How to Download Ayushman Card in Simple Steps

May 18, 2026 • 15 Min Read

A doctor standing with her arms crossed.

Getting healthcare in India just became easier. The Ayushman card represents the world's largest health insurance scheme, covering over 42 crore people with ₹5 lakh annual protection. This digital health card removes financial barriers to quality medical care, making treatments accessible to millions of families.

The process of downloading the Ayushman card has been simplified to help beneficiaries access their coverage quickly. Understanding how to obtain your card opens doors to comprehensive healthcare across India's extensive hospital network.

What is the Ayushman Card?

The Ayushman card is your gateway to India's most ambitious healthcare programme, providing comprehensive medical coverage through a simple digital solution. This card connects eligible families to quality healthcare services without upfront payments.

Overview of Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Launched on September 23, 2018, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) stands as the world's largest health assurance programme. The scheme targets India's bottom 40% population, covering approximately 12 crore families with comprehensive health protection.

The programme operates under two main components:

  • Health and Wellness Centres providing primary healthcare
  • PM-JAY offering secondary and tertiary care coverage

Benefits of the Ayushman Card

The benefits of the Ayushman card extend far beyond basic health coverage, offering comprehensive protection for entire families. Key advantages include:

Financial Protection:

  • ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family
  • No restrictions on family size or age
  • Pre-existing conditions covered from day one
  • Zero co-payment or deductibles

Treatment Coverage:

  • 3 days pre-hospitalisation expenses
  • 15 days post-hospitalisation care
  • Diagnostic tests and medicines included
  • Emergency treatments covered

Accessibility Features:

  • Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals
  • Pan-India portability for treatments
  • No paperwork during emergencies
  • Digital verification through QR codes

Coverage Amount and Health Services

The Ayushman card provides ₹5 lakh family floater coverage annually, refreshing each year regardless of previous claims. This substantial amount covers approximately 1,929 medical procedures across specialties including cardiology, oncology, and orthopaedics per family per year.

Covered Services Include:

  • Life-saving surgeries and cancer treatments
  • Cardiac procedures and bypass surgeries
  • Kidney transplants and dialysis
  • Maternity care and newborn treatments
  • Mental health services and rehabilitation

Disclaimer: Coverage details are subject to scheme guidelines and may vary by state implementation.

Who is Eligible for the Ayushman Card?

Eligibility for the Ayushman card extends to India's most vulnerable populations, with recent expansions including all senior citizens aged 70 and above.

Eligibility Criteria by Income and Category

The scheme primarily covers households identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011, focusing on deprivation and occupational criteria.

Eligible Categories:

Rural Criteria
Urban Criteria
Landless agricultural labourers Rag pickers and street vendors
SC/ST households Construction workers
Disabled members without support Security guards and sweepers
Primitive tribal groups Domestic helpers
Manual scavenging families Transport workers

Special Inclusions:

  • All senior citizens aged 70+ (launched October 2024)
  • ASHA workers and Anganwadi staff
  • Registered unorganised workers
  • Specific vulnerable occupational groups

How to Check Eligibility Online?

Verifying your eligibility is straightforward through official government portals. The process takes minutes and provides instant confirmation of your status.

Steps to Check Eligibility:

  1. Visit pmjay.gov.in or use the PM-JAY mobile app
  2. Click "Am I Eligible?" and select "Beneficiary"
  3. Enter your mobile number and state
  4. Complete captcha verification
  5. Receive OTP and verify your number
  6. View your eligibility status instantly

You can search using multiple identifiers including Aadhaar number, family ID, or household ID for comprehensive verification.

How to Download Your Ayushman Card Online?

The process of downloading the Ayushman card has been streamlined for maximum convenience, allowing beneficiaries to access their cards within 15 minutes through official channels.

Official Portal for Ayushman Card Download

The National Health Authority operates the official beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in for secure card downloads. This government-verified platform ensures data protection and authentic card generation.

Primary Access Points:

Step-by-Step Guide to Download Using Family ID, Aadhaar, or PM-JAY ID

The process of downloading the Ayushman card requires proper authentication to ensure security and prevent misuse. Follow these detailed steps for successful card generation:

Complete Download Process:

  1. Portal Access: Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in and select your state
  2. Identity Verification: Choose from Family ID, Aadhaar, or PM-JAY ID
  3. Search Beneficiary: Enter your details and verify information
  4. Complete e-KYC: If status shows "Not Generated," complete Aadhaar verification
  5. Authentication: Select "Aadhaar OTP" option for secure access
  6. OTP Verification: Enter Aadhaar and mobile OTPs when prompted
  7. Download Card: Click "Download Card" to generate PDF version
  8. Save and Print: Store the file and print for physical use

Mobile App Download and Usage for Ayushman Card

The official PM-JAY mobile app provides convenient access to card downloads and scheme information directly from your smartphone. This free application works on Android and iOS devices with user-friendly interfaces.

App Features Include:

  • Instant eligibility checking
  • Digital card downloads
  • Hospital locator with directions
  • Treatment history and claim status
  • Offline card access after download

Mobile Download Steps:

  1. Download "PMJAY-Ayushman Bharat" from app stores
  2. Login as "Beneficiary" with mobile number
  3. Enter state details and verify with OTP
  4. Create secure lock code for app access
  5. Navigate to "Card Download" section
  6. Complete authentication and download

Using the Ayushman Card for Medical Treatment

Your Ayushman card provides access to high-quality healthcare across India's extensive hospital network, ensuring cashless treatment for covered procedures. Understanding how to use your card effectively maximises your health benefits.

List of Empaneled Hospitals Across India

The PM-JAY network includes 33,175 empanelled hospitals as of December 2025, comprising both government and private facilities. This extensive network ensures healthcare access in urban and rural areas. These figures are continuously updated; check the NHA dashboard for the latest statistics.

Hospital Network Breakdown:

Hospital Type
Count
Percentage
Government Hospitals 17,574 52.99%
Private Hospitals 15,641 47.14%
Total Network 33,175 100%

Finding Empanelled Hospitals:

  • Visit hospitals.pmjay.gov.in for complete listings
  • Use the PM-JAY mobile app's hospital locator
  • Search by state, district, and specialty
  • Verify empanelment status before treatment

Disclaimer: Hospital empanelment status may change. Always verify current status before seeking treatment.

How to Use the Card for Cashless Treatment?

Cashless treatment eliminates upfront payments, making quality healthcare accessible regardless of your financial situation. The process involves simple verification steps at empanelled hospitals.

Treatment Process:

  1. Hospital Verification: Confirm the hospital's PM-JAY empanelment
  2. Document Presentation: Show your Ayushman card and valid ID proof
  3. Eligibility Verification: Hospital staff verify your card's authenticity
  4. Treatment Authorisation: Medical procedures get pre-authorized instantly
  5. Cashless Care: Receive approved treatment without upfront payment; minor extras (e.g., premium disposables) may need beneficiary contribution.
  6. Discharge Process: Complete treatment and discharge without bills

Understanding the PM-JAY ID and QR Code on the Card

Your Ayushman card contains unique identifiers that enable quick verification and secure access to benefits. The PM-JAY ID and QR code serve as digital keys to your health coverage.

Card Elements:

  • PM-JAY ID: Unique 14-digit identifier linking to your family
  • QR Code: Contains encrypted beneficiary information
  • Family Details: Lists all covered family members
  • Validity Information: Shows card expiration and renewal dates

How to Check Ayushman Card Status and Beneficiary List?

Monitoring your card status ensures you stay informed about coverage updates and can address any issues promptly. The online tracking system provides real-time information about your application and family coverage.

Track Your Application Status

Card status tracking helps you understand where your application stands and what actions you might need to take. The system shows clear status indicators for easy understanding.

Status Categories:

  • Approved: Card ready for download and use
  • Pending: Verification process underway
  • Not Generated: Application requires completion

Tracking Steps:

  1. Access beneficiary.nha.gov.in portal
  2. Select "Beneficiary" option
  3. Enter Aadhaar or mobile number
  4. Complete OTP verification
  5. View current status and next steps

View Family Members Covered Under the Card

The family floater concept means one card covers all eligible family members without size restrictions. You can view all covered members through the beneficiary portal.

Family Coverage Features:

  • Unlimited family size coverage
  • Individual member status tracking
  • Separate cards for each member if needed
  • Shared ₹5 lakh annual limit across family

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Technical difficulties during card download are common but easily resolved with proper guidance. Understanding common problems and their solutions saves time and reduces frustration.

What to Do If You Can't Download Your Card?

Download failures typically result from incomplete documentation or technical issues. Most problems resolve quickly with systematic troubleshooting.

Common Solutions:

  • Check Internet Connection: Ensure stable connectivity
  • Verify Details: Confirm accurate data entry
  • Complete e-KYC: Finish Aadhaar verification if pending
  • Clear Browser Cache: Remove stored data and retry
  • Try Different Browser: Switch to alternate web browser
  • Contact Support: Call 14555 for technical assistance

If problems persist, visit nearby Common Service Centres (CSCs) for offline assistance with document verification and card generation.

How to Update or Correct Card Details?

Incorrect information on your card can prevent hospital access and treatment authorization. The update process ensures accurate data for seamless healthcare delivery.

Update Process:

  1. Visit local CSC with necessary documents
  2. Provide mobile number for verification
  3. Submit correction requests with proof
  4. Authorized personnel verify and update details
  5. Collect updated information after processing
  6. Updates typically process within 3-5 working days, depending on the complexity of changes required.

    Important Links and Resources

    Access to official resources ensures you receive accurate information and proper support for all Ayushman card-related queries. These verified channels provide reliable assistance.

    Official Websites and Helpline Numbers

    Government-operated platforms offer authentic information and secure services for beneficiaries. Always use verified channels to protect your personal data.

    Essential Resources:

    Related Schemes and Support Portals

    Ayushman Bharat integrates with other government health initiatives to provide comprehensive care. Understanding these connections helps you access additional benefits.

    Connected Programmes:

    • Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: Over 1.76 lakh centres for primary care
    • Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: 79.9 crore ABHA accounts for digital health records
    • Employee State Insurance Corporation: Shared hospital access
    • State Health Schemes: Regional programme integration

    Your Path to Complete Health Protection

    Downloading the Ayushman card is the first step in accessing essential healthcare benefits. Beneficiaries can easily download their card online from the official PMJAY portal by verifying their identity via OTP linked to their mobile or Aadhaar. For those with difficulties online, cards can also be obtained offline at Common Service Centres. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY provides essential health coverage up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for eligible low-income households. If you are not eligible for Ayushman, securing private health insurance remains crucial for comprehensive protection. Consider Royal Sundaram health insurance plans, which offer flexible coverage options from ₹2 lakhs to ₹1.5 crore. Multiple plans are available for infants to seniors, with benefits like free health check-ups, no-claim bonuses, access to 10,000+ hospitals nationwide, and cashless claims at network providers—filling gaps for middle- and upper-income families.

    Ready to secure comprehensive health protection? Explore Royal Sundaram health insurance today for plans tailored to your needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions


    The Ayushman Card is issued under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) by the National Health Authority. It provides ₹5 lakh annual health coverage to eligible families for secondary and tertiary care treatments.

    You can download the Ayushman card from the official portal beneficiary.nha.gov.in using your Family ID, Aadhaar number, or PM-JAY ID. The process takes approximately 15 minutes with proper authentication through OTP verification.

    You need your Aadhaar number, registered mobile number, and either Family ID or PM-JAY ID to access and download the Ayushman card. Ensure your Aadhaar e-KYC is complete for successful card generation.

    Yes, the official "PMJAY-Ayushman Bharat" mobile app allows you to download the Ayushman card, check eligibility, find hospitals, and track treatment history. The app works on both Android and iOS devices.

    Visit pmjay.gov.in and use the "Am I Eligible?" tool by entering your mobile number, name, and state. You can also check through the PM-JAY mobile app using Aadhaar or family identification numbers.

    Yes, the Ayushman Card provides pan-India coverage at all 31,846 empanelled hospitals
    nationwide. You can receive cashless treatment at any participating government or private hospital across all states.

    Ensure stable internet connectivity and correct detail entry. If problems persist, contact the 24/7 helpline at 14555 or visit nearby Common Service Centres for offline assistance with card generation and troubleshooting.

    Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in, select "Beneficiary," enter mobile/captcha, verify OTP, choose state/scheme/ID (Aadhaar/Family/PM-JAY), and search to check status. Use the Ayushman app for mobile tracking.