Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme. As of April 2026, it provides a health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
Here is the updated 2026 guide on how to check eligibility, get your card, and use the benefits.
1. How to Check Your Eligibility
Unlike many schemes, you do not "apply" for PM-JAY; you are "entitled" to it based on your socio-economic status (SECC 2011 data).
Online: Visit the
official beneficiary portal Method: Click on "Am I Eligible", enter your mobile number, and verify with an OTP. You can search by your Ration Card (PDS) number, Aadhaar number, or Name.
The 70+ Expansion: Since 2024, all senior citizens aged 70 and above are now eligible for an exclusive ₹5 lakh cover, regardless of their family's income. If you are 70+, you can register for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card even if your family isn't in the SECC list.
2. How to Get Your Ayushman Card
If your name is in the list, you need an Ayushman Card (e-card) to get treated at a hospital.
Self-Service: You can download it yourself via the Ayushman App or the web portal after completing a quick Face Auth or Aadhaar OTP e-KYC.
Assisted: Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or any Empanelled Hospital.
Documents Needed: Just your Aadhaar Card and Ration Card.
Digital Access: Once generated, you can also access your card through DigiLocker.
3. How to Use "Cashless" Support at the Hospital
The most important feature of PM-JAY is that it is cashless and paperless. You do not need to pay the hospital and wait for a refund.
Step 1: Find a Hospital: Go to the official website and use the "Find Hospital" tool to see nearby public or private empanelled hospitals.
Step 2: Meet the Ayushman Mitra: Every empanelled hospital has a dedicated helpdesk with an Ayushman Mitra.
Step 3: Identification: Show your Ayushman Card or Aadhaar. They will verify your identity and handle all the paperwork for your admission.
Step 4: Treatment: All costs—including diagnostics, medicines, and surgery—are covered.
Step 5: Discharge: The scheme even covers costs for up to 15 days after discharge for follow-up medications.
4. Key Benefits & Coverage in 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Sum Insured | ₹5 Lakh per family, per year. |
| Diseases Covered | Over 1,900+ procedures including Cancer, Heart Surgery, Knee Replacement, and Stents. |
| Pre-existing Diseases | Covered from Day 1. There is no waiting period. |
| Portability | You can use your card in any empanelled hospital across India, not just in your home state. |
| Senior Citizens (70+) | They get a separate card and a distinct ₹5 lakh top-up if the family is already covered. |
5. Important Exclusions
While the coverage is vast, certain things are not covered:
Outpatient Department (OPD) visits (doctor consultations without admission).
Cosmetic or plastic surgery for aesthetic purposes.
Fertility treatments.
Individual private room upgrades (treatment is in general wards).
Quick Support Links
National Toll-Free Helpline: 14555 or 1800-111-565 (Available 24/7).
Official Website:
pmjay.gov.in Beneficiary Portal:
beneficiary.nha.gov.in
