The Ayushman Bharat card, also known as the Ayushman card or PMJAY Golden Card, is the identity card issued under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), the world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme.
The card allows eligible families to receive cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled government and private hospitals across India. Because it is the key document used at a hospital’s Ayushman Mitra desk, knowing how to complete an Ayushman card download online is extremely useful for poor and vulnerable families, as well as senior citizens.
This guide explains the complete process in simple language: what the card is, who is eligible, how to check eligibility, how to complete Aadhaar e-KYC, how to download the card through the beneficiary portal, the Ayushman App, UMANG, and CSC, how senior citizens aged 70 and above can get the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, how to use the card at a hospital, and how to fix common problems. Always use only official sources while handling your health and Aadhaar data.
What Is the Ayushman Card and What Does It Cover?
The Ayushman card is a digital or printed card that shows that your family is a beneficiary of PM-JAY. It carries your name, PMJAY ID, QR code, and other identifying information. When you visit an empanelled hospital, the staff verify your identity, check your eligibility, and pre-authorise treatment so that you do not have to pay at the time of admission for covered procedures.
The scheme provides a health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year, covering secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation, including surgeries, cancer care, cardiac procedures, orthopaedic treatment, dialysis, and many more.
Published scheme material mentions coverage of more than 2,000 procedures across multiple specialties, and pre-existing conditions are covered from the first day. The coverage generally includes expenses such as pre- and post-hospitalisation care, medicines, diagnostics, and room charges as per the package rates.
Latest Update: Ayushman Card in 2026 and the Vay Vandana Card
According to recent reports, the National Health Authority (NHA) has made digital access to the Ayushman card easier in 2026, allowing beneficiaries to download the card from a smartphone or computer without visiting an office.
The process is free of cost, and after e-KYC is approved, it takes only a few minutes. The 2026 card is also linked with the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), which helps maintain digital health records.
Another important development is the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, introduced in October 2024 for senior citizens aged 70 years and above. It offers ₹5 lakh cover irrespective of income, and seniors in families already covered under PM-JAY can receive an additional top-up cover, as per published details. Seniors can enrol through the Ayushman App or the official portal, and a toll-free missed-call option has been mentioned in official communication. Rules and benefits can change, so check the official portal for the latest version.
Who Is Eligible for the Ayushman Card?
Eligibility for the standard PM-JAY is not based on a general application by every citizen. It is largely based on SECC 2011 data for rural and urban deprivation categories, along with state-added beneficiaries and certain occupational categories in the urban list.
In rural areas, families with kutcha walls and roofs, landless households deriving income from manual casual labour, SC/ST households, households without an adult member aged 16–59, and female-headed households with no adult male member are among those commonly covered.
In urban areas, categories include rag pickers, domestic workers, street vendors, construction workers, plumbers, masons, sanitation workers, security guards, and other similar workers.
In addition, many states have expanded coverage by adding beneficiaries from their own lists, such as families under a National Food Security Act ration card or certain categories of workers.
Some states and Union Territories have different arrangements or have not implemented PM-JAY in the standard way, so check with your state health authority. For senior citizens, all Indian citizens aged 70 and above are eligible under the Vay Vandana route, regardless of income, subject to scheme rules.
How to Check Ayushman Card Eligibility Online
Before attempting to download the card, confirm your eligibility. Visit the official portal pmjay.gov.in and use the “Am I Eligible” option, or use the Ayushman App. Select your state, and search using your mobile number, ration card number, name, or other options provided. Complete the verification by entering the OTP sent to your mobile number.
The portal will display whether your family is covered under the scheme and list family members. If your name appears, you can proceed to e-KYC and card download. If it does not appear, contact your local Ayushman Mitra, CSC, empanelled hospital, or district health office for guidance, because eligibility depends on the beneficiary database.
Documents Required for Ayushman Card Download
The documents needed are few and simple. The most important is your Aadhaar card, because Aadhaar-based e-KYC is used to verify identity. You must also have an active mobile number, preferably linked with Aadhaar, to receive OTPs.
Many states ask for a ration card or family identification number to match your family record. Depending on the state, you may also need a PMJAY ID, family ID, or bank account details where required.
For senior citizens enrolling in the Vay Vandana category, you generally need an Aadhaar card showing that you are 70 or above and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Keep a photograph ready, because some enrolment forms ask you to upload one.
How to Download Ayushman Card Online via the Beneficiary Portal
The primary method is the NHA Beneficiary Portal. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website. Open beneficiary.nha.gov.in in your browser. Make sure you are on the official government address.
Step 2: Choose Beneficiary login. Select the login type as Beneficiary, enter your mobile number, type the captcha, and verify the OTP.
Step 3: Select your state and scheme. Choose your state and the scheme (for example, PMJAY). Then search for your family using your Aadhaar number, ration card, family ID, or PMJAY ID, depending on the option available.
Step 4: Select your name from the list. The family members appear on the screen, along with the status of each person’s card.
Step 5: Complete Aadhaar e-KYC. If the status shows “Not Generated” or e-KYC pending, click on e-KYC against your name, enter your Aadhaar number, and verify the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Biometric or face authentication may also be offered in some cases.
Step 6: Wait for approval. Once e-KYC is submitted, the status changes to under approval and then approved. This may take a short time.
Step 7: Download the card. When the status shows approved, click Download Card, complete the authentication if requested, and save the PDF. Print it or keep it on your phone for hospital visits.
How to Download Ayushman Card Using the Ayushman App
The Ayushman App is convenient for people who mainly use a smartphone. Download the official app from the Google Play Store (check for the official publisher, the National Health Authority). Open the app, choose Login as Beneficiary, enter your mobile number, and verify the OTP. Set a secure lock code or PIN if prompted.
Next, select your state and search for your family. Choose your name, complete Aadhaar e-KYC, and wait for approval. After approval, open the Card Download section, click Download Card, and save the PDF. The app can display a digital card with a QR code, and the downloaded file can be accessed even when the internet is not available.
How to Apply for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card (Age 70+)
Senior citizens aged 70 years and above can enrol under Ayushman Vay Vandana. The steps are similar. Open the Ayushman App or beneficiary.nha.gov.in, log in as a Beneficiary using your mobile number and OTP, and click the option for Enrolment for 70+.
Enter your Aadhaar number, complete Aadhaar e-KYC, upload a photograph, and submit the form. Once the application is approved, you can download the Vay Vandana Card directly from the app or portal.
The card gives ₹5 lakh coverage to seniors, and, as per published information, seniors in families already covered under PM-JAY can receive an additional top-up, though the exact sharing and rules should be confirmed on the official portal. Family members or caregivers can help seniors complete the e-KYC, but never share the OTP with strangers.
Other Ways to Download Your Ayushman Card
Besides the portal and app, the card can also be accessed through the UMANG app, where you can search for the Ayushman Bharat service and complete verification. Some people also access the card through DigiLocker or the ABHA ecosystem, depending on availability and state integration.
If you face difficulty online, visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC), where an operator can complete e-KYC and print the card. Many empanelled hospitals also have an Ayushman Mitra who can help with verification and card generation.
CSC operators and hospitals should provide these services according to government norms. If anyone demands a large fee for a card that is meant to be free on the official portal, refuse and report the matter to the local health authority.
How to Check Ayushman Card Status and Beneficiary List
After starting e-KYC, you can track the progress on beneficiary.nha.gov.in or in the Ayushman App. Log in, open your family list, and check the status next to each name. The usual statuses are e-KYC pending, under approval, approved, and rejected. Only an approved status allows the card download.
To check whether your family is in the PM-JAY beneficiary list, use the eligibility check on pmjay.gov.in or the app. You can also contact your Gram Panchayat, ASHA worker, ANM, or local health office. They may have village-level lists and can direct you to the correct enrolment location.
How to Use the Ayushman Card at a Hospital
Using the card is simple. First, locate an empanelled hospital using the Hospital Locator on hospitals.pmjay.gov.in or the Ayushman App. Carry your Ayushman card, Aadhaar card, and another valid photo ID.
At the hospital, go to the Ayushman Mitra help desk, show the card, and get verified. The hospital will request pre-authorisation for covered procedures, after which treatment begins on a cashless basis.
Remember that not every treatment is covered, and each procedure has a package rate. Ask the hospital staff to explain the coverage, pre-authorisation status, and exclusions before admission. In an emergency, inform the hospital immediately that you are an Ayushman beneficiary, and seek help from the Ayushman Mitra to avoid unnecessary charges.
Common Problems While Downloading the Ayushman Card
Several issues can appear. Name not found usually means that the family is not in the beneficiary database, or the wrong state or search option has been chosen. Aadhaar OTP not received often happens when the mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar.
e-KYC rejection can occur because of a name mismatch or incorrect details between Aadhaar and the family record. The download button not showing typically means that the status is still pending or not approved. Portal not loading may be due to heavy traffic, so try again later.
To solve these, first confirm that your Aadhaar and mobile number are linked, then check your details, and try again after some time. If the problem continues, visit a CSC, a hospital Ayushman Mitra, or the district health office. You can also call the official helpline listed on pmjay.gov.in.
Ayushman Card Helpline and Support
For help, use the helpline details listed under Contact Us on pmjay.gov.in. A national toll-free helpline for PM-JAY is widely published, and a separate toll-free missed-call number has been mentioned for Vay Vandana senior citizen enrolment, but numbers can change, so verify them on the official site before calling. You can also write through the grievance portal on the official website and contact your State Health Agency (SHA) for state-level issues.
Beware of Fake Ayushman Card Websites and Scams
Because the card is valuable, fraudsters create fake websites, send WhatsApp links, or call people claiming that they can register or renew the card for a fee. Always remember that downloading the card is free on the official portal and app.
Use only beneficiary.nha.gov.in, pmjay.gov.in, and the official Ayushman App. Do not install APK files from messages, do not share your Aadhaar OTP, bank details, or PIN, and do not pay agents for “guaranteed approval.” Report fraud to the cybercrime portal or call 1930.
Tips to Get Your Ayushman Card Quickly
Ensure your Aadhaar is linked with your mobile number. Check that the names and spellings across documents match. Search for your family using the correct state and ID type. Complete e-KYC for every family member who needs a card, not just the head of the family.
Save the PDF on your phone and also take a printout. Share the card details with family members who may need to use it in an emergency. Keep your ABHA ID safe if you have created one, because it can help you manage health records.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Ayushman card download free? Yes, downloading the card through the official portal, app, or CSC is free of cost.
Can I download the Ayushman card using my mobile number only? You can log in with your mobile number and OTP, but you generally need to complete Aadhaar e-KYC and be an eligible beneficiary to download the card.
What is the coverage amount? Eligible families get cashless cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, and seniors aged 70+ get coverage under the Vay Vandana route as per scheme rules.
Can senior citizens above 70 apply without income proof? Yes, the Vay Vandana route is not income-based, subject to scheme rules and Aadhaar verification.
What if my e-KYC is rejected? Check for name or date-of-birth mismatches, update your records if needed, and try again, or seek help at a CSC or hospital help desk.
Can I use the card in any state? The scheme is portable across participating states, but check the rules and hospital availability for the state where you need treatment.
Is the card the same as a health insurance policy? It is an identity card under a government health assurance scheme, not a private insurance policy, and treatment is possible only at empanelled hospitals for covered procedures.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat card download online process is simple when you follow the right steps: confirm your eligibility on pmjay.gov.in, log in at beneficiary.nha.gov.in or the Ayushman App, complete Aadhaar e-KYC, wait for approval, and click Download Card. Senior citizens aged 70 and above can use the Vay Vandana enrolment option, and anyone who finds the online process difficult can seek free help at a CSC or hospital Ayushman Mitra desk.
Keep your Aadhaar and mobile number linked, use only official websites, avoid paying agents, and carry your card with a valid ID whenever you visit an empanelled hospital. A few minutes spent today can give your family access to cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh when a medical emergency strikes.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Eligibility, coverage, hospital lists, state implementation, and helpline details can change. Always verify the latest information on the official PM-JAY portal (pmjay.gov.in), the beneficiary portal (beneficiary.nha.gov.in), and with your State Health Agency. This is not medical or insurance advice.