ABHA Card — How to Create Ayushman Bharat Health Account Online

What is ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account)?

ABHA — Ayushman Bharat Health Account — is a unique 14-digit health ID number issued under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) by the National Health Authority (NHA). Previously known as Health ID, ABHA acts as your digital health identity across India.

With an ABHA number, you can:

• Store and access your medical records digitally
• Share health data securely with doctors and hospitals
• Link all health records from different hospitals under one account
• Use a QR code for quick identification at healthcare facilities

ABHA is different from the Ayushman Bharat Health Card (PMJAY), which provides health insurance coverage. ABHA is a digital health identity — anyone in India can create one, regardless of income or insurance status.

ABHA Number vs ABHA Address

Understanding the two components:

You first create an ABHA Number, then set up an ABHA Address linked to it.

Who Can Create an ABHA?

• Any Indian resident
• No age restriction (parents can create for children)
• No income or insurance criteria
• Free of cost — no charges

How to Create ABHA Online (Step-by-Step)

You can create your ABHA through the official ABDM portal or the ABHA mobile app.

Method 1: Using Aadhaar Number (Recommended)

This is the fastest method. You need your Aadhaar number linked to a mobile number.

Step 1: Visit abha.abdm.gov.in

Step 2: Click "Create ABHA Number" and select "Using Aadhaar"

Step 3: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and agree to the terms

Step 4: An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Enter the OTP to verify

Step 5: Your details (name, date of birth, gender, address) are fetched automatically from Aadhaar

Step 6: Review the details and confirm. Your 14-digit ABHA number is generated instantly

Step 7: Create your ABHA address (e.g., yourname@abdm) — this will be your login ID for health record apps

Step 8: Download your ABHA card with QR code

Method 2: Using Driving Licence

If your Aadhaar is not linked to a mobile number, you can use your driving licence.

Step 1: Visit abha.abdm.gov.in

Step 2: Click "Create ABHA Number" and select "Using Driving Licence"

Step 3: Enter your driving licence number and verify your mobile number via OTP

Step 4: Fill in your personal details manually (name, date of birth, gender, address)

Step 5: Upload a photo and complete the verification

Step 6: Your ABHA number is generated. Set up your ABHA address

Note: Aadhaar-based registration is quicker since details are auto-filled and instantly verified. Driving licence-based creation may take slightly longer.

Method 3: Using the ABHA App

Step 1: Download the ABHA app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store

Step 2: Open the app and tap "Create ABHA"

Step 3: Choose Aadhaar or Driving Licence and follow the same steps as above

Step 4: Your ABHA card is saved directly in the app

How to Link Health Records to ABHA

Once you have your ABHA, you can link your medical records using PHR (Personal Health Record) apps.

What are PHR Apps?

PHR apps are ABDM-compliant applications that let you store, view, and share your health records. Official and approved apps include:

• ABHA App (by NHA) — the official app
• Eka Care
• Bajaj Health
• Pahal (by NIC)

Steps to Link Records

1. Log in to any PHR app using your ABHA address
2. Search for your hospital/clinic that is registered on ABDM
3. Request your records — the facility sends your records digitally
4. Approve the link — records appear in your PHR app
5. Records from lab tests, prescriptions, discharge summaries, and more get linked automatically over time

You can also store records from DigiLocker if your health facility has uploaded them there.

Using ABHA at Hospitals

Many hospitals and clinics across India are now registered on the ABDM network. Here's how ABHA works in practice:

1. At registration: Show your ABHA QR code (from the app or printed card) at the hospital reception
2. Verification: The hospital scans the QR code to pull up your ABHA profile
3. During treatment: Doctors can view your past health records (with your consent)
4. After treatment: Prescriptions, lab reports, and discharge summaries are automatically pushed to your ABHA-linked PHR app
5. Consent-based sharing: You control which records are shared and with whom

ABHA QR Code

Your ABHA card includes a QR code containing your ABHA number and basic details. You can:

• Show it from the ABHA app on your phone
• Print the ABHA card and carry it
• Download the ABHA card from the official portal

Benefits of Creating ABHA

• One health ID for life — works at any ABDM-registered hospital across India
• Digital health records — no more carrying paper files to every doctor visit
• Emergency access — doctors can quickly access your medical history in emergencies (with consent)
• Portability — switch hospitals without losing your medical history
• Privacy and control — you decide who sees your records through consent management
• Free and voluntary — no charges, no compulsion

Important Points to Remember

• ABHA is not mandatory — it is voluntary
• ABHA is not the same as Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) insurance — ABHA is a digital health ID, PMJAY provides cashless health insurance to eligible families
• Your ABHA number is permanent and does not expire
• You can create ABHA for family members including children
• Data is stored securely and shared only with your explicit consent
• ABHA works across all states — it is a central government initiative

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ABHA card free?

Yes, creating an ABHA number and ABHA card is completely free. There are no charges at any step.

Can I create ABHA without Aadhaar?

Yes. You can create ABHA using your driving licence. However, Aadhaar-based creation is faster and recommended as details are auto-verified.

What is the difference between ABHA and Ayushman Bharat card?

ABHA is a digital health identity for storing and sharing health records. The Ayushman Bharat card (PMJAY) is a health insurance scheme for economically weaker families. You can have both.

How do I download my ABHA card?

Log in to abha.abdm.gov.in or the ABHA app. Go to your profile and click "Download ABHA Card". The card includes your ABHA number, photo, and QR code. See our Ayushman Bharat card download guide for detailed steps.

Can I link my old hospital records to ABHA?

You can link records from hospitals that are registered on the ABDM network. For older paper records, you can scan and upload them manually through PHR apps.

Is my health data safe with ABHA?

Yes. ABDM follows strict data privacy protocols. Your records are encrypted and shared only with your explicit consent. You can revoke consent at any time.

Can I delete my ABHA account?

Yes. You can request permanent deletion of your ABHA account through the official portal or app. All linked records will be unlinked.