A single hospital stay can wipe out years of savings. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the Government's health-protection scheme that offers cashless hospital treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled public and private hospitals. Since October 2024, the scheme has also extended cover to every citizen aged 70 and above, regardless of income, through the Ayushman Vay Vandana card.
This article explains who is eligible, what is covered, and how to check your status and apply. Scheme rules are set by the National Health Authority (NHA) and can change, so always confirm on the official portal.
Quick answer
- Cover: up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.
- PM-JAY eligibility: based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) deprivation criteria and occupational categories, as decided by the scheme. It is not available to everyone.
- Vay Vandana card: for all citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income. Seniors in families already covered by PM-JAY get an additional top-up cover.
- Cost to patient: treatment is cashless at empanelled hospitals for packages that are covered.
- Helpline: 14555 (as published by the National Health Authority).
What is covered?
The scheme covers medical and surgical treatments that require hospital admission, including surgery, cancer care, cardiac procedures, dialysis, orthopaedics and many others, according to the NHA's health benefit packages. It generally includes pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses for a limited period, diagnostics and medicines related to the admission. Consultation-only visits (OPD) are not covered. Exact packages and rates are listed on the official portal, and some treatments are restricted to public hospitals.
Who is eligible?
PM-JAY (base scheme)
Eligibility is determined by deprivation criteria from the SECC data for rural families and by occupational categories for urban areas. There is no registration through a private hospital: you are either on the list or you are not. Check your name on the portal or through the helpline.
Ayushman Vay Vandana card
Every Indian citizen aged 70 and above is eligible to enrol, irrespective of income. If a senior's family is already covered under PM-JAY, they receive an additional cover of ₹5 lakh per year for the senior citizens in that family, which is shared by them. Seniors already covered under other government health schemes such as CGHS or ECHS usually have to choose between those schemes and PM-JAY. Seniors with private insurance or an employer scheme can still use the scheme, subject to its rules.
How to check eligibility
- Visit the official portal pmjay.gov.in and use the "Am I Eligible" facility with your mobile number or ration card number, or ask at a Common Service Centre.
- Alternatively, call the helpline 14555.
- Visit an empanelled hospital's Ayushman Mitra helpdesk. They can look up your eligibility for free.
How to apply for the Ayushman Vay Vandana card
- Download the Ayushman App or open the beneficiary portal (beneficiary.nha.gov.in).
- Choose to register as a beneficiary and verify with your mobile number.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and complete e-KYC with an OTP or face authentication.
- Select the Vay Vandana option for those aged 70 and above, and follow the steps to complete verification.
- Download your card. You can also get it at a hospital's helpdesk or a Common Service Centre.
Keep your Aadhaar linked to an active mobile number. If your Aadhaar details do not match, check our guide on updating Aadhaar online first.
At the hospital: a short checklist
- Carry your Ayushman card, Aadhaar and a photo ID.
- Go to the Ayushman Mitra helpdesk before admission, if the admission is planned.
- Confirm that the hospital is empanelled and that the procedure is covered.
- Ask for the pre-authorisation status. Treatment under the scheme should not require you to pay for covered packages.
- If a hospital asks for money for a covered package, report it on the helpline 14555 or the grievance portal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ayushman Bharat free?
Yes, for eligible people, cashless treatment is provided for covered packages at empanelled hospitals.
Can anyone get the Vay Vandana card?
Anyone aged 70 or above who is an Indian citizen is eligible, subject to the scheme's rules about other government schemes.
Is the ₹5 lakh per person or per family?
It is a per family per year limit under PM-JAY. For Vay Vandana, the cover is for the senior citizens in the family and is shared among them.
Are pre-existing diseases covered?
Yes, there is no waiting period for pre-existing conditions under the scheme, according to the NHA.
Where can I use the card?
At hospitals empanelled under PM-JAY across India, in both government and private sectors.
Sources to verify
Scheme details may be revised. Confirm eligibility and packages with the National Health Authority.
