⚠️ Independent Information Only
This page is written by an independent website. It is not affiliated with the Government of India. Always apply through the official government website linked below.
Simple Overview
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the world's largest government-funded health scheme. It provides free health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year for hospital treatment at any empanelled government or private hospital across India. No premium is charged. Treatment is completely cashless for covered procedures.
Who Can Apply?
- Families listed in the SECC-2011 database (over 10 crore families)
- Active RSBY cardholders
- Urban workers in specific occupations (domestic workers, street vendors, construction workers, etc.)
- No cap on family size — all members of an eligible family are covered
- Pre-existing diseases covered from day one with no waiting period
Income Limits
Eligibility is based on SECC-2011 deprivation and occupational criteria, not income alone. Many states have expanded coverage beyond SECC.
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for Ayushman Card generation)
- Ration Card (to verify family membership)
- Mobile number for OTP verification
Step-by-Step Application Process
- 1Check eligibility online
Visit pmjay.gov.in or call 14555. Enter your mobile/Aadhaar or ration card number to check if your family is eligible.
- 2Get your Ayushman Card
Visit any CSC, empanelled hospital help desk, or district health authority with your Aadhaar and ration card. The Ayushman e-card is generated on the spot.
- 3Find an empanelled hospital
Use the hospital locator on pmjay.gov.in to find empanelled hospitals near you. Only empanelled hospitals accept the Ayushman Card.
- 4Show card at hospital
Present your Ayushman Card and Aadhaar at the hospital's Ayushman Bharat help desk. They will verify eligibility and admit you.
- 5Receive cashless treatment
The entire cost up to ₹5 lakh is settled directly between the hospital and the government. You pay nothing at discharge for covered procedures.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Free cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals (government and private)
- Up to ₹5 lakh health cover per family per year
- 1,900+ medical and surgical procedures covered
- No cap on family size
- Pre-existing diseases covered from day one — no waiting period
- Valid at any empanelled hospital in any state in India (portable)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Going to a hospital that is not empanelled — treatment won't be covered
- Not carrying Aadhaar along with the Ayushman Card
- Not getting the card in advance — getting verified during a hospitalisation emergency can be difficult
- Assuming all medical expenses are covered — OPD visits and cosmetic procedures are excluded
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit the official government website to start your application. It is free and takes only a few minutes to begin.
🌐 Apply on Official Website