide free secondary and tertiary healthcare coverage to the bottom 40% of the Indian population (around 50 crore citizens). Recently, the Cabinet expanded the scheme to cover all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income or socioeconomic status.
Benefits
- ₹5 Lakh Free Cashless Treatment per family per year.
- Covers both government and private empaneled hospitals.
- Pre-existing diseases covered from day one of enrollment.
- Pre-hospitalization (3 days) & Post-hospitalization (15 days) costs (medicines, tests) covered.
- No limit on family size, age, or gender.
Eligibility
| Parameter | Criteria Details |
|---|---|
| Age | No limit (Special inclusion: All citizens aged 70+) |
| Income Limit | Families listed in SECC-2011; no income limit for 70+ citizens |
| Occupation | Informal sector workers, landless labourers, daily wagers |
| State | All Indian States (except Delhi, West Bengal, Odisha) |
| Category | SC/ST, landless, female-headed, or disabled households |
Required Documents
- ✓ Aadhaar Card (Mandatory)
- ✓ Ration Card (or Family ID copy)
- ✓ Active Mobile Number
- ✓ Age Proof (only for senior citizens 70+ to verify date of birth)
Application Process
- Download App: Download the official Ayushman App from Google Play Store or visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
- Login: Login as a "Beneficiary" using mobile OTP verification.
- Search Family: Select State, Scheme (PMJAY), search by Aadhaar or Ration Card number.
- eKYC: Select family member, click "eKYC", and authenticate via Aadhaar OTP or Face-Auth.
- Card Download: Once approved, click "Download Card" to save the Ayushman Golden Card PDF.
Status Check Process
- Go to beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
- Login with your mobile number and OTP.
- Enter your Aadhaar number to view your card status.
- If it shows "Approved" (green), the card is active. If "Action Required" (orange), complete your eKYC.
Important Links
- Apply / Login Beneficiary: NHA Portal
- Empaneled Hospital List: Search Hospitals
- Official Website: pmjay.gov.in
FAQ
- How much cover does AB-PMJAY provide? It provides ₹5 Lakh per family per year cashless cover.
- Is there a list of empaneled hospitals? Yes, both government and select private hospitals are empaneled. Check the list on the official portal.
- Are senior citizens covered? Yes, all citizens aged 70+ get a dedicated cover under the expanded program.
Related Schemes
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is eligible to apply for Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PM-JAY)?
A: Detailed household parameters, age limits, and category rules are available inside our dedicated 'Eligibility & Documents' tab.
Q: What is the last date to apply for Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PM-JAY)?
A: Most central welfare schemes remain active year-round. Check our 'Latest Updates & News' tab for any active deadlines.
Q: What documents are required for application?
A: Mandatory documents include an Aadhaar Card, bank passbook (linked with Aadhaar), income certificate, active mobile number, and domicile proof. A full list is under the 'Eligibility & Documents' tab.
Q: How much benefit is provided under Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PM-JAY)?
A: Financial benefits, direct cash assistance, or medical insurance limits are listed under the 'Overview & Details' tab.
Q: How to check your application status online?
A: Verify your registration approval and payment history by inputting your mobile or registration ID on the official portal. Step-by-step instructions are in the 'Application Status' tab.