Get Your Ayushman Health Card from Home: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
India's flagship health initiative, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, continues to change lives by offering free medical treatment to the country’s underprivileged population. Known for being the world’s largest government-funded healthcare program, the scheme provides up to ₹5 lakh in free annual treatment to over 40% of economically weaker households.
Now, with the recent implementation of the scheme in Delhi, eligible residents can enjoy double the health coverage — up to ₹10 lakh per family annually. This includes ₹5 lakh from the central government and an additional ₹5 lakh from the Delhi government.
Let’s break down how you can apply for the Ayushman Health Card from the comfort of your home, along with everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, and required documents.
What is the Ayushman Bharat Scheme?
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) aims to provide cashless medical care to the most vulnerable sections of society. This includes in-patient hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostic tests, transport expenses, and pre- and post-hospitalization costs.
Under this scheme, eligible individuals receive access to both government and select private hospitals across the country, ensuring timely and quality healthcare at no cost.
Who is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat?
This scheme targets low-income families as identified by the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC). Individuals from the following categories are typically eligible:
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Rural households
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Daily wage laborers
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Persons with disabilities (PwDs)
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SC/ST communities
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People working in the unorganized sector
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Families living below the poverty line (BPL)
However, eligibility is based on certain exclusion criteria as well.
Who is NOT Eligible?
Some citizens are excluded from the scheme, such as:
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Government employees
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Income tax payers
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ESIC (Employee State Insurance Corporation) members
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Individuals owning a four-wheeler or a pucca (concrete) house
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Those contributing to Provident Fund (PF)
If you fall under these categories, you may not qualify for benefits under PM-JAY.
Diseases and Treatments Covered Under Ayushman Bharat
The Ayushman Bharat scheme covers over 1,500 medical procedures, including:
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Pre-existing conditions
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Major surgeries
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Cancer treatments
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Maternity and newborn care
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Diagnostics and lab tests
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Pre-admission (10 days before hospitalization)
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Post-discharge (10 days after hospitalization)
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Ambulance and transport costs
This holistic coverage is a major boost for families who often struggle with expensive treatment bills.
How to Apply for an Ayushman Health Card Online
You can easily check your eligibility and register for the Ayushman card from home by following these steps:
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Visit the official PM-JAY website
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Click on “Am I Eligible”
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Enter your mobile number and verify it via OTP
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Check your eligibility status
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Complete the application form if you’re eligible
Once approved, your Ayushman Card can be downloaded digitally and used across empaneled hospitals in India.
Documents Required for Application
To apply successfully, ensure you have the following documents ready:
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Aadhaar Card
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Ration Card or PPP ID
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Mobile number
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Proof of name in the eligibility list
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Caste certificate (if applicable)
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Income certificate
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Proof of family status or composition
These documents help verify your eligibility and ensure that benefits reach the intended households.
Where Can You Get Treatment Under Ayushman Bharat?
Treatment is available at authorized government and private hospitals that are empaneled under PM-JAY. The scheme offers cashless treatment, meaning patients do not have to pay any money upfront.
For residents of Delhi, the recent rollout provides dual benefits: ₹5 lakh from the central government and ₹5 lakh from the state government — totaling ₹10 lakh in annual health coverage per family.
Final Thoughts: A Lifeline for Millions
Ayushman Bharat has emerged as a lifesaving initiative for millions of Indians who otherwise couldn’t afford critical healthcare. With the convenience of online application, transparent eligibility checks, and access to quality hospitals, this program is a game-changer in public health infrastructure.
If you or your loved ones are eligible, don’t delay — apply for your Ayushman Card today and secure your family’s health future.
