Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2026 is one of India’s major government healthcare initiatives designed to provide financial protection to eligible families against expensive medical treatment. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), eligible beneficiaries can receive cashless hospital treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals.

Many people want to know how to apply for Ayushman Bharat Yojana, check their eligibility, complete online registration and download their Ayushman Card in 2026.

In this article, we will explain the complete process in simple English, including eligibility criteria, required documents, benefits, online application steps and card download instructions.

Important: Ayushman Bharat is not a universal free health insurance scheme for every Indian citizen. Eligibility depends on the applicable government criteria and beneficiary categories.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2026?

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a government-sponsored health assurance scheme launched on 23 September 2018. It is implemented by the (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The primary objective of this scheme is to help economically vulnerable families access quality healthcare without facing heavy hospital expenses.

Under the scheme, eligible families receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.

The scheme provides cashless and paperless treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals across India.Key Highlights of Ayushman Bharat Yojana

Particulars	Details
Scheme Name	Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
Launched	23 September 2018
Government	Government of India
Ministry	Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Implementing Authority	National Health Authority
Annual Health Cover	Up to ₹5 lakh
Beneficiaries	Eligible families and citizens aged 70+
Application Mode	Online and Offline
Official Portal	beneficiary.nha.gov.in
Helpline Number	14555

2. Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2026

The scheme offers several healthcare benefits to eligible beneficiaries. Its main purpose is to reduce the financial burden of hospitalisation and make essential medical treatment more accessible.

Here are some important benefits:

1. Health Coverage Up to ₹5 Lakh

Eligible families receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year for covered hospital treatments.

2. Cashless Hospital Treatment

Beneficiaries can receive cashless treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals without paying the covered treatment cost upfront.

3. Pre-Existing Diseases Covered

Eligible beneficiaries receive coverage for pre-existing medical conditions from the first day, subject to applicable scheme rules.

4. No Family Size Restriction

There is no restriction on family size, age or gender for the eligible household categories under PM-JAY.

5. Nationwide Treatment Facility

Beneficiaries can use the scheme at empanelled hospitals across participating states and Union Territories.

6. Pre and Post-Hospitalisation Expenses

The scheme includes up to 3 days of pre-hospitalisation and 15 days of post-hospitalisation expenses related to covered treatment.

7. Benefits for Senior Citizens

Citizens aged 70 years and above are also eligible for coverage under the expanded scheme, irrespective of their income or economic status.

3. Who Is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2026?

Eligibility is one of the most important things to check before applying for an Ayushman Card.

The scheme mainly covers economically vulnerable families identified through specified government beneficiary databases and eligible categories.

Rural Area Eligibility

Families in rural areas may qualify under specified deprivation and inclusion criteria, including:

Families living in a single room with kucha walls and roofs.
Households without an adult member aged 16–59.
Households without an adult male member aged 16–59.
Families with a disabled member and no able-bodied adult.
Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households.
Landless households primarily dependent on manual casual labour.

Urban Area Eligibility

Certain occupational categories of urban workers are covered under the scheme, including:

Domestic workers.
Street vendors and hawkers.
Construction workers.
Plumbers and masons.
Security guards.
Sanitation workers.
Ragpickers.
Drivers and transport workers.
Electricians and mechanics.
Tailors and home-based workers.

Special Eligibility for Senior Citizens Aged 70+

The Government of India has expanded AB-PMJAY coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income or economic status.

Eligible senior citizens can receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.

Aadhaar-based e-KYC is required for their enrolment.

Important: Meeting a general category description does not automatically guarantee eligibility. Always check your name and beneficiary status through the official portal.

4. Documents Required for Ayushman Bharat Yojana

Before starting the online application or e-KYC process, keep the relevant documents ready.

Commonly required documents and information include:

Aadhaar Card.
Registered mobile number.
Ration Card or family identification details, where applicable.
Government-issued identity proof, if required.
Other supporting documents requested during verification.

For citizens aged 70 and above applying under the senior citizen expansion, Aadhaar is the required document for enrolment.

The exact document requirements can differ depending on the beneficiary category and state rules.

5. How to Apply Online for Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2026?

Eligible beneficiaries can use the official National Health Authority beneficiary portal to check their eligibility and complete the available card creation and e-KYC process.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Open the official beneficiary portal:Ayushman Bharat Beneficiary Portal

Step 2: Select Beneficiary Login

Choose the Beneficiary option on the login page.

Step 3: Enter Your Mobile Number

Enter your registered mobile number and verify it using the OTP received on your phone.

Step 4: Select Your State

Choose your state and the relevant search category available on the portal.

Step 5: Search Your Name

Search for your beneficiary record using the available details, such as Aadhaar number, family ID or other permitted identification details.

Step 6: Complete Aadhaar e-KYC

If your beneficiary record is available, follow the instructions to complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC and identity verification.

Step 7: Submit Your Application

Review the details and submit the request for card generation, where applicable.

Step 8: Wait for Verification

Your details may be verified through the applicable government system. Once the card is approved or generated, you can access it through the portal.

Note: PM-JAY is primarily an entitlement-based scheme. General beneficiaries cannot simply register themselves to become eligible if they are not covered under an eligible category. Senior citizens aged 70+ have a separate enrolment facility.

6. How to Download Ayushman Card Online in 2026?

If your Ayushman Card has already been generated, you can download its digital copy through the official beneficiary portal.

8. Ayushman Bharat Yojana for Senior Citizens Above 70 Years

The Government of India has extended Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY benefits to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their financial status.

This expansion is particularly important for older people who may need regular medical care or hospital treatment.

Major Benefits for Senior Citizens

Health coverage up to ₹5 lakh per year.
Eligibility irrespective of income.
Separate Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.
Aadhaar-based online enrolment.
Coverage begins from the first day of enrolment.
Eligible senior citizens can access covered treatment at empanelled hospitals.

If multiple members of a family are aged 70 or above, they can be enrolled through the available Add Member facility.

Senior citizens who already have private health insurance or are covered under ESI can also be eligible. Those covered under government health schemes such as CGHS, ECHS or Ayushman CAPF have specific scheme-choice rules.

How Can Senior Citizens Apply?

Visit the official beneficiary portal.
Select the senior citizen enrolment option, where available.
Enter the required Aadhaar details.
Complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
Submit the enrolment request.
Download the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card after successful generation.

Official website: Senior Citizen Ayushman Card Registration.

9. How to Find Ayushman Bharat Empanelled Hospitals?

Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries can receive covered cashless treatment at hospitals empanelled under PM-JAY.

Before visiting a hospital, check whether it is included in the scheme.

Follow these steps:

Visit the official PM-JAY hospital search facility.
Select your state.
Choose your district.
Select the hospital type or specialty, if required.
Search the available hospitals.
Check the hospital details before visiting.

You can also contact the hospital’s Ayushman Mitra desk for information about covered treatments.

10. Ayushman Bharat Yojana Helpline Number

If you face difficulties with registration, eligibility checking, card downloading or hospital treatment, you can contact the official PM-JAY support service.

Official PM-JAY Helpline

14555

Call for scheme-related assistance and beneficiary support.

You can also visit the official National Health Authority website:

National Health Authority Official Website.

New Digital Service: Ayushman Sarathi WhatsApp Chatbot

In June 2026, the National Health Authority introduced the Ayushman Sarathi WhatsApp chatbot.

Beneficiaries can send Hi to +91 72908 23838 to access services such as:

Check scheme eligibility.
Apply for an Ayushman Card.
Download an existing card.
Complete e-KYC.
Find empanelled hospitals.
Check treatment history.
Register and track grievances.

This provides another convenient way to access PM-JAY services.

1. Important Things to Know Before Applying

Before applying for Ayushman Bharat Yojana, remember these important points:

Check your eligibility through the official government portal.
Make sure your Aadhaar details are correct.
Use your own registered mobile number whenever possible.
Do not share OTPs with unknown people.
Avoid unofficial websites claiming guaranteed Ayushman Card approval.
Confirm that the hospital is empanelled before receiving treatment.
Keep a copy of your generated Ayushman Card for future use.

The Ayushman Card is issued without a fee through the official scheme process. Be careful of people demanding money for guaranteed approval.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2026?

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is a government health assurance scheme that provides eligible families with cashless hospitalisation coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year.

Q2. Who is eligible for Ayushman Bharat Yojana?

Eligible families identified under applicable government beneficiary criteria and all senior citizens aged 70 years or above can receive benefits under the scheme.

Q3. How can I apply for an Ayushman Card online?

Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in, log in as a beneficiary, check your eligibility, complete the required e-KYC and follow the card generation process.

Q4. Is Ayushman Bharat Yojana free?

Yes. Eligible beneficiaries receive covered treatment without paying for the covered services at empanelled hospitals.

Q5. Can I download my Ayushman Card using my mobile phone?

Yes. You can use the official beneficiary portal or Ayushman App to access and download your generated card.

Q6. Can people above 70 years apply for Ayushman Bharat?

Yes. All Indian senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible irrespective of their income, subject to the applicable enrolment process.

Q7. What is the official Ayushman Bharat website?

The official beneficiary website is https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/.

Q8. What is the Ayushman Bharat helpline number?

The PM-JAY helpline number is 14555.

Q9. Can I use my Ayushman Card in another state?

Yes. PM-JAY offers nationwide portability, allowing eligible beneficiaries to receive covered treatment at empanelled hospitals across India.

Q10. Is Aadhaar mandatory for an Ayushman Card?

Aadhaar-based e-KYC is required for the enrolment of senior citizens aged 70 and above. For other beneficiaries, identification and verification requirements depend on the applicable process.

Q11. Does Ayushman Bharat cover existing diseases?

Yes. Covered pre-existing medical conditions are included from the first day of coverage.

Q12. Can I apply if my name is not in the beneficiary list?

Ordinary PM-JAY eligibility is based on government-approved beneficiary categories. You cannot automatically become eligible simply by submitting a new application. Check whether your state has additional eligible categories.

13. Conclusion

Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2026 is an important healthcare initiative that helps eligible families access quality medical treatment without facing major hospitalisation expenses.

With benefits of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, cashless hospital treatment, nationwide portability and special coverage for senior citizens aged 70 and above, the scheme provides financial support to millions of eligible people.

If you want to apply for an Ayushman Card, check your eligibility, complete the required verification and download your card through the official government portal.

For more information about government schemes, scholarships, pensions and financial assistance programmes, keep visiting Sarkaris Fund.

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