🏥 How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat 5 Lakh Health Insurance (PM-JAY) – Step-by-Step Guide (2025)
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the world’s largest health assurance scheme launched by the Government of India. It offers ₹5 lakh free health insurance per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
Here’s how to check eligibility and apply for your Ayushman card to claim the benefits.
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✅ What is Ayushman Bharat Yojana?
Provides cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakhs/year/family
Covers over 10 crore families based on SECC 2011 data
Applicable in both public and private hospitals
Covers 1,500+ medical conditions (like cancer, bypass surgery, dialysis, etc.)
100% cashless and paperless
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✅ Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Card
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🖥️ Step 1: Visit the Official Ayushman Portal
Go to:
Or visit:
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📋 Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
1. Click on “Am I Eligible”
2. Enter your mobile number and OTP
3. Select State and search using:
Name
Mobile number
Ration card
Aadhaar number (if applicable)
4. If eligible, your name will appear with HHID (Household ID)
🟢 If you’re not eligible, you can’t apply under PM-JAY (central scheme), but some states run their own health cards.
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✅ Step 3: Visit Nearest CSC or Hospital Helpdesk
Once eligible:
1. Visit a Common Service Center (CSC) or empaneled hospital Ayushman desk
2. Carry your documents:
Aadhaar Card
Ration Card / Family ID (if available)
Mobile Number
Passport-size photo
3. The operator will verify your eligibility in the BIS (Beneficiary Identification System)
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🧾 Step 4: Provide Biometric Verification
The CSC agent or hospital staff will perform fingerprint scan
Details like name, DOB, address, family members are verified
After confirmation, the agent will issue your Ayushman Card
✅ You will receive a printed card and e-card (digital PDF) on your registered mobile/email
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📲 Step 5: Download Your Ayushman Card Online (Optional)
1. Visit: https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in
2. Login using your mobile number
3. Click on Download Ayushman Card
4. Use Aadhaar OTP or fingerprint eKYC to authenticate
5. Download and print your e-Ayushman Card
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🏥 Step 6: Use Your Ayushman Card at Hospitals
Go to any empaneled hospital
Show your Ayushman Card
Hospital will verify your identity and start cashless treatment
No need to pay anything out of pocket (up to ₹5 lakh/year)
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📜 Documents Required
Document Purpose
Aadhaar Card Identity proof
Ration Card Family identity (in some states)
Mobile Number OTP and communication
Passport Photo Card printing
Voter ID / PAN (optional) For cross-verification
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📌 Who Is Eligible?
✔️ Low-income households as per SECC 2011 database
✔️ Workers in unorganized sector
✔️ Homeless, manual laborers, daily wage earners
✔️ No tax-filing history
✔️ Urban and rural poor listed in the PM-JAY database
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💡 Key Features
✅ ₹5 lakh free health cover per family
✅ No age, gender, or family size restrictions
✅ Coverage at 26,000+ empaneled hospitals
✅ Includes pre and post hospitalization costs
✅ Paperless and Aadhaar-linked verification
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply for Ayushman card if I’m not in the SECC list?
No, only eligible families in the SECC 2011 database or state schemes can apply.
Q2. Is there any fee for applying?
No, registration is free. However, some CSC centers may charge a nominal ₹30–₹50 printing fee.
Q3. Is Ayushman card valid in other states?
Yes, it’s a national card, valid at empaneled hospitals across India.
Q4. Can I use the card every year?
Yes, benefits renew automatically every financial year.
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🏁 Final Words
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a major step toward Universal Health Coverage in India. If you or your family qualify, don’t miss the opportunity to apply. It’s free, simple, and could save lakhs in medical bills.