Overview
The Ayushman Card is the official beneficiary identification card issued under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Issued by the National Health Authority (NHA), it serves as the gateway for India’s poorest households to access cashless, paperless healthcare at empanelled hospitals across the country. As of 28 February 2026, a total of 43.52 crore Ayushman cards have been created, including 1.14 crore Ayushman Vay Vandana cards for senior citizens aged 70 and above.
The card entitles eligible families to health insurance coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation at any of the 36,229 empanelled hospitals (19,483 public and 16,746 private) across India.
| Key Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | National Health Authority (NHA) |
| Coverage | Rs. 5 lakh per family per year |
| Cards Issued | 43.52 crore (as of February 2026) |
| Senior Citizen Cards | 1.14 crore Ayushman Vay Vandana cards |
| Empanelled Hospitals | 36,229 (19,483 public + 16,746 private) |
| Hospital Admissions | 11.69 crore authorised worth Rs. 1.73 lakh crore |
Key Features
Cashless and Paperless Treatment
Beneficiaries use the Ayushman Card for cashless treatment and hospitalisation at any empanelled hospital across India. There is no need for upfront payment — the hospital directly settles claims with the insurance provider.
Portability
The card is portable across all empanelled hospitals nationwide. A beneficiary from one state can seek treatment in any other state, making it truly a national health protection card.
Identification and Verification
- Issued by National Health Authority (NHA)
- Linked to the family’s SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census) data
- Aadhaar card is not mandatory for availing services — alternative identification documents are accepted
- Pradhan Mantri Arogya Mitras (PMAMs) stationed at every empanelled hospital assist beneficiaries with card verification and admission
Health Records
Health folders are maintained at Health Wellness Centres (HWC) or Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC). Beneficiaries can also link their Ayushman Card to their ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) number for digital health record management.
How to Apply
- Online: Through the Ayushman App (available on Google Play) or the beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- Offline: Visit any empanelled hospital or Common Service Centre (CSC) with identity documents
- Documents Required: Aadhaar card, ration card, or any government-issued ID; family identification as per SECC data
- Cost: Free of charge
Ayushman Vay Vandana Card (Senior Citizens)
From September 2024, a separate Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is issued to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of socio-economic status. Key features:
- Covers approximately 6 crore senior citizens from 4.5 crore families
- Rs. 5 lakh annual health insurance per senior citizen
- Existing PMJAY beneficiaries aged 70+ receive an additional Rs. 5 lakh top-up
- Beneficiaries can choose between CGHS, ECHS, Ayushman CAPF, or AB-PMJAY
Latest Developments
- February 2026: Total Ayushman cards issued crossed 43.52 crore; 11.69 crore hospital admissions authorised worth Rs. 1.73 lakh crore since inception
- October 2025: More than 42 crore Ayushman cards reported issued; scheme declared the world’s largest healthcare scheme covering 12 crore families
- September 2024: Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme launched for all senior citizens aged 70+, with 1.14 crore cards issued by February 2026
- March 2024: Eligibility expanded to include 37 lakh ASHAs, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), and their families
- Union Budget 2025-26: PMJAY coverage extended to approximately 1 crore gig workers
- The scheme has saved beneficiaries over Rs. 1.52 lakh crore in out-of-pocket healthcare costs
Prelims Importance
- Ayushman Card is issued by the National Health Authority (NHA) — an autonomous entity under the Society Registration Act, 1860
- Coverage: Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care
- 43.52 crore cards issued as of February 2026
- 36,229 hospitals empanelled (19,483 public + 16,746 private)
- Aadhaar is NOT mandatory for availing services
- Ayushman Vay Vandana: for all citizens aged 70+ regardless of income (launched September 2024)
- Beneficiary identification based on SECC 2011 data
- PMAMs (Pradhan Mantri Arogya Mitras) are stationed at every empanelled hospital
Mains & Interview Importance
GS Paper 2 — Health, Governance
- Examine how the Ayushman Card has improved healthcare accessibility for the bottom 40% of India’s population. What are the challenges in ensuring quality of care at empanelled hospitals?
- Discuss the portability feature of the Ayushman Card in the context of migrant workers’ healthcare access.
Interview Angle
- “With 43 crore cards issued but only 11.69 crore hospital admissions, what does the utilisation gap tell us about the scheme’s effectiveness and awareness levels?”