Step-by-Step Guide: Ayushman Bharat Card Making & Hospital List 2026

Healthcare is one of the most essential needs of every family, but the rising cost of medical treatment—especially in private hospitals—often becomes a financial burden. To reduce this stress, the Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Commonly known as the Ayushman Bharat Yojana or Ayushman Card Yojana, this scheme offers free cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year in empanelled hospitals.

In 2026, the scheme has been expanded with **more coverage, a simpler card-making process, and a bigger hospital network

1. What is Ayushman Bharat Yojana?

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is the world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme, managed by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Key highlights:

• Free cashless and paperless treatment.
• Insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year.
• Card usable in both government and private empanelled hospitals.
• No hidden charges or advance payment.
• Beneficiaries selected from the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 and state databases.

2. Who is Eligible in 2026?

Eligibility is divided into two groups:

A) Core PM-JAY Beneficiaries

• Poor rural families listed in SECC 2011.
• Urban workers in unorganized jobs like rickshaw pullers, street vendors, domestic helpers, etc.
• Families covered under state health schemes merged into PM-JAY.

B) New Expansion 2026

• All senior citizens above 70 years now get free coverage of ₹5 lakh under the new Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme—even if they are not in the SECC list.

3. Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana

• Free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family every year.
• Covers 1,500+ treatment packages (cancer, heart, kidney, neuro, orthopedic, etc.).
• Includes surgery, medicines, diagnostics, room charges, implants, ICU care.
• Covers 3 days pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization.
• No limit on family size, age, or gender.
• Pan-India portability – card valid across all empanelled hospitals in India.
• Fully digital and paperless system with Aadhaar verification.

4. Documents Required

To apply for an Ayushman Card, you need:

• Aadhaar Card (mandatory for 70+ beneficiaries).
• Ration Card or Family ID.
• Mobile number for OTP.
• Photo ID proof.
• SECC ID/old health card (if applicable).

5. How to Make an Ayushman Card?

You can make your Ayushman Golden Card in three ways:

A) Online through Official Website

1. Visit: https://mera.pmjay.gov.in
2. Select “Am I Eligible” option.
3. Enter mobile number → verify with OTP.
4. Check eligibility with ration card/family details.
5. Complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
6. Download your Ayushman e-card (PDF).

B) Through the Ayushman App

1. Download from Google Play Store.
2. Register with your mobile number.
3. Complete Aadhaar verification.
4. Download your e-card directly.

C) Offline at CSCs / Hospitals

• Visit CSC centre or Arogya Mitra desk at an empanelled hospital.
• Provide Aadhaar & ration card.
• Operator will complete verification and print your card.

6. How to Check Ayushman Hospital List 2026?

You can easily find empanelled hospitals:

A) Online Portal

1. Visit: https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in
2. Select State & District.
3. Apply filters (Government/Private, Speciality).
4. View complete hospital details.

B) Ayushman App

• Use Find Hospital option → see nearest hospitals.

C) Helpline

• Call 14555 (toll-free) and ask for hospital list.

D) Offline

• Visit nearest government hospital/CSC for printed list.
• Look for Ayushman Bharat logo at hospital entrance.

7. How to Use Ayushman Card at Hospitals?

1. Visit empanelled hospital.
2. Go to Arogya Mitra desk.
3. Show Ayushman Card + Aadhaar.
4. Hospital raises pre-authorization.
5. After approval, treatment starts free of cost.
6. Post-treatment medicines & follow-ups included in package.

8. Important Tips for Beneficiaries

• Always keep Ayushman Card + Aadhaar with you.
• Confirm hospital is empanelled before visiting.
• Don’t pay for covered treatments; report issues at 14555.
• Save a digital copy of your card on your phone.
• Senior citizens (70+) should apply under Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the Ayushman Card free?
Yes. The card is free. Some centres may charge for PVC printing.

Q2: Can I use the card outside my state?
Yes, it works across India in empanelled hospitals.

Q3: How do I check my balance?
Login to the Ayushman App → Check Utilization.

Q4: Does it cover OPD and medicines?
Only if linked with hospitalization packages. Regular OPD is not included.

Q5: I’m not in the SECC list. Can I apply?
Yes, if you’re 70+ years old. Otherwise, eligibility depends on state rules.

10. Conclusion

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2026 is a lifeline for poor and vulnerable families. With free insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh, expanded eligibility, and more empanelled hospitals, it ensures that no family needs to sell assets or borrow money for treatment.

Making the Ayushman Card is quick—online, via app, or at CSCs—and checking hospital lists is equally simple. This scheme has made advanced healthcare accessible to millions of Indians.

✅ Official Website: https://pmjay.gov.in
✅ Hospital Search: https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in
✅ Helpline: 14555 (24×7 toll-free)

📌 Disclaimer: Information is updated till 2026. Benefits may differ slightly across states. Always confirm on the official PM-JAY website or helpline before applying.