
Healthcare is one of the biggest challenges for millions of Indians, especially for economically weaker sections. To provide accessible and affordable healthcare, the Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Popularly known as the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, it is the world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme.
Under this scheme, eligible families get free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year per family for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. By 2025, Ayushman Bharat Yojana has expanded its reach to cover over 50 crore beneficiaries across India.
1. What is Ayushman Bharat Yojana?
Ayushman Bharat Yojana was launched in September 2018 under the National Health Policy. It aims to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The scheme has two major components:
- Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs): Strengthening primary healthcare across villages and towns.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Providing financial protection to poor and vulnerable families for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
This means, if a family member needs costly treatment like surgery, hospitalization, or specialized medical care, the expenses are directly covered by the government under Ayushman Bharat.
2. Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana
Ayushman Bharat is designed to reduce the financial burden on poor families. Below are the major benefits:
2.1 Free Treatment up to ₹5 Lakh
Each family is entitled to ₹5,00,000 health coverage per year. This includes hospitalization, surgery, medicines, and treatment costs.
2.2 Cashless and Paperless Facility
Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment in empanelled hospitals. All expenses are directly settled by the government with the hospital.
2.3 Nationwide Portability
The Ayushman Bharat card can be used across India in any empanelled government or private hospital.
2.4 Coverage for Pre-Existing Diseases
Unlike private health insurance, Ayushman Bharat also covers pre-existing diseases like diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, etc.
2.5 Wide Range of Treatments
- Cardiac surgery
- Cancer treatment
- Knee replacement
- Dialysis
- Maternity care
- Accidents & trauma care
- Pediatric care
2.6 Coverage of Both Rural and Urban Poor
The scheme covers SECC 2011 data families (Socio-Economic Caste Census).
2.7 No Age or Family Size Limit
There is no cap on family size, age, or gender – all members of the family are covered.
3. Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Bharat
Not everyone can avail this scheme. The eligibility is based on SECC 2011 data.
3.1 Rural Area Criteria
Families belonging to:
- Homeless or landless households
- Manual laborers, daily wage workers
- Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes
- Families with no adult earning member (16–59 age group)
- Families living in kutcha houses
3.2 Urban Area Criteria
Covers 11 occupational categories like:
- Domestic workers
- Street vendors
- Rag pickers
- Construction workers
- Security guards
- Electricians, mechanics, plumbers
- Transport workers
3.3 Exclusions
Government employees, income tax payers, and higher-income families are excluded.
4. Required Documents for Ayushman Bharat Card
When applying for the Ayushman Bharat card, keep the following documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card / SECC name proof
- Mobile number
- Address proof
- Passport-size photographs
- Income certificate (if asked)
5. How to Make Ayushman Bharat Card (PMJAY Card)
The Ayushman Bharat Card (also called Golden Card) is the key to availing free treatment.
5.1 Online Method (Self Registration)
- Visit the official PMJAY website: https://pmjay.gov.in
- Click on ‘Am I Eligible’ and enter your mobile number and Aadhaar.
- If eligible, proceed to register yourself.
- Upload required documents.
- Once verified, download your Ayushman card (e-card).
5.2 Through Common Service Centres (CSCs)
- Visit the nearest Jan Seva Kendra (CSC).
- Provide Aadhaar, ration card, and other documents.
- The operator will check your eligibility.
- Your Ayushman Bharat card will be printed instantly.
5.3 Hospital Registration
Many empanelled hospitals also help patients apply for Ayushman card directly.
6. Ayushman Bharat PVC Card Order – Free Home Delivery
From 2025 onwards, the government has enabled PVC Ayushman card printing and home delivery.
Steps:
- Visit https://mera.pmjay.gov.in
- Login using Aadhaar OTP.
- Select ‘PVC Card Order’ option.
- Confirm your address and submit.
- The card will be delivered free of cost at your home.
7. How to Check Ayushman Hospital List 2025
One of the most important steps is finding a hospital where the scheme is valid.
7.1 Check Online (Website)
- Visit https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in/
- Select your state, district, hospital type (govt/private).
- Enter hospital name (optional) and search.
- The list of empanelled hospitals with addresses and specialties will appear.
7.2 Check via Mobile App
- Download the Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) mobile app from Google Play Store.
- Login with your registered mobile number.
- Go to Hospital Search.
- Select location and specialization.
- You will see nearby empanelled hospitals.
7.3 Check Offline
- Call Ayushman Bharat Helpline – 14555 or 1800-111-565.
- Visit the nearest Empanelled Hospital / CSC for guidance.
8. Important Tips for Beneficiaries
- Always carry your Ayushman Bharat card when visiting hospitals.
- Before admission, confirm whether the treatment is covered.
- Keep your mobile number updated with your card.
- Beware of fraudulent agents – registration is free.
- In case of denial of treatment, lodge a complaint at helpline 14555.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Ayushman Bharat card free?
Yes, making the Ayushman Bharat card is completely free.
Q2: Can I use my card outside my state?
Yes, Ayushman Bharat has nationwide portability.
Q3: How many members of a family are covered?
All family members listed in SECC 2011 data are covered.
Q4: Does it cover OPD (Outpatient)?
No, it mainly covers hospitalization and surgeries, not routine OPD.
Q5: What if my name is not in the list?
You can contact your nearest CSC or call the helpline for corrections.
10. Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2025 is a landmark step in ensuring healthcare for all. With ₹5 lakh free health coverage, cashless treatment, and pan-India hospital network, it protects poor families from the financial burden of medical emergencies.
By making your Ayushman Bharat card, you can access treatment at the best hospitals across India without worrying about expenses. Checking the Ayushman hospital list 2025 online, via app, or offline ensures that you know where to go in case of medical needs.
If you or your family is eligible, do not delay – apply today for your Ayushman Bharat card and secure your family’s health future.






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