In shortAyushman Bharat PM-JAY gives eligible families up to Rs 5 lakh cashless hospital treatment yearly at any empanelled hospital in India. Rural poor from SECC 2011, urban workers like ragpickers and construction labourers, and all citizens aged 70 and above qualify. Pre-existing diseases are covered from day one with no waiting period.
Key facts
- Nodal ministry
- National Health Authority, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Level
- Central and State
- Launched
- 2018
- Last date
- Open all year
- Helpline
- 14555
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is the government’s health insurance cover for poorer households. An eligible family can get up to Rs 5 lakh of hospital treatment a year without paying anything at the counter. The cover works at any empanelled hospital anywhere in India, so a migrant worker from Bihar can be treated in Mumbai on the same card.
It pays for surgery, cancer care, cardiac procedures, dialysis and thousands of other packages, and it includes three days of pre-hospitalisation and fifteen days of post-hospitalisation costs. Pre-existing conditions are covered from day one.
You do not buy this policy or pay a premium. Eligibility comes from the 2011 census data and state lists. Since October 2024 there is also a separate route for anyone aged 70 or above, who gets a Rs 5 lakh Vay Vandana cover whatever their income. Check your status free on the beneficiary portal.
What you get
Cashless hospital treatment worth up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care at any empanelled public or private hospital across India. Separately, every citizen aged 70 and above gets an Ayushman Vay Vandana cover of Rs 5 lakh per year irrespective of income.
Who is eligible
- Rural families identified under the deprivation criteria of the Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011
- Urban families falling in the 11 notified occupational categories such as ragpickers, street vendors, domestic workers and construction labourers
- Families listed in a state's own expanded database where the state covers more families than the SECC list
- All senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income, under the Ayushman Vay Vandana card
- There is no cap on family size, age or gender within an eligible family
- Pre-existing diseases are covered from day one and there is no waiting period
Documents you need
- Aadhaar card
- Ration card or family identity document to establish family members
- Mobile number for OTP verification
- Any government photo ID such as voter ID or PAN for identity matching
How to apply
- Check whether your family is on the list at beneficiary.nha.gov.in or by calling 14555
- Log in with your mobile number and OTP, search for your record using Aadhaar, ration card or family ID
- Complete Aadhaar e-KYC and upload a live photo, then submit for approval
- Download the Ayushman card once approved, or collect it from an Ayushman Mitra desk or Common Service Centre
- For treatment, walk into any empanelled hospital with the card and the Ayushman Mitra will handle the cashless paperwork
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
Rural families in SECC 2011 deprivation list, urban families in 11 notified occupational categories like ragpickers and domestic workers, families in state expanded databases, and all citizens aged 70 and above irrespective of income qualify.
How much money will I get under Ayushman Bharat
Each eligible family gets up to Rs 5 lakh per year for cashless secondary and tertiary hospital treatment. Senior citizens aged 70 and above also get Rs 5 lakh yearly Ayushman Vay Vandana cover.
How do I check if my family is on Ayushman Bharat list
Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in and log in with your mobile number and OTP. Search your record using Aadhaar, ration card or family ID to check eligibility status instantly.
What documents do I need for Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
You need Aadhaar card, ration card or family identity document, mobile number for OTP, and any government photo ID like voter ID or PAN for identity matching during registration.
Is there a waiting period for pre-existing diseases in Ayushman Bharat
No. Pre-existing diseases are covered from day one with no waiting period under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY for all eligible families and senior citizens.
How do I get my Ayushman card after approval
Download your Ayushman card from the beneficiary portal after approval, or collect it from an Ayushman Mitra desk or Common Service Centre near you.
Before you apply: confirm every date, fee and eligibility rule on the official website linked on this page. Public and Policy is an independent portal, not a government body, and details change without notice.
