Government Schemes

Ayushman Bharat Card Download — Check Eligibility, Apply Online & Print Card

Download Ayushman Bharat card online, check PMJAY eligibility at mera.pmjay.gov.in, create ABHA Health ID, and find empanelled hospitals.

CitizenNest Editorial Team10 min read
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Disclaimer: This is an independent informational guide. We are NOT affiliated with any government body. Always verify on official websites.

Ayushman Bharat Card Download — Check Eligibility, Apply Online & Print Card

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is India's largest government health insurance scheme, providing free treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. To avail cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals, you need an Ayushman Bharat card (also called PMJAY card or Golden Card).

This guide covers everything — from checking your eligibility to downloading and printing your Ayushman card online. We also explain the ABHA Health ID card and how it differs from the Ayushman card.

Who Is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)?

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY targets economically vulnerable families. Eligibility is based on SECC 2011 (Socio-Economic Caste Census) data. The scheme covers:

Rural Eligibility Criteria (Any one)

  • Families with no adult member aged 16–59
  • Families with a disabled member and no able-bodied adult
  • SC/ST households
  • Landless households earning from manual casual labour
  • Households without shelter, destitute, living on alms
  • Primitive tribal groups
  • Legally released bonded labourers

Urban Eligibility Criteria (Occupation-based)

  • Rag pickers, street vendors, domestic workers
  • Construction workers, plumbers, painters, welders
  • Sweepers, sanitation workers, gardeners
  • Home-based artisans, handicraft workers, tailors
  • Transport workers (drivers, conductors, rickshaw pullers)
  • Shop workers, assistants, delivery workers
  • Electricians, mechanics, repair workers
  • Washermen, chowkidars, coolies

Extended Coverage (2024 Onwards)

From 2024, the government extended Ayushman Bharat coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income. This is called Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.

How to Check Ayushman Bharat Eligibility Online

Method 1: Via mera.pmjay.gov.in

  1. Visit mera.pmjay.gov.in
  2. Enter your mobile number and the captcha code
  3. Click Generate OTP and enter the OTP received on your phone
  4. After login, select your state from the dropdown
  5. Search by any one option:
    • Name and father's name
    • Ration card number
    • Mobile number
    • SECC HH ID (RSBY URN)
  6. If your name appears in the list, you are eligible for Ayushman Bharat
  7. Click on your name to see family member details and eligibility status

Method 2: Via Ayushman App

  1. Download the Ayushman App from Google Play Store
  2. Register with your mobile number and verify via OTP
  3. The app will show your eligibility status, card status, and beneficiary details

Method 3: Offline Check

  • Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC)
  • Visit any PMJAY empanelled hospital
  • Call the Ayushman Bharat helpline: 14555 or 1800-111-565 (toll-free)

How to Download Ayushman Bharat Card Online

If you are eligible and your card has been created, follow these steps to download it:

Step 1: Visit the Beneficiary Portal

Go to beneficiary.nha.gov.in

Step 2: Login with Aadhaar or Mobile

  • Select Beneficiary login
  • Enter your Aadhaar number or registered mobile number
  • Verify via OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile

Step 3: View and Download Card

  • After login, your Ayushman Bharat card will be displayed
  • Click Download Card to save it as a PDF
  • You can also print the card directly from the PDF

Alternative: Download via Ayushman App

  1. Open the Ayushman App and log in
  2. Go to My Cards section
  3. Tap on your card and select Download
  4. The card will be saved to your phone as a PDF

Tip: If you face issues downloading, clear your browser cache and try again after 15–20 minutes. You can also visit a CSC to get a printed card.

How to Get Ayushman Card If Your Name Is Not in the List

If your name does not appear in the eligibility list but you believe you qualify:

  1. Visit the nearest CSC with your Aadhaar card, ration card, and income certificate
  2. The CSC operator will check your eligibility in the SECC database
  3. If eligible but missing from the list, the operator can help register your family
  4. You can also visit a PMJAY empanelled hospital — they have Ayushman Mitras who can verify and create your card on the spot
  5. For senior citizens (70+), visit CSC with Aadhaar card to apply under the Ayushman Vay Vandana extension

Documents Required for New Ayushman Card

  • Aadhaar card (mandatory for all family members)
  • Ration card or family ID
  • Income certificate (if applicable)
  • Age proof for senior citizen extension
  • Mobile number linked to Aadhaar

ABHA Health ID — Creation and Download

The ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) card is a digital health ID under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). It is different from the Ayushman Bharat insurance card.

How to Create ABHA Health ID

  1. Visit abha.abdm.gov.in
  2. Click Create ABHA Number
  3. Choose verification method: Aadhaar or Driving Licence
  4. Enter your Aadhaar number and verify via OTP
  5. Fill in your details (name, date of birth, address, email)
  6. Your 14-digit ABHA number will be generated
  7. Create an ABHA address (e.g., yourname@abdm) for easy sharing

How to Download ABHA Card

  1. Visit abha.abdm.gov.in and log in
  2. Go to My Profile
  3. Click Download ABHA Card
  4. The card with your photo, ABHA number, and QR code will download as PDF

Note: ABHA is available to all Indian citizens — there are no income restrictions. Learn more in our ABHA Health ID guide.

Ayushman Card vs ABHA Card — Key Differences

Feature Ayushman Bharat Card (PMJAY) ABHA Card
Purpose Free health insurance up to ₹5 lakh Digital health record ID
Eligibility Only SECC-listed families + seniors 70+ All Indian citizens
Benefits Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals Store & share health records digitally
Cost Free Free
Issued by National Health Authority (NHA) Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
Required for treatment Yes, at PMJAY hospitals No, optional digital ID
ID format Family-based card with photo 14-digit number + ABHA address

In short: The Ayushman card gives you free treatment. The ABHA card stores your health records digitally. Both are part of the Ayushman Bharat initiative but serve different purposes.

Ayushman Bharat Coverage — What's Covered Under ₹5 Lakh

PM-JAY provides coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. Here's what is included:

Covered

  • Pre-hospitalisation expenses (up to 3 days before admission)
  • Hospitalisation — room charges, doctor fees, medicines, diagnostics
  • Post-hospitalisation expenses (up to 15 days after discharge)
  • Over 1,950 treatment packages including surgeries, medical procedures, and day care
  • Heart surgery, knee replacement, cancer treatment, dialysis
  • Maternity and newborn care
  • Mental health treatment
  • COVID-19 treatment

Not Covered

  • OPD (outpatient) consultations
  • Cosmetic surgery
  • Fertility treatments
  • Organ transplants (limited coverage)
  • Drug and alcohol rehabilitation

How to Find Empanelled Hospitals

  1. Visit pmjay.gov.in and click Find Hospital
  2. Select your state, district, hospital type (public/private), and speciality
  3. The list of all empanelled hospitals in your area will be displayed
  4. You can also call 14555 to ask about hospitals near you

Over 30,000 hospitals across India are empanelled under PM-JAY, including both government and private hospitals.

Common Problems and Solutions

"My name is not in the beneficiary list"

Your family may not be in the SECC 2011 database. Visit a CSC with documents. If you are a senior citizen (70+), you can apply under the new extension regardless of SECC status.

"OTP not received during eligibility check"

Ensure your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar. If not, update your mobile in Aadhaar first. Try again after some time as the server may be busy.

"Card download shows error or blank page"

Clear your browser cache, disable ad blockers, and try in Chrome or Edge. If the portal is down, try after a few hours or use the Ayushman App instead.

"Card shows inactive status"

Visit the nearest empanelled hospital or CSC to get your card reactivated. Carry your Aadhaar card and the inactive Ayushman card.

"Family member's name missing from card"

Visit a CSC to add missing family members. You'll need their Aadhaar card and proof of relationship.

"Hospital refusing Ayushman card"

Ensure the hospital is empanelled under PM-JAY. Check on pmjay.gov.in. If empanelled and still refusing, call 14555 to file a complaint.

Also see our guide on how to apply for Ayushman Bharat health card and Ayushman Bharat vs state health schemes for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Ayushman Bharat card free?

Yes, the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY card is completely free. There is no registration fee or annual premium.

2. Can I download Ayushman card without Aadhaar?

No, Aadhaar verification is mandatory for downloading the Ayushman card online. You can visit a CSC for alternative options.

3. How long does it take to get the Ayushman card?

If you are eligible, the card can be created instantly at a CSC or empanelled hospital. Online download is available immediately after card creation.

4. Can I use Ayushman card in any hospital?

No, you can only use it at PM-JAY empanelled hospitals. Check the hospital list at pmjay.gov.in.

5. Is Ayushman card valid in all states?

Yes, PM-JAY is a portable scheme. You can use your card at any empanelled hospital across India, regardless of which state issued it.

6. What is the difference between ABHA card and Ayushman card?

ABHA is a digital health ID for all citizens to store health records. Ayushman card provides free health insurance of ₹5 lakh to eligible families. They are separate cards with different purposes.

7. Can senior citizens above 70 get Ayushman card?

Yes, from 2024, all senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible regardless of income under the Ayushman Vay Vandana extension.

8. How to check Ayushman card status?

Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in, log in with Aadhaar/mobile, and check if your card status shows as Active, Inactive, or Pending.

9. Can I have both ABHA and Ayushman cards?

Yes, they are independent. Having one does not affect the other. It is recommended to create both.

10. What if my Ayushman card shows someone else's photo?

Visit the nearest CSC or empanelled hospital with your Aadhaar card to get the photo corrected. Call 14555 to report the issue.

11. Is the ₹5 lakh limit per person or per family?

The ₹5 lakh coverage is per family per year, not per individual. However, there is no cap on family size.

12. Can I apply for Ayushman card online?

You cannot directly apply online. Eligibility is based on SECC data. If eligible, visit a CSC or empanelled hospital to get your card created, then download it online.