Ayushman Card 2026: Check Eligibility Online and Get ₹5 Lakh Health Cover, Know How to Apply

Ayushman Card Update 2026: The Uttar Pradesh Ayushman Bharat authorities have encouraged eligible citizens to check their eligibility for the government's health assurance scheme and obtain their Ayushman Card through official digital platforms.

According to an advisory shared by PMJAY-UP (Ayushman Uttar Pradesh), beneficiaries can visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in or use the official Ayushman App to check their eligibility and complete the card-generation process.

Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), eligible families can receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for specified hospitalisation services.

The scheme is intended to reduce the financial burden of eligible medical treatment at empanelled hospitals.

However, the ₹5 lakh benefit is health coverage, not money transferred directly into a beneficiary's bank account.

Here is how to check eligibility, apply for an Ayushman Card and access treatment benefits.

What Is the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Scheme?

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is a government-funded health assurance programme that provides financial protection to eligible beneficiaries against specified hospitalisation expenses.

The scheme covers eligible secondary and tertiary healthcare services through participating hospitals.

Under the standard PM-JAY framework, eligible families receive annual coverage of up to ₹5 lakh.

The benefit is generally available on a family-floater basis, meaning eligible family members share the applicable annual coverage.

The scheme is implemented through the National Health Authority and the respective state health agencies.

Ayushman Card 2026: Important Details

The exact benefits and applicable conditions may differ for certain beneficiary categories and state-specific arrangements.

How to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility Online

The government has made eligibility checking available through the official beneficiary portal.

People can use the website to find out whether their details are included in the applicable beneficiary records.

Step-by-Step Eligibility Check

Step 1: Visit https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/.

Step 2: Select the available beneficiary login option.

Step 3: Enter the required mobile number or other information requested by the portal.

Step 4: Complete the OTP or applicable verification process.

Step 5: Select the relevant state and scheme details, where required.

Step 6: Search for your beneficiary record using one of the supported identification methods.

Step 7: Review the eligibility information displayed on the screen.

If the system identifies an eligible beneficiary, the person may proceed with the available verification and card-generation process.

If no matching record is found, the individual should check the entered details or contact the official helpline for guidance.

Not finding a record does not automatically establish eligibility or ineligibility under every possible scheme category.

How to Make an Ayushman Card Online

Eligible beneficiaries can use the official portal to complete the supported card-generation process.

Depending on the beneficiary's status, identity verification may be required.

Steps to Generate an Ayushman Card

1. Open the official beneficiary portal.

2. Log in using the available verification method.

3. Search for the eligible beneficiary record.

4. Select the relevant family member.

5. Complete the required electronic KYC process.

6. Submit the information for verification.

7. Once approved and available, download the digital Ayushman Card.

The precise steps may differ depending on the beneficiary category and the portal's current interface.

In some cases, additional verification may be required before the card becomes available.

How to Apply Through the Ayushman App

The government has also encouraged citizens to use the official Ayushman App.

The application provides access to supported PM-JAY beneficiary services through a smartphone.

Steps to Use the App

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Search for the official Ayushman App.

Step 3: Verify the publisher before downloading.

Step 4: Install and open the application.

Step 5: Select the beneficiary service option.

Step 6: Complete the required login or identity verification.

Step 7: Check eligibility and proceed with card generation if the option is available.

Users should avoid downloading unofficial applications from unknown websites.

Who Is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat?

Eligibility under the standard PM-JAY programme is linked to the government's identified beneficiary categories and records.

The scheme was originally designed around specified deprivation and occupational criteria for eligible households.

Additional coverage arrangements may apply under state programmes and later government decisions.

Therefore, simply possessing a ration card, Aadhaar card or another identity document does not automatically guarantee PM-JAY eligibility.

People should confirm their status through the official beneficiary portal or authorised assistance channels.

Ayushman Bharat Benefits for Senior Citizens Aged 70 and Above

A major expansion of the scheme provides health coverage to senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative.

The initiative extends eligible PM-JAY health benefits to people in this age group irrespective of family income.

The applicable coverage structure depends on whether the senior citizen's household is already covered under PM-JAY.

For example, eligible senior citizens in families not previously covered may receive health coverage under the applicable senior citizen provisions.

Those belonging to already covered PM-JAY families may receive benefits under the separate arrangements specified for this category.

Senior citizens should check the official rules and complete the required enrolment process.

What Medical Expenses Are Covered?

PM-JAY covers specified secondary and tertiary hospitalisation packages at empanelled healthcare facilities.

Depending on the approved package, covered services may include hospital treatment, necessary investigations, medicines and other eligible components of hospitalisation.

However, not every medical expense is automatically included.

Routine outpatient consultations, services outside approved packages and treatment at non-empanelled hospitals may not qualify under the standard benefit arrangements.

Beneficiaries should confirm coverage with the hospital's Ayushman help desk before planned treatment.

Can You Get ₹5 Lakh in Your Bank Account?

No. The ₹5 lakh amount represents eligible annual health coverage under the scheme.

It is not a cash grant that can be withdrawn or transferred to a personal bank account.

For example, if an eligible beneficiary receives an approved hospital treatment costing ₹80,000, the covered expense may be settled through the applicable PM-JAY cashless process.

The beneficiary does not receive ₹80,000 as a direct payment simply because the treatment is covered.

The scheme is designed to provide financial protection against eligible hospitalisation costs.

How to Find an Ayushman Bharat Hospital

Before seeking treatment, beneficiaries should check whether the hospital is empanelled under PM-JAY.

They can use official scheme resources or contact the Ayushman Bharat helpline.

The hospital's Ayushman help desk can also explain the applicable treatment packages and admission process.

Beneficiaries should confirm that the required treatment is covered and that the hospital is authorised to provide it under the scheme.

An Ayushman Card alone does not guarantee cashless treatment for every medical service at every hospital.

Documents Required for Ayushman Card Verification

Depending on the applicable verification procedure, beneficiaries may need:

• Aadhaar or another accepted identity document.

• A mobile number for authentication.

• Relevant beneficiary or family identification details.

• Existing scheme records, where available.

Additional information may be required in individual cases.

Applicants should provide accurate details and follow the instructions displayed on the official portal.

Ayushman Bharat Helpline and Official Website

For questions about eligibility, card generation or hospital treatment, beneficiaries can contact the official PM-JAY helpline.

Helpline: 14555

Beneficiary portal: https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/

National Health Authority: https://nha.gov.in/

People in Uttar Pradesh can also seek assistance through the appropriate state Ayushman Bharat channels.

Beware of Fake Ayushman Card Messages

Citizens should be careful about fraudulent messages claiming that everyone can receive ₹5 lakh in cash by registering for an Ayushman Card.

Such claims misrepresent the purpose of the scheme.

Applicants should not share OTPs, banking passwords or UPI PINs with unknown callers.

They should also avoid paying unauthorised agents who promise guaranteed eligibility or immediate approval.

Only official government channels should be used for checking eligibility and completing card-related procedures.

Final Update

PMJAY-UP has advised citizens to check their Ayushman Bharat eligibility through the official beneficiary portal or Ayushman App and generate their cards if eligible.

The scheme provides qualifying beneficiaries with health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for specified hospitalisation services.

Senior citizens aged 70 years and above may also qualify under the applicable expanded coverage arrangements.

Eligible citizens should verify their beneficiary details, complete the required KYC process and obtain their Ayushman Card through official channels.

Disclaimer: Eligibility, card-generation procedures and medical benefits are subject to the latest PM-JAY and National Health Authority guidelines. Applicants should verify current information through official government sources.

Official advisory: PMJAY-UP's Ayushman Card eligibility and registration advisory.