Last updated: October 2026
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the Government of India’s health assurance scheme. It provides free, cashless hospital treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled government and private hospitals.
Key benefits
- Cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.
- Cashless and paperless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India.
- No limit on family size or age.
- Pre-existing diseases are covered from day one.
- Covers pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses for a set number of days.
Who is eligible?
- Families identified as eligible from the SECC 2011 data (deprivation and occupation criteria), plus groups added later by the central and state governments.
- All senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income, are eligible under the expansion announced in 2024, through the Ayushman Vay Vandana card. Seniors in families already covered get an extra top-up for themselves.
- Many states run their own schemes merged with PM-JAY, with wider eligibility.
How to check eligibility
- Visit the official beneficiary portal (beneficiary.nha.gov.in) or download the Ayushman App.
- Log in with your mobile number and OTP.
- Search using your state, district and Aadhaar or ration card number.
You can also call the helpline 14555 or visit a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC) or empanelled hospital’s Ayushman Mitra desk.
How to get your Ayushman card
- Open the beneficiary portal or Ayushman App and find your name.
- Complete Aadhaar e-KYC (OTP or face authentication).
- Once approved, download the card.
Getting the card is free. Never pay any agent who promises an Ayushman card for a fee.
Using the card at a hospital
Go to an empanelled hospital, visit the Ayushman Mitra help desk, show your card and Aadhaar, and treatment for covered procedures is cashless.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not financial or tax advice. Interest rates and rules change; please confirm current details on the official website before acting.
