Ayushman card download is free and can be done online in a few minutes using your Aadhaar number. The Ayushman card, officially called the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY card, gives eligible families cashless health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year at empanelled government and private hospitals across India.
Many families qualify for the scheme but have never downloaded their card. Senior citizens aged 70 and above can also get the Ayushman Vay Vandana card regardless of income. In this guide, we explain who is eligible, how to check your name, and two easy methods of Ayushman card download through the official beneficiary portal and the Ayushman App, along with tips to fix common problems.

Table of Contents
What Is the Ayushman Card?
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is the Government of India’s health assurance scheme managed by the National Health Authority (NHA). The Ayushman card is the identity card for beneficiaries under this scheme.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY |
| Health cover | Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year |
| Treatment type | Cashless, at empanelled hospitals |
| Card cost | Free |
| Official portal | beneficiary.nha.gov.in |
| Helpline | 14555 |

The cover includes hospitalisation, surgeries, medicines, diagnostics, and pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses for listed treatments.
Who Is Eligible for the Ayushman Card?
Eligibility is mainly based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data and later additions made by the Centre and states. Broadly, the following groups are covered:
- Rural families meeting SECC deprivation criteria.
- Urban families in listed occupational categories, such as street vendors, domestic workers, construction workers and sanitation workers.
- Beneficiaries added by state health schemes that are merged with PM-JAY.
- All senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income, under the Ayushman Vay Vandana expansion.
- Specific groups notified by the government, such as ASHA and Anganwadi workers in many states.
Eligibility rules differ slightly from state to state, so the best way to confirm is to check your name on the official portal.
How to Check Eligibility Before Ayushman Card Download
1. Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in. 2. Log in as Beneficiary using your mobile number and OTP. 3. Select the scheme PMJAY, your state and district. 4. Search using Aadhaar number, family ID, ration card number or name. 5. If your name appears, you are eligible and can proceed to e-KYC and download.
Method 1: Ayushman Card Download on the Beneficiary Portal
This is the most common method of Ayushman card download.

Step 1: Open the Portal
Go to beneficiary.nha.gov.in and choose Beneficiary login.
Step 2: Log In With OTP
Enter your mobile number, the captcha, and verify using OTP. Complete the login authentication.
Step 3: Search Your Name
Select PMJAY, your state and district, and search by Aadhaar number or family ID.
Step 4: Complete e-KYC
Click the e-KYC option next to your name. Verify using Aadhaar OTP or face authentication. Upload or capture a photo if asked and confirm your details.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
After e-KYC, the card request goes for approval. This can take from a few minutes to a few days.
Step 6: Download the Card
Once approved, a Download Card option appears next to your name. Click it to save the Ayushman card PDF.
Method 2: Ayushman Card Download on the Ayushman App
The NHA’s official Ayushman App is available on the Google Play Store and makes the process easier on a smartphone.
- Install the Ayushman App by the National Health Authority.
- Log in as Beneficiary with your mobile number and OTP.
- Choose PMJAY, your state and district, and search using Aadhaar.
- Complete e-KYC using Aadhaar OTP or face authentication.
- After approval, tap Download to save your card.
The app also allows family members to be added and cards to be generated for each member.
Ayushman Vay Vandana Card for Senior Citizens (70+)
All Indian citizens aged 70 years and above can get the Ayushman Vay Vandana card, regardless of income.
- If the family is already covered under PM-JAY, seniors aged 70+ get an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year for themselves.
- If the family is not covered, seniors aged 70+ get cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis.
- Seniors who are already covered under CGHS, ECHS or CAPF schemes can choose between their existing scheme and PM-JAY.
To apply, use the Ayushman App or beneficiary portal, select the option for 70+ enrolment, verify Aadhaar and complete e-KYC. The age is taken from Aadhaar, so make sure your date of birth is correct.
How to Use Your Ayushman Card at a Hospital
1. Find an empanelled hospital on the official hospital list at hospitals.pmjay.gov.in or in the Ayushman App. 2. Visit the hospital’s Ayushman Mitra desk with your Ayushman card and Aadhaar. 3. The Ayushman Mitra verifies your identity and creates a pre-authorisation request. 4. Once approved, you receive cashless treatment for covered procedures.
You should not be asked to pay for treatments covered under the scheme. If a hospital demands money, call the helpline 14555 or file a complaint on the grievance portal.
Documents Needed
– Aadhaar card, with an active linked mobile number. – Ration card or family ID, depending on the state. – Mobile number for OTP.
If your Aadhaar-linked number has changed, first update mobile number in Aadhaar. You can also keep a copy of your e-Aadhaar ready by following our guide to download Aadhaar card.
Common Problems and Fixes
Name Not Found
Try searching with different options, such as ration card number or family ID. If you still cannot find your name, you may not be eligible under current lists. Check with your nearest CSC, government hospital or state health agency.
e-KYC Failing
Use face authentication if OTP does not work, or visit a CSC or Ayushman Mitra at a hospital for biometric e-KYC.
Card Pending Approval
Approval can take a few days. Check again later. If it stays pending for long, call 14555.
Wrong Details on the Card
Details come from Aadhaar. Correct them in Aadhaar first, then redo e-KYC.
Beware of Fake Ayushman Card Websites
Many unofficial websites and agents charge money for Ayushman card download or promise to “make” cards for ineligible people. The card is completely free on the official portal and app. Never pay anyone for it, and never share your OTP.
What Treatments Are Covered?
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY covers a large list of health benefit packages across specialities. Common treatments include:
- General surgery, such as hernia and appendix operations.
- Cardiology procedures, including angioplasty and bypass surgery.
- Orthopaedic surgeries, such as knee and hip replacements.
- Cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Maternity care and newborn care.
- Kidney treatment, including dialysis.
- Eye surgeries, such as cataract operations.
- Treatment for accidents and emergencies.
The scheme covers up to three days of pre-hospitalisation and fifteen days of post-hospitalisation expenses, including diagnostics and medicines, for covered treatments. There is no restriction on family size, age or gender for families that are eligible.
Ayushman Card Download for Family Members
Every eligible family member can have their own Ayushman card. To get cards for others in your family:
- Log in to the beneficiary portal or Ayushman App.
- Search using your family ID or ration card number.
- Select each family member’s name.
- Complete e-KYC for that member using their Aadhaar.
- Download each card separately after approval.
Children without Aadhaar can often be added using a parent’s details, depending on state rules. Check with an Ayushman Mitra at the nearest empanelled hospital if you face problems.
Ayushman Card vs Health Insurance
| Point | Ayushman Card (PM-JAY) | Private Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free for eligible families | Annual premium |
| Cover | Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year | As per policy |
| Eligibility | Based on SECC data and notified groups; all 70+ citizens | Anyone who buys a policy |
| Hospitals | Empanelled hospitals | Network hospitals of insurer |
| Pre-existing diseases | Covered from day one | Usually after a waiting period |
Many families use both. The Ayushman card offers a strong base, while a private policy adds cover at more hospitals.
Quick Summary: Ayushman Card Download
– Ayushman card download is free on beneficiary.nha.gov.in and the Ayushman App. – Check eligibility first by searching with Aadhaar, family ID or ration card number. – Complete e-KYC to unlock Ayushman card download for each family member. – Seniors aged 70+ can get the Vay Vandana card regardless of income. – Avoid agents who charge money for Ayushman card download.
Ayushman Card Download: Step-by-Step Example
To make the process clearer, here is a simple example. Ramesh, a 45-year-old farmer, wants his Ayushman card.
- He opens the Ayushman App and logs in as a beneficiary using his mobile OTP.
- He selects PMJAY, his state and district, and searches using his Aadhaar number.
- His family’s names appear, confirming eligibility.
- He taps e-KYC next to his name and completes Aadhaar OTP verification and a face scan.
- After approval later that day, he completes Ayushman card download as a PDF and saves it on his phone.
- He repeats e-KYC for his wife and children so that each person has a card.
The whole process takes about 15 minutes per person when the mobile number is linked to Aadhaar.
State Health Schemes Merged With PM-JAY
Many states run their own health schemes together with PM-JAY. In these states, the card may carry both the central and state scheme names, and eligibility can be wider than central lists. Examples include state schemes that cover additional families or provide higher cover. After Ayushman card download, check your state’s health agency website for extra benefits you may be entitled to.
Tips for a Smooth Hospital Visit
– Carry your Ayushman card and Aadhaar card, both printed and on your phone. – Go to the Ayushman Mitra desk first, before registering as a paying patient. – Ask for a pre-authorisation approval before planned surgery. – Keep copies of discharge summaries and bills. – Give feedback or file complaints through the official helpline 14555 if something goes wrong.
Where Else Can You Get Help?
If you cannot complete Ayushman card download yourself, you can get help from:
- Common Service Centres (CSCs): Operators can complete e-KYC and card printing.
- Ayushman Mitras at empanelled hospitals: They can verify eligibility and generate cards.
- ASHA and Anganwadi workers: In many villages, they help families with enrolment.
- State health agency offices: For complex cases such as missing names.
Help centres should not charge extra money for Ayushman card download. If anyone demands a fee, report it on 14555.
Key Terms Explained
– PM-JAY: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, the Ayushman Bharat health assurance scheme. – NHA: National Health Authority, which runs PM-JAY. – SECC 2011: The Socio-Economic Caste Census data used to identify eligible families. – Ayushman Mitra: A hospital helpdesk staff member who assists PM-JAY patients. – Empanelled hospital: A hospital approved to provide cashless treatment under the scheme. – Vay Vandana card: The Ayushman card for citizens aged 70 and above.
Common Myths About the Ayushman Card
– Myth: You must pay an agent to get the card. Fact: Ayushman card download is completely free on official platforms. – Myth: Only people in villages are eligible. Fact: Eligible urban workers and all citizens aged 70+ are also covered. – Myth: The card works only in your home state. Fact: PM-JAY offers portability, so you can get treatment at empanelled hospitals across India. – Myth: Pre-existing diseases are not covered. Fact: They are covered from day one. – Myth: You need a physical card at the hospital. Fact: Aadhaar-based verification works even without a printout, though carrying the card helps.
Expert Tips
– Complete Ayushman card download for every eligible family member, not just the head of the family. – Save the card PDF on your phone and print a copy for emergencies. – Check the hospital list before planned treatment to find the nearest empanelled hospital. – Keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile number active for verification at hospitals. – Seniors above 70 should enrol for the Vay Vandana card even if the family already has cards. – Report any hospital that refuses cashless treatment for a covered procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ayushman card download free?
Yes. Ayushman card download is completely free on beneficiary.nha.gov.in and the Ayushman App.
Can I download Ayushman card with Aadhaar number?
Yes. You can search using your Aadhaar number, complete e-KYC and download the card.
How much health cover does the Ayushman card give?
It provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals.
Can senior citizens above 70 get an Ayushman card?
Yes. All citizens aged 70 and above can get the Ayushman Vay Vandana card, regardless of income.
How long does it take to get the Ayushman card after e-KYC?
It can take from a few minutes to a few days, depending on verification.
What is the Ayushman Bharat helpline number?
The helpline number is 14555.
Staying Updated
Health emergencies can happen without warning, so finish your Ayushman card download. Official processes, fees and timelines can change over time.
Save this page, share it with family members who may need help, and read our other step-by-step guides on Techxime for Aadhaar, PAN, banking, vehicles and smartphones. If something in the process looks different on the official website, follow the latest instructions shown there, because government portals sometimes change their menus and button names without notice.
If you are helping an elderly parent or relative, sit with them during e-KYC, keep their Aadhaar-linked phone nearby, and save a copy of their card on your own phone too. That way, the card is available even if they visit a hospital without their phone.
Conclusion
Ayushman card download is simple, free and takes only a few minutes if your name is on the eligible list. Use the beneficiary portal or the Ayushman App, complete e-KYC with Aadhaar, and save the card PDF on your phone. If you have family members aged 70 or above, make sure they also get their Vay Vandana card, so everyone in your home is protected with cashless health cover.










