Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 – Check Eligibility, Documents, Benefits & Hospital List
The Ayushman Bharat Card, associated with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), helps eligible beneficiaries access cashless hospital treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals.
AB PM-JAY is a Government of India health assurance scheme designed to reduce the financial burden of hospitalisation for eligible families. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiary families can receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
If you want to check your Ayushman Bharat Card eligibility in 2026, required documents, available benefits or nearby empanelled hospitals, this guide covers the important details you need to know.
Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY |
| Common Card Name | Ayushman Card |
| Managed By | National Health Authority |
| Health Coverage | Up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year |
| Treatment Type | Secondary & Tertiary Hospitalisation |
| Treatment Mode | Cashless at empanelled hospitals |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Covered from day one |
| Hospital Options | Empanelled Government & Private Hospitals |
| Nationwide Portability | Available at empanelled hospitals |
| Senior Citizens 70+ | Eligible irrespective of economic status under the expanded provision |
| Official Helpline | 14555 |
What Is the Ayushman Bharat Card?
The Ayushman Card is issued to eligible beneficiaries under AB PM-JAY. It can be used to identify a beneficiary while accessing eligible treatment packages at empanelled hospitals.
The scheme provides cashless access to covered healthcare services at the point of service. Eligible beneficiaries can use empanelled public and private hospitals according to the scheme’s rules.
The standard PM-JAY benefit provides coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.
Who Is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat Card in 2026?
Eligibility under the standard AB PM-JAY programme is not simply determined by filling out an open application form. Beneficiary eligibility is based on the applicable government beneficiary database and criteria, along with expansions adopted under the programme.
Therefore, applicants should use the official beneficiary system to check whether their name or family is eligible rather than relying on unofficial websites claiming that everyone can apply.
Eligible families can receive benefits without restrictions based simply on family size, age or gender within the applicable beneficiary family.
Special Eligibility for Senior Citizens Aged 70+
An important expansion of AB PM-JAY covers all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their economic status.
For this category, age is determined using Aadhaar information, and Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for enrolment.
Eligible senior citizens aged 70+ receive a distinct Ayushman Card.
Senior citizens aged 70+ who belong to families already covered under AB PM-JAY can receive an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year for themselves, separate from the cover shared by family members below 70.
Other eligible senior citizens aged 70+ can receive coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis.
Documents Required for Ayushman Bharat Card
The documents or information needed can depend on the beneficiary category and verification process.
Applicants should generally keep their Aadhaar and mobile details available while checking eligibility and completing beneficiary verification.
For the special AB PM-JAY senior-citizen enrolment for people aged 70 years and above, the National Health Authority states that Aadhaar is the only document required, and Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory.
Applicants should follow the current instructions shown on the official beneficiary portal rather than submitting documents to unknown third-party websites.
Major Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Card
One of the biggest benefits is financial protection against eligible hospitalisation expenses.
The scheme provides eligible families with health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year at empanelled hospitals.
Covered healthcare services can include expenses associated with eligible treatment packages, such as:
- Medical examination and consultation
- Medicines and medical consumables
- Diagnostic and laboratory investigations
- Hospital accommodation
- Intensive care services where covered
- Medical implants where applicable
- Treatment-related food services
- Pre-hospitalisation expenses
- Post-hospitalisation expenses
The applicable package and treatment rules determine what is covered in an individual case.
Pre-Existing Diseases Are Covered
Another important feature of AB PM-JAY is coverage for pre-existing conditions from day one for eligible beneficiaries.
There is no general waiting period for pre-existing illnesses under the scheme.
The scheme can cover up to 3 days of pre-hospitalisation and up to 15 days of post-hospitalisation expenses, including applicable diagnostics and medicines associated with the covered treatment.
Cashless Treatment at Empanelled Hospitals
Eligible beneficiaries can access covered treatment on a cashless basis at hospitals empanelled under PM-JAY.
This includes both participating government and private hospitals.
However, an Ayushman Card should not be treated as a promise that every medical service at every hospital will be free. The hospital must be empanelled, and the treatment must fall under the applicable PM-JAY packages and rules.
How to Check Ayushman Bharat Hospital List in 2026
Before planning treatment, beneficiaries should check whether the hospital is currently empanelled under PM-JAY.
Use the official PM-JAY/National Health Authority hospital-search facility and select the relevant state, district and hospital-related filters available on the portal.
Check the hospital’s current empanelment and available speciality information.
Hospital empanelment and available services can change, so it is advisable to verify the hospital again before admission.
You can also contact the official PM-JAY helpline 14555 if you need assistance locating an empanelled hospital.
Can You Get Treatment Outside Your State?
Yes. One of the major features of PM-JAY is national portability.
An eligible beneficiary can access applicable cashless treatment at a PM-JAY empanelled hospital outside their home state, subject to scheme rules.
This can be particularly useful for migrant workers and families who live or work away from their permanent residence.
How to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility Online
To check eligibility, use the official PM-JAY beneficiary platform.
Enter the requested mobile or beneficiary details and complete the authentication process. Search for yourself or your family using the options available on the portal.
If your details appear as eligible, follow the current instructions for Aadhaar-based verification/e-KYC and Ayushman Card generation.
Do not pay unknown agents simply because they claim they can make you eligible. Verification and card issuance must follow the official beneficiary records and applicable rules.
Important Points Before Using the Card
Always confirm that the hospital is currently empanelled before planning treatment.
Ask the hospital’s Ayushman Mitra/help desk whether the required procedure is available under an eligible PM-JAY package.
Never share Aadhaar OTPs, banking passwords, UPI PINs or other confidential information with unknown individuals.
Remember that regular outpatient consultation, cosmetic treatment and certain other services may not be covered under PM-JAY.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Ayushman Bharat Card?
It is a beneficiary card used under AB PM-JAY to help eligible people access covered cashless hospital treatment at empanelled hospitals.
2. How much coverage is available?
The standard PM-JAY benefit provides eligible families with coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.
3. Are people aged 70 or above eligible?
Yes. Senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible irrespective of economic status under the expanded AB PM-JAY provision.
4. What document is required for the 70+ senior citizen scheme?
According to NHA, Aadhaar is the only document required for this enrolment, and Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory.
5. Are pre-existing diseases covered?
Yes. Covered pre-existing conditions are included from the first day for eligible beneficiaries.
6. Can I use the card at a private hospital?
Yes, provided the private hospital is empanelled under PM-JAY and the required treatment is covered under the applicable package.
7. Can I receive treatment outside my home state?
Yes. PM-JAY offers nationwide portability across participating empanelled hospitals.
8. Does the scheme cover normal OPD visits?
Routine outpatient care is generally not covered under the standard PM-JAY hospitalisation benefit.
9. How can I find an Ayushman Bharat hospital?
Use the official PM-JAY hospital-search facility to check empanelled hospitals by state, district and other available filters.
10. What is the Ayushman Bharat helpline number?
The official PM-JAY toll-free helpline is 14555.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 can provide significant financial protection for eligible beneficiaries by offering cashless access to covered secondary and tertiary hospitalisation at empanelled hospitals.
Eligible families can receive coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year, while all senior citizens aged 70 years and above are now eligible under the expanded provision irrespective of economic status.
Before planning treatment, always check your eligibility, complete the required verification and confirm the latest empanelled hospital list. Coverage depends on the applicable PM-JAY treatment packages and scheme rules, so verify treatment availability with the hospital before admission.
For accurate eligibility, card and hospital information, always use official National Health Authority or PM-JAY services.