Introduction
Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2026 is one of the major healthcare initiatives of the Government of India, designed to help eligible families access quality medical treatment without facing a heavy financial burden. Under its health coverage component, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) provides eligible beneficiaries with cashless hospitalisation coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
The scheme covers eligible low-income and vulnerable families across India. The government has also expanded the programme to include all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income or socio-economic status.
If you want to check your Ayushman Bharat eligibility, understand the benefits, or learn how to obtain an Ayushman Card, this guide explains the important details and official online process for 2026.
What Is Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2026?
Ayushman Bharat Yojana, officially known as AB PM-JAY, was launched in September 2018 by the Government of India. It aims to improve access to healthcare by providing financial protection against major hospitalisation expenses.
Eligible beneficiaries can receive cashless treatment at government and empanelled private hospitals across India. The scheme is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) in coordination with State Health Agencies.
One important feature is portability. Eligible beneficiaries can access covered treatment at an empanelled hospital outside their home state, subject to scheme rules.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2026: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Scheme Name | Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY |
| Launched | September 2018 |
| Implementing Authority | National Health Authority |
| Government | Government of India |
| Health Coverage | Up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year |
| Beneficiaries | Eligible families and senior citizens aged 70+ |
| Treatment Type | Cashless hospitalisation |
| Hospital Network | Empanelled government and private hospitals |
| Official Portal | beneficiary.nha.gov.in |
| Helpline Number | 14555 |
Ayushman Bharat Yojana Eligibility Criteria 2026
Eligibility for PM-JAY is determined through notified beneficiary categories and government-approved databases. It is not an open scheme in which every person below 70 years can automatically register.
The main eligibility categories include:
- Rural households meeting the prescribed deprivation criteria under the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011.
- Urban households belonging to the notified occupational categories.
- Families included in the applicable state-specific beneficiary databases and approved scheme categories.
- All senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income or financial background.
Special benefit for senior citizens: People aged 70 years or above can apply for Ayushman Vay Vandana Card coverage under the expanded scheme. Their eligibility does not depend on their income or socio-economic status.
Applicants should verify their eligibility through the official beneficiary portal rather than relying on unofficial lists or third-party websites.
Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana
The scheme offers several healthcare benefits to eligible beneficiaries.
Health coverage up to ₹5 lakh
Eligible families receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.
Cashless treatment
Beneficiaries can receive covered treatment without making upfront payments at empanelled hospitals, subject to package rules and approval requirements.
Coverage for pre-existing diseases
Pre-existing conditions are covered from the beginning of the scheme’s coverage for eligible beneficiaries.
Treatment across India
Beneficiaries can access eligible treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals across participating states and Union Territories.
Hospitalisation-related expenses
Covered packages may include medicines, diagnostic tests, hospital accommodation, doctor fees and other approved treatment expenses. The scheme also provides specified pre- and post-hospitalisation coverage.
No restriction on family size
There is no restriction on family size, age or gender for eligible families under the scheme.
How to Check Ayushman Bharat Eligibility Online in 2026
Follow these steps to check whether your family is included in the PM-JAY beneficiary database:
- Visit the official Ayushman Bharat Beneficiary Portal: https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/
- Select the appropriate beneficiary login option.
- Enter your registered mobile number and complete OTP verification.
- Select your state and the available search category.
- Search using the permitted details, such as your name, family ID or other available identification information.
- Check the displayed beneficiary information and eligibility status.
If your details appear in the database, follow the portal instructions for verification and card-related services.
If you cannot find your name, contact the nearest Ayushman Bharat helpdesk or call the official helpline for assistance.
How to Apply for an Ayushman Card Online
For people already eligible under PM-JAY, the Ayushman Card can be generated after successful beneficiary identification and verification.
Here is the general process:
- Open https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/.
- Log in using your mobile number and OTP.
- Select your state and scheme details.
- Search for the eligible beneficiary.
- Complete Aadhaar-based or other permitted verification, as applicable.
- Follow the instructions for photograph capture and authentication, if required.
- Submit the card generation request.
- Once approved and generated, download the available Ayushman Card.
The exact verification steps may vary depending on the beneficiary category and applicable state procedures.
Senior citizens aged 70 years and above can also use the official Ayushman App, beneficiary portal, or an authorised enrolment centre to complete their enrolment.
Documents Required for Ayushman Card
Applicants may need the following documents or information during beneficiary verification:
- Aadhaar Card or another accepted identity document.
- Ration Card or family identification details, where applicable.
- Registered mobile number.
- Other supporting documents required by the applicable state or beneficiary category.
The exact requirements depend on the verification process. Carry original documents when visiting an authorised centre or hospital.
Important Official Links and Contact Details
| Service | Official Link |
| Ayushman Bharat Beneficiary Portal | https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/ |
| National Health Authority | https://nha.gov.in/ |
| PM-JAY Official Website | https://pmjay.gov.in/ |
| Hospital Search and Scheme Information | https://pmjay.gov.in/ |
| Helpline Number | 14555 |
Important: There is no single general application deadline for the ongoing PM-JAY scheme. Eligibility and enrolment depend on the applicable beneficiary category and official government procedures. Always use authorised portals for registration and verification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What is the health coverage under Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2026?
Eligible families receive cashless hospitalisation coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year under PM-JAY.
2.Can I apply for an Ayushman Card online?
Yes. Eligible beneficiaries can use the official beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in to complete the applicable verification and card generation process.
3.Are senior citizens above 70 years eligible?
Yes. All senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for the expanded PM-JAY benefit, irrespective of their income.
4.Is Ayushman Bharat Yojana available in private hospitals?
Yes. Eligible beneficiaries can receive covered treatment at participating private hospitals that are empanelled under the scheme.
5.What is the official Ayushman Bharat helpline number?
Beneficiaries can call 14555 for information, eligibility assistance and scheme-related support.
6.Is registration open to every Indian citizen?
No. General PM-JAY eligibility is based on notified beneficiary categories. However, the expanded coverage for senior citizens aged 70 years and above is available irrespective of income.
