Ayushman Bharat PMJAY 2025: Unlock ₹5 Lakh Life-Saving Health Coverage for Your Family

Introduction – PMJAY Scheme

The Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) keeping public health and economic security in mind. This scheme was launched in 2018 and is now considered the world’s largest health insurance scheme.

Its main objectives are:

• To provide cashless healthcare services to poor and vulnerable families.
• To give eligible families free health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh.
• To reduce the financial burden caused by illnesses.

In simple terms, the Ayushman Card is like a golden pass through which you can get treatment in thousands of government and private hospitals across the country without paying a single rupee.

Why is this Scheme Important?

Millions of people in India cannot afford treatment for serious illnesses because they lack money.

Even a simple surgery can cost several lakhs of rupees.

For poor and rural families, affording such expenses is impossible.

The PMJAY Yojana addresses this problem. Now eligible beneficiaries can get expensive services like major operations, cancer treatment, heart surgery, kidney transplant, and delivery free of cost.

PMJAY Full Form and Meaning

The full form of PMJAY is –
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Prime Minister’s Public Health Scheme).

It is commonly known as “Ayushman Bharat Yojana” or “Modi Health Card Scheme.”

Meaning of PMJAY:

• Pradhan Mantri (Prime Minister): This scheme is run by the central government.
• Jan (People): Its benefits are given directly to the general public, especially poor and vulnerable families.
• Arogya (Health): Means “health” or freedom from illness.
• Yojana (Scheme): A structured government program.

Thus, PMJAY directly means:
“The Prime Minister’s scheme under which every poor family can get health security (Health Insurance).”

Why Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PMJAY) is Special

This scheme is not limited to health insurance but is a major step toward Universal Health Coverage.

• Provides insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family.
• Covers over 10 crore families (approximately 50 crore people).
• It is cashless and paperless – patients do not need to pay money or fill lengthy forms.

What is the Ayushman Bharat Card?

The Ayushman Bharat Card (also known as the Golden Card or PMJAY Card) is a health ID card provided by the government to eligible beneficiaries.

This card, like an ATM/Debit Card, contains:

• Your name
• Family details
• Card number (PMJAY ID)
• Insurance limit

By showing this card, you can get free treatment at any empanelled hospital (government or private).

How the Ayushman Card Works

When you visit a hospital, you just need to show the Ayushman Bharat Card.

• The Ayushman Mitra at the hospital verifies your identity and eligibility.
• Once verified, you get cashless treatment.
• The government pays the entire cost directly to the hospital.

This way, neither the patient nor the family worries about money or insurance claims.

Key Features of the Ayushman Card

• Valid nationwide (One Nation, One Card)
• Covers over 10 crore families
• Provides annual health coverage of ₹5 lakh
• Over 25,000 government and private hospitals included

Why This Card is Important

Medical expenses often push poor families into debt.
The Ayushman Card reduces this burden and provides health security and confidence.

Key Features of Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PMJAY)

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is not just a health insurance scheme but a National Health Protection Mission. Its special features make it the world’s largest health security scheme.

1. Free Treatment up to ₹5 Lakh
   Each family receives health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh per year. This applies to the entire family.
2. No Age or Family Size Limit
   There is no restriction on the number or age of family members.
3. Cashless and Paperless Treatment
   Patients do not need to pay money in hospitals. Treatment begins by showing the Ayushman Bharat Card.
4. Applicable Nationwide
   The same card can be used in over 25,000 empanelled hospitals across India.
5. Treatment of Serious Illnesses
   Expensive illnesses covered include:
   • Heart disease
   • Cancer
   • Kidney transplant
   • Neurosurgery
   • Dialysis
   • Delivery and complex surgeries for women
6. Ayushman Mitra Assistance
   Each hospital has an Ayushman Mitra who verifies the card and initiates treatment.
7. Includes Government and Private Hospitals
   Thousands of private hospitals are also empanelled in addition to government hospitals.
8. Economic Security for Families
   Expensive illnesses often push families into debt; the card protects families financially.

Ayushman Card Eligibility

Not every Indian is eligible. The government prepared a list based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011.

Urban Eligibility

• Daily wage laborers
• Rickshaw/pushcart/taxi drivers
• Domestic workers
• Construction laborers
• Peons/guards
• Street vendors
• Sanitation workers

Rural Eligibility

• Families living in kutcha houses
• Families without literate adults (16–59 years)
• Families with disabled members
• Landless families dependent on wages
• SC/ST families
• Homeless or beggar families

Special Categories

• Female-headed households without male members
• Orphan children
• Families with disabled members

Who is Not Eligible?

• Families with pucca houses and four-wheelers
• Government employees
• Those paying income tax or GST
• Families with agricultural land over 5 acres
• Families with a member earning a regular salary

Age Limit

There is no age limit; all members from newborns to elderly are covered.

Required Documents for Ayushman Bharat

To apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card, the following documents are required:

• Aadhaar Card – for identity and biometric verification
• Ration Card / Family ID – to verify family members
• Voter ID or PAN Card – additional ID proof
• Mobile Number – for OTP verification
• Address Proof – electricity bill, water bill, or bank passbook
• Passport Size Photo – for the card

Special Cases:

• Disabled persons – disability certificate
• BPL families – poverty line certificate
• Female-headed households – marriage/widow certificate

These documents ensure only eligible beneficiaries are included in the “Mera PMJAY Gov In List.”

Ayushman Card Registration Process

You can register online or offline (via CSC or hospital).

Online Registration

1. Visit pmjay.gov.in
2. Enter mobile number and verify OTP
3. Select state and category
4. Enter Aadhaar number and verify
5. If eligible, your name will appear in the PMJAY Beneficiary List
6. Download and print your card

Offline Registration

1. Visit nearest CSC or empanelled hospital
2. Submit documents to Ayushman Mitra
3. If eligible, your card is generated and printed immediately

Important: Registration is free. One card per family is issued, valid nationwide.

Ayushman Card Download Online

1. Visit pmjay.gov.in
2. Go to “Download Ayushman Card” or “Card Status”
3. Enter Aadhaar/Family ID
4. Verify via OTP
5. Download PDF and print

CSC / Hospital

1. Visit nearest CSC or empanelled hospital
2. Show Aadhaar or Family ID
3. Card is printed and ready for cashless treatment

Important: One card per family. Can be reprinted if lost.

PMJAY Portal / Login Guide

Official Portals:

• pmjay.gov.in – National portal
• beneficiary.nha.gov.in – Personal beneficiary portal

Beneficiary Login

1. Visit portal
2. Select “Beneficiary Login” / “Mera PMJAY”
3. Enter Aadhaar/Family ID
4. Enter OTP
5. View family members, card status, hospital list, claims

Other Features

• Apply Online
• Check Eligibility
• Beneficiary List
• Hospital Search
• Claim Status
• Health Account Creation

Tips: Use secure network, do not share OTP, contact Help Desk for issues.

Checking Mera PMJAY Gov In List

Online

1. Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in
2. Go to “Search Your Name” / “Beneficiary Search”
3. Select state/district, enter Aadhaar/Family ID or name
4. Verify OTP
5. Name and family details will appear

CSC / Hospital

1. Visit nearest CSC or empanelled hospital
2. Show Aadhaar/Family ID
3. Ayushman Mitra checks your name in PMJAY list

Important: List updates regularly; check later if name not found.

Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Card

1. Cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh
2. Coverage for all family members
3. Paperless process
4. Treatment for serious and expensive illnesses
5. Accepted in 25,000+ hospitals nationwide
6. Economic security and mental peace
7. Special provisions for elderly
8. Digital health records via ABDM Health Account

Health Coverage under PMJAY

• Cashless hospital facility
• ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family
• Includes surgery, room charges, doctor fees, medicines, tests
• Covers heart disease, cancer, kidney transplant, neuro surgery, dialysis, delivery
• 25,000+ empanelled hospitals with Ayushman Mitra
• Senior citizens receive priority
• Digital records stored in ABDM Health Account

What is Golden Card?

Ayushman Bharat Golden Card = Ayushman Card / PMJAY Card.

Features:

• Cashless & paperless
• Family coverage
• Nationwide acceptance
• Linked with ABDM Health ID
• Covers expensive diseases

How to Get Golden Card

Online:

1. Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in
2. Apply for Ayushman Card
3. Enter state, district, Family ID/Aadhaar
4. OTP verification
5. Download and print

Offline:

1. Visit CSC / empanelled hospital
2. Submit documents
3. Card printed immediately

Importance: Provides financial security for medical emergencies.

Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) & ABDM Health ID – Complete Guide for Beneficiaries

The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), earlier known as the ABDM Health ID, is a key pillar of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) launched by the Government of India.
Its main purpose is to bring all citizens’ health records under one secure digital identity, making healthcare faster, smarter, and more transparent.

Think of ABHA as a digital locker for your health history that you can carry anywhere in India—without files, prescriptions, or paperwork.

What Exactly Is an ABHA / ABDM Health ID?

An ABHA Health ID is a 14-digit unique number linked to your mobile number or Aadhaar.
It allows hospitals, doctors, labs, and insurance providers to access your medical records digitally, only after your consent.

All your health-related data—such as OPD slips, lab reports, discharge summaries, and prescriptions—can be stored and shared securely through this single ID.

Why ABHA Health ID Is Important Under Ayushman Bharat

Ayushman Bharat aims to provide cashless and paperless healthcare, and ABHA plays a major role in achieving this goal.

With ABHA:

• You no longer need to carry old medical files to hospitals

• Doctors can understand your medical history instantly

• Claim settlement becomes faster and hassle-free

• Healthcare services become portable across states

Major Benefits of ABHA / ABDM Health ID

1. Complete Digital Medical Records in One Place

All your health records from different hospitals and labs are linked to a single platform.
This includes:

• Prescriptions

• Diagnostic reports

• Hospital admissions

• Treatment history

You can view and manage them anytime through ABDM-linked apps.

2. Faster Ayushman Bharat & Insurance Claims

Since medical data is already available digitally:

• Hospitals can verify treatment details quickly

• Claims under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY are processed faster

• Chances of document mismatch or rejection reduce significantly

3. Valid Across India (One Nation, One Health ID)

Your ABHA Health ID is not limited to one state or hospital.
It works across all ABDM-registered hospitals, clinics, and labs in India, making it extremely useful for:

• Migrant workers

• Students

• Senior citizens travelling for treatment

4. Family Health Records Under One Account

You can create separate ABHA IDs for family members, including:

• Spouse

• Children

• Parents

This makes it easier to manage medical records of the entire family from one place.

5. Better Referrals & Future Treatments

When visiting a new doctor or hospital:

• Past health records can be shared instantly (with consent)

• Doctors can make better treatment decisions

• Repeated tests and unnecessary expenses are avoided

This is especially helpful for patients with chronic diseases.

How to Create ABHA / ABDM Health ID – Step-by-Step Guide

Creating an ABHA Health ID is free, simple, and takes only a few minutes.

Option 1: Create ABHA Health ID Online (Self-Registration)

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official ABDM portal: abdm.gov.in

2. Click on “Create ABHA (Health ID)”

3. Choose registration via:

   • Mobile number, or

   • Aadhaar number

4. Verify your identity using OTP

5. Set a username and password

6. Optionally link:

   • Ayushman Bharat card

   • Existing hospital records

Your ABHA Health ID will be generated instantly.

Option 2: Create ABHA Health ID Offline (Assisted Registration)

If you are not comfortable with online registration:

• Visit your nearest CSC (Common Service Center) or E-Mitra Centre

• Or go to any ABDM-empanelled hospital

• Carry:

  • Aadhaar card

  • Active mobile number

• Staff will help you create and activate your ABHA ID

Is ABHA Health ID Mandatory?

No.
Creating an ABHA Health ID is completely voluntary, but it is highly recommended for anyone using Ayushman Bharat or planning long-term healthcare.

You have full control over your data and can decide:

• Which records to share

• With whom

• For how long

Should You Create an ABHA Health ID?

If you want:

• Paperless healthcare

• Faster claim settlements

• Easy access to medical history

• Nationwide treatment convenience

Then creating an ABHA Health ID is a smart and future-ready decision.

Ayushman Bharat Yojana-Claim Process

1. Visit empanelled hospital
2. Show Ayushman Card
3. Ayushman Mitra verifies
4. Treatment begins cashless
5. Hospital claims payment from government
6. Check claim status online or via hospital

Helpline and Support

• National Helpline: 14555 (9 AM – 6 PM, Hindi & English)
• Email: support@pmjay.gov.in
• Official Portals: pmjay.gov.in, beneficiary.nha.gov.in, abdm.gov.in
• CSC / Hospital: Card creation, updates, claims
• Social Media & SMS Alerts: Updates & notifications

PMJAY Updates in 2025

1. Digital Health Integration – ABDM Health ID validated in hospitals, easier claims.
2. Telemedicine – Online consultations for remote areas.
3. Extended cashless cover – Some cases exceed ₹5 lakh.
4. Mobile App Integration – Mera PMJAY App for card, claims, hospital search.
5. Updated empanelled hospitals – More accessible treatment.
6. Health awareness & camps – Promoting health education.
7. Digital documentation – Upload reports directly to Health Account.

Myths and Misconceptions

1. Only for poor → False, eligible families prioritized but includes urban & rural.
2. Doesn’t work in private hospitals → False, valid in empanelled private hospitals.
3. Card costs money → False, free of charge.
4. Only one member → False, covers all family members.
5. Valid abroad → False, only India.
6. Still need to pay → False, cashless treatment.
7. Hard to replace lost card → False, can reprint online/CSC.
8. Only serious illnesses → False, includes necessary hospital costs and some common ailments.

Tips and Best Practices

1. Use official portals & helpline
2. Keep card & Health ID updated
3. Know empanelled hospitals
4. Follow correct cashless claim procedure
5. Keep documents ready
6. Use digital features
7. Inform all family members
8. Check updates regularly

Future of Ayushman Bharat Yojana

1. Expansion of digital health ecosystem
2. Higher financial coverage
3. Better access in rural & remote areas
4. Focus on preventive healthcare
5. Integration with other government schemes
6. Use of AI & analytics for better management

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Ayushman Card? ₹5 lakh cashless health insurance for family
2. Who is eligible? SECC 2011-based poor & middle-class families
3. How to apply? Online or CSC/hospital
4. Any fee? No
5. Who is covered? All family members
6. Lost card? Can reprint online/CSC
7. Cashless treatment? Yes, via empanelled hospitals
8. Check claim status? Portal or hospital
9. Why Health Account & ABDM ID? Secure records, easier claims
10. Only government hospitals? No, private included
11. Valid abroad? No
12. How to update card? Add new members via CSC/portal
13. Senior citizens benefits? Priority & cashless treatment
14. Card validity? Continuous, ₹5 lakh cover per year

Conclusion

Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY is a life-changing initiative for poor and middle-class families in India. It provides financial security, comprehensive health coverage, digital facilities, and cashless treatment.

Key Benefits:

• ₹5 lakh cashless health insurance
• Coverage for all family members
• Government and private hospitals included
• Digital Health ID and ABDM Account
• Telemedicine & Mera PMJAY App

Smart Usage Tips:

• Use official portals & helpline
• Keep card & Health ID updated
• Prefer empanelled hospitals
• Regularly check claim status & medical records

Future Prospects:

• Increased financial coverage
• Improved access in rural areas
• Preventive healthcare and awareness programs
• AI & digital analytics for better disease management

Final Message:
Ayushman Bharat Scheme is not just a health card but a guarantee of family safety and health. Proper use ensures financial relief and better healthcare for you and your family.