The Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 is an important health-benefit identification card for eligible beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This government scheme aims to reduce the financial burden of hospitalisation by providing eligible families with cashless treatment for covered medical procedures at empanelled hospitals.
Eligible citizens can check their beneficiary status, complete the required verification and download their digital card through the official beneficiary portal. People who need assistance can also visit an authorised Common Service Centre (CSC) or an empanelled hospital.
In this article, we explain how to apply for an Ayushman Bharat Card, check eligibility, complete e-KYC, download the card, check application status and understand the benefits available in 2026.
1. What is the Ayushman Bharat Card 2026 ?
The Ayushman Bharat Card is used to identify eligible beneficiaries under PM-JAY and facilitate access to covered healthcare services.
The scheme provides several important benefits:
- Health coverage: Eligible families receive coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for covered hospitalisation.
- Cashless treatment: Beneficiaries can access covered treatment at empanelled hospitals, subject to applicable scheme rules and authorisation.
- Family-based benefits: Eligible members can receive benefits under the applicable family coverage provisions.
- Portability: Eligible beneficiaries can access covered services at participating hospitals across India.
- Digital card: Beneficiaries can use their generated digital card to help establish their scheme entitlement.
The ₹5 lakh coverage is not an unrestricted cash payment. It applies to eligible healthcare services under the scheme’s rules.
2. Who Is Eligible for an Ayushman Bharat Card ?
Eligibility depends on the official beneficiary database and the applicable government guidelines.
The main categories include:
- Eligible rural households identified under designated deprivation criteria.
- Eligible urban workers in specified occupational categories.
- Families included in approved state-level beneficiary lists or permitted expansion categories.
- Other eligible groups covered under specific government provisions.
- All senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income, under the expanded senior-citizen coverage provisions.
Senior citizens aged 70 and above can apply through the designated Ayushman Vay Vandana Card process. Special rules may apply to senior citizens who already belong to a PM-JAY-covered family.
Having an Aadhaar card or being an Indian citizen does not automatically establish eligibility for every category. Always check your details on the official portal.
3. Documents Required
Keep the following documents and information ready before starting your application:
- Aadhaar card or another permitted identity document, as applicable.
- Mobile number for login and OTP verification.
- Ration card or accepted family identification details, if required.
- Beneficiary or family identification information.
- Additional supporting documents requested during verification.
- For senior citizens aged 70 and above, Aadhaar-based identification and age verification as required by the designated process.
The exact requirements depend on your beneficiary category, state and the verification method available. Documents alone do not guarantee approval.
4. How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Card Online in 2026
Eligible beneficiaries can begin the process through the official government portal.
Official website: https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official portal: Open the Ayushman Bharat beneficiary website on your mobile phone or computer.
- Select beneficiary login: Enter your mobile number and complete OTP verification.
- Choose the relevant details: Select your state, scheme and other requested location information.
- Search for your name: Use an available search method, such as Aadhaar number, family ID or another permitted identifier.
- Check eligibility: Review the beneficiary record displayed on the portal.
- Complete e-KYC: Follow the instructions for identity verification. The available authentication method may vary.
- Submit the details: Confirm the information and submit your request for verification, if required.
- Wait for approval: Some applications require additional checks before the card can be generated.
Remember that logging in to the portal does not automatically qualify you for the scheme. Your details must match the applicable eligibility records.
5. How to Download Ayushman Bharat Card
If your beneficiary record is eligible and your card has been generated, you can access the digital card online.
- Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
- Log in using the beneficiary login option.
- Enter the requested information to locate your beneficiary record.
- Select the relevant family member.
- Complete any verification requested by the portal.
- Check whether the card has been generated and is available for download.
- Click the available download option and save the digital card to your device.
After downloading, check that the beneficiary details are correct. Keep a digital copy on your phone and, if convenient, print a copy for hospital visits.
If the download option is unavailable, your card may still be awaiting verification or generation. Contact an authorised service centre for assistance.
6. How to Apply for an Ayushman Card Offline
People who cannot complete the online process can seek assistance in person.
- Visit an authorised Common Service Centre (CSC) or an empanelled hospital that provides PM-JAY beneficiary assistance.
- Ask the operator or Ayushman Mitra to check your eligibility.
- Provide the required identity and family details.
- Complete the prescribed verification and e-KYC process.
- Follow any additional instructions given by the authorised operator.
- Check the application status and obtain your card after it is generated.
Use only authorised service points and avoid agents who promise guaranteed approval in exchange for unofficial fees.
7. How to Check Ayushman Card Application Status
You can check your application or card-generation status through the official beneficiary portal.
- Log in to the portal using the available authentication method.
- Search for your beneficiary record.
- Review the displayed card status.
- If additional verification is required, follow the instructions provided.
- If your name cannot be found, contact an authorised CSC or empanelled hospital to confirm your eligibility.
For official scheme-related assistance, call the PM-JAY helpline at 14555.
8. Benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Card
The scheme offers several benefits to eligible beneficiaries:
- Up to ₹5 lakh in annual family health coverage for covered hospitalisation under PM-JAY.
- Cashless access to eligible treatment at empanelled hospitals.
- Coverage for specified secondary and tertiary hospital procedures.
- Portability across participating hospitals in India.
- Digital identification for beneficiary verification.
- Expanded coverage provisions for senior citizens aged 70 and above.
Not every medical expense is automatically covered. Outpatient consultations, routine purchases and other services may fall outside the applicable benefits.
Conclusion
Applying for and downloading an Ayushman Bharat Card in 2026 can help eligible beneficiaries access covered hospital treatment under PM-JAY. Start by checking your eligibility on the official beneficiary portal, complete the required verification and download your card once it has been generated.
If you face difficulties online, visit an authorised CSC or empanelled hospital for assistance. For reliable information about eligibility, application status and scheme benefits, visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in or call 14555.