Ayushman Card Yojana 2026: The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is one of India’s major government-funded health assurance schemes. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries can receive health coverage of up to โน5 lakh per family per year for eligible secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
In 2026, one of the most important developments is the expansion of AB PM-JAY to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status. These senior citizens can receive coverage through the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.
The scheme also provides nationwide portability, allowing eligible beneficiaries to receive cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India, irrespective of their home State or Union Territory. As of June 30, 2026, more than 29 lakh inter-state portability admissions had been authorized.
In this article, you will find complete information about Ayushman Card Yojana 2026, including eligibility, new rules, โน5 lakh health coverage, 70+ senior citizen benefits, documents, e-KYC, online application, hospital treatment and frequently asked questions.
What is Ayushman Card Yojana?
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is a Government of India health assurance scheme designed to provide financial protection against eligible hospitalization expenses.
The scheme provides coverage of up to โน5 lakh per family per year on a family-floater basis for eligible secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
The benefits are available through a network of empanelled public and private hospitals.
Key Features of Ayushman Card 2026
- ๐ฅ Up to โน5 lakh health coverage per eligible family per year
- ๐ณ Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals
- ๐ฎ๐ณ Nationwide portability
- ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ No general restriction on family size under PM-JAY
- ๐ด Special coverage for citizens aged 70 years and above
- ๐ชช Aadhaar-based e-KYC for eligible 70+ enrolment
- ๐ฉบ Pre-existing conditions are covered under PM-JAY
- ๐ Coverage of eligible treatment-related expenses under approved packages
- ๐จ Treatment available through empanelled government and private hospitals
The National Health Authority describes PM-JAY as a publicly funded health assurance scheme providing โน5 lakh annual family-floater coverage for eligible beneficiaries.
๐ Ayushman Card New Rules 2026
Several points are particularly important for people checking their eligibility in 2026.
1. All Citizens Aged 70+ Can Get PM-JAY Coverage
The Government expanded AB PM-JAY to cover all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income or socio-economic status.
Therefore, for the special 70+ category, eligibility is based primarily on the person’s age rather than the family’s economic status.
This is one of the most important Ayushman Card updates for 2026.
2. Ayushman Vay Vandana Card for Senior Citizens
Eligible senior citizens aged 70 years and above are issued a distinct Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.
The official senior-citizen FAQ states that all Indian citizens aged 70 or above are eligible for free treatment up to โน5 lakh under the scheme, regardless of economic status.
According to a February 2026 Government update, more than 96.73 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards had been created nationwide as of December 31, 2025.
3. No Income Limit for the 70+ Category
For senior citizens aged 70 years or above under this expansion, there is no income-based eligibility condition.
This means a person does not have to belong to a low-income household simply to qualify for the 70+ PM-JAY benefit.
The official NHA FAQ states that the only eligibility criterion for this senior-citizen category is that the individual must be 70 years or older, based on the age recorded in Aadhaar.
4. Aadhaar-Based e-KYC is Mandatory for 70+ Enrolment
For eligible senior citizens, Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for enrolment and issuance of the Ayushman Card.
The official FAQ states that Aadhaar is the only document required for enrolment in the AB PM-JAY senior-citizen scheme.
5. Coverage Starts From the First Day of Enrolment
Eligible 70+ beneficiaries do not have to wait for a specified waiting period for treatment.
According to the official NHA FAQ, treatment can be accessed from the first day of enrolment, with no waiting period for diseases or treatments under this senior-citizen coverage.
๐ฐ How Much Coverage is Available?
The standard PM-JAY benefit is:
โน5 Lakh Per Family Per Year
The โน5 lakh benefit is generally provided on a family-floater basis.
This means the eligible amount can be used by eligible members of the family according to the scheme’s rules and approved treatment packages.
Important Point for 70+ Families
For families already covered under PM-JAY, senior citizens aged 70+ receive an additional top-up arrangement under the senior-citizen expansion.
The Government’s official announcement states that a 70+ senior citizen belonging to an already covered PM-JAY family can receive an additional โน5 lakh annual top-up cover for themselves, which is not shared with family members below 70.
Therefore, it is important not to simply assume that every family automatically receives โน10 lakh of general coverage. The applicable coverage depends on the beneficiary category and scheme rules.
Who is Eligible for Ayushman Card in 2026?
Eligibility depends on the beneficiary category.
General PM-JAY Beneficiaries
The original PM-JAY beneficiary base is primarily based on identified poor and vulnerable households using government-defined eligibility criteria.
The scheme was originally designed to cover disadvantaged households, with eligibility based on specified deprivation and occupational criteria.
Examples can include certain:
- Rural households meeting deprivation criteria
- Landless labour households
- Certain SC/ST households
- Households without an earning adult in specified age groups
- Certain vulnerable occupational categories in urban areas
The exact eligibility database and state-level implementation can vary.
Eligibility for Senior Citizens Aged 70+
The rules are simpler for this category.
A person can qualify if:
- They are an Indian citizen
- They are 70 years or older
- Their age is established through Aadhaar
- They complete the required Aadhaar-based e-KYC
There is no income restriction for this 70+ expansion.
๐ Documents Required for Ayushman Card
The documents required can vary according to the beneficiary category and state implementation.
For the special 70+ senior-citizen enrolment, the official NHA FAQ states:
Required Document
Aadhaar Card
Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for enrolment.
For other beneficiary categories, additional identification or beneficiary-database verification may be required.
๐ฑ How to Apply for Ayushman Card Online in 2026
Eligible beneficiaries can use the official Ayushman beneficiary platform or Ayushman App for applicable enrolment services.
For 70+ senior citizens, the official NHA FAQ identifies:
- beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- Ayushman App
as online enrolment channels.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
First, check whether you are already included in the relevant beneficiary database or qualify under the 70+ senior-citizen expansion.
Step 2: Open the Official Beneficiary Portal
Use the official beneficiary portal rather than an unofficial website or third-party service.
Step 3: Enter Your Details
Provide the requested beneficiary information.
Step 4: Complete Aadhaar Authentication
For eligible 70+ senior citizens, complete the required Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
Step 5: Verify the Beneficiary
The system verifies the beneficiary’s identity and eligibility.
Step 6: Generate the Ayushman Card
After successful verification, the eligible beneficiary can generate/access the Ayushman Card according to the portal’s process.
Can Both Parents Above 70 Get an Ayushman Card?
Yes.
The official senior-citizen FAQ states that separate enrolment is not necessarily required for every additional 70+ family member.
After enrolling the first eligible family member aged 70 or above, other eligible members can be added using the “Add Member” feature available in the enrolment process.
Where Can Ayushman Card Beneficiaries Get Treatment?
Eligible beneficiaries can receive treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals participating in the PM-JAY network.
One of the major advantages of PM-JAY is portability.
Nationwide Portability
A beneficiary registered in one State can receive eligible cashless treatment in another State at an empanelled hospital.
The Government’s July 2026 update confirms that AB PM-JAY is operational across all 36 States and Union Territories and provides nationwide portability.
This is especially useful for:
- Migrant workers
- People travelling to another State
- Families living away from their home State
- Patients seeking treatment outside their registered State
Is Treatment Completely Cashless?
For eligible and approved PM-JAY treatments at empanelled hospitals, the scheme is designed to provide cashless and paperless hospitalization.
However, beneficiaries should understand that the Ayushman Card does not mean that every possible medical service is automatically free.
Treatment must fall under the applicable PM-JAY packages and rules.
๐ฉบ Are Pre-Existing Diseases Covered?
Yes.
A major feature of PM-JAY is that pre-existing conditions are covered from day one under the scheme’s applicable benefits.
There is no general requirement for a beneficiary to wait for years before an existing disease becomes eligible.
โฑ๏ธ Pre-Hospitalization and Post-Hospitalization Coverage
PM-JAY provides certain pre- and post-hospitalization expenses associated with covered procedures.
The standard scheme information provides:
- Up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization expenses
- Up to 15 days of post-hospitalization expenses
for eligible treatment packages.
The exact expenses covered depend on the applicable package and treatment rules.
๐ What Medical Expenses Can Be Covered?
Depending on the approved package, covered hospitalization can include eligible expenses such as:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Doctor and specialist services
- Medicines
- Diagnostic tests
- ICU-related treatment where applicable
- Medical procedures
- Implants where included in the package
- Pre-hospitalization expenses
- Post-hospitalization expenses
Coverage is package-based, so beneficiaries should confirm the applicable package with the hospital’s PM-JAY/Ayushman help desk.
๐ซ What is Not Automatically Covered?
Having an Ayushman Card does not mean every medical expense is automatically covered.
The official PM-JAY FAQ lists certain exclusions, including:
- General outpatient care
- Drug rehabilitation
- Cosmetic treatments
- Organ transplants
- Fertility treatment
subject to the applicable scheme rules and package definitions.
Therefore, beneficiaries should always verify whether a particular treatment is included before assuming it will be covered.
๐จ How to Use Ayushman Card at a Hospital
If you need treatment:
Step 1
Visit an empanelled PM-JAY hospital.
Step 2
Go to the hospital’s Ayushman Help Desk / PM-JAY desk.
Step 3
Provide your Ayushman Card and required identification.
Step 4
The hospital verifies your beneficiary details.
Step 5
The doctor assesses your medical condition.
Step 6
If the treatment is covered, the hospital processes the applicable PM-JAY package.
Step 7
Eligible treatment is provided according to the scheme’s cashless process.
If you are travelling outside your home State, you can also use the portability facility at participating empanelled hospitals.
๐ Ayushman Card Portability in 2026
Nationwide portability is an important feature of PM-JAY.
A beneficiary from one State can receive eligible treatment at an empanelled hospital in another State.
The July 2026 Government update reported more than 29.05 lakh inter-State portability hospital admissions, with authorized treatment value exceeding โน8,383 crore as of June 30, 2026.
This means beneficiaries do not necessarily have to return to their home State for every covered hospitalization.
๐ชช Is Aadhaar Mandatory?
For the 70+ senior-citizen enrolment, Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory according to the official NHA FAQ.
For this category, Aadhaar is also listed as the only document required for enrolment.
For other PM-JAY beneficiary categories, identification and verification requirements can depend on the applicable beneficiary database and State implementation.
๐ Ayushman Card e-KYC
e-KYC is an important part of the beneficiary verification process.
For eligible senior citizens, the process uses Aadhaar-based authentication.
The purpose is to verify the beneficiary’s identity and ensure that the Ayushman Card is issued to the correct person.
๐ง What if the Aadhaar Only Shows the Birth Year?
The official NHA senior-citizen FAQ provides a specific rule.
If only the birth year is recorded in Aadhaar, January 1 of the year following the recorded birth year is considered as the date of birth for the purpose described in the enrolment process.
Therefore, senior citizens should make sure their Aadhaar information is accurate.
๐ฅ Can 70+ Senior Citizens With Private Health Insurance Get Ayushman Card?
Yes.
The Government’s official information states that senior citizens aged 70+ who have private health insurance or are covered under ESIC can still be eligible for AB PM-JAY benefits.
However, different government health schemes can have their own coordination rules.
For example, the Government’s announcement states that 70+ beneficiaries covered under schemes such as CGHS, ECHS or Ayushman CAPF can choose between their existing scheme and AB PM-JAY according to the applicable rules.
๐ Ayushman Card 2026 โ Important Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY |
| Main Health Cover | Up to โน5 lakh per family per year |
| Beneficiary Type | Eligible poor/vulnerable families + 70+ senior citizens |
| 70+ Income Limit | No income limit |
| 70+ Card | Ayushman Vay Vandana Card |
| 70+ e-KYC | Aadhaar-based e-KYC |
| 70+ Required Document | Aadhaar |
| Treatment | Eligible secondary & tertiary hospitalization |
| Hospital | Empanelled Government & Private Hospitals |
| Treatment Type | Cashless for eligible covered services |
| Portability | Across India at empanelled hospitals |
| Family Size | No general family-size restriction under PM-JAY |
| Pre-existing Disease | Covered from day one under applicable PM-JAY benefits |
| Pre-Hospitalization | Up to 3 days for covered packages |
| Post-Hospitalization | Up to 15 days for covered packages |
โ Ayushman Card 2026 โ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ayushman Card free?
The PM-JAY benefit is a government-funded health assurance benefit for eligible beneficiaries. Beware of unauthorized persons asking for money or sensitive information in the name of issuing a card.
How much treatment is covered under Ayushman Card?
Eligible PM-JAY beneficiaries generally receive up to โน5 lakh per family per year for covered hospitalization.
Can a 70-year-old person get an Ayushman Card?
Yes. All eligible Indian citizens aged 70 years or above can receive PM-JAY coverage regardless of economic status.
Is there an income limit for people aged 70+?
No. The official senior-citizen FAQ states that the 70+ benefit is available regardless of economic status.
Is Aadhaar required for 70+ enrolment?
Yes. Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for the 70+ senior-citizen enrolment process.
Can I apply online?
Yes. The official NHA FAQ identifies the beneficiary portal beneficiary.nha.gov.in and the Ayushman App for the 70+ senior-citizen enrolment process.
Can I use Ayushman Card in another State?
Yes. PM-JAY provides nationwide portability at participating empanelled hospitals.
Are pre-existing diseases covered?
Yes. PM-JAY provides coverage for pre-existing conditions from day one, subject to the applicable scheme benefits and packages.
Is there a family-size limit?
PM-JAY has no general restriction on family size.
Can both husband and wife above 70 get coverage?
Yes. Eligible 70+ family members can be enrolled under the senior-citizen expansion. The official FAQ also provides an “Add Member” facility for additional eligible 70+ family members.
Does Ayushman Card cover every medical treatment?
No. The scheme covers eligible treatments and procedures under defined packages. Some services are excluded, and beneficiaries should confirm coverage with the empanelled hospital.
โ ๏ธ Important Things to Remember
Before using your Ayushman Card:
- Always use official government portals or authorized channels.
- Do not share your Aadhaar OTP with unknown persons.
- Do not share banking passwords, UPI PINs or ATM PINs.
- Check whether the hospital is empanelled under PM-JAY.
- Ask the hospital’s Ayushman desk whether your treatment is covered.
- Keep your Aadhaar and Ayushman Card details available.
- Do not assume that every hospital service is covered.
- For 70+ beneficiaries, complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
- If you travel to another State, use an empanelled hospital to access portability benefits.
๐ Conclusion
Ayushman Card Yojana 2026 provides eligible beneficiaries with access to government-funded health assurance for covered hospitalization.
The most important update for 2026 is the continued implementation of PM-JAY coverage for all citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income or socio-economic status, through the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card. Aadhaar-based e-KYC is required for this senior-citizen enrolment.
The scheme also offers nationwide portability, allowing eligible beneficiaries to receive cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India.
Before applying or visiting a hospital, beneficiaries should verify their eligibility and the latest applicable rules through official Government of India and National Health Authority sources.
Official Information
For the latest beneficiary and enrolment information, use the official National Health Authority / PM-JAY channels rather than unofficial websites.
Official Senior Citizen Information: National Health Authority’s Ayushman Vay Vandana FAQ.
Latest 2026 Government Update: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare / PIB update on AB PM-JAY.