Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Scheme 2026: Benefits, Eligibility, Coverage & How to Apply
The Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is the largest government-funded health insurance scheme in India. It provides free cashless health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospital treatment.
This scheme is implemented by the Government of India to protect economically weaker families from high medical expenses and ensure access to quality healthcare services.
What is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY was launched in September 2018 as part of India’s universal healthcare mission. Under this scheme, eligible families can receive treatment at empaneled government and private hospitals across India without paying any money upfront.
Official scheme details are available on the government portal: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/ab-pmjay
Key Features of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
- ₹5,00,000 health insurance cover per family per year
- Cashless and paperless treatment at empaneled hospitals
- Coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization
- No restriction on family size or age
- Pre-existing diseases covered from day one
- Valid across all Indian states and union territories
Who is Eligible for PM-JAY?
Eligibility for Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. Families belonging to economically weaker sections are automatically identified under the scheme.
Eligible categories generally include:
- Rural households without stable income
- Urban families engaged in unorganized occupations
- Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families
- Households with no adult earning member
- Families living in kutcha or semi-pucca houses
You can check your eligibility online through the official beneficiary portal: https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in
What Medical Expenses Are Covered?
PM-JAY covers a wide range of hospital-related expenses, ensuring that beneficiaries do not face financial hardship during medical emergencies.
- Hospital admission and bed charges
- Surgeries and medical procedures
- Doctor consultation and nursing care
- Diagnostic tests and investigations
- Medicines and medical consumables
- Pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization expenses
How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
There is no formal application process for PM-JAY. If your family is listed as eligible, you can directly avail the benefits.
Steps to get your Ayushman Card:
- Visit the official PM-JAY beneficiary portal
- Verify your eligibility using mobile number or ration card
- Complete identity verification at a Common Service Centre (CSC)
- Receive your Ayushman Bharat Golden Card
Once the card is issued, you can use it at any empaneled hospital for cashless treatment.
Benefits of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
- Financial protection against expensive medical treatments
- Improved access to quality healthcare facilities
- Nationwide portability of health benefits
- Reduced out-of-pocket healthcare expenses
- Support for critical illnesses and major surgeries
Important Points to Remember
- No premium payment is required from beneficiaries
- No paperwork is needed at the hospital during admission
- Coverage is renewed automatically every year
- Only empaneled hospitals can provide PM-JAY treatment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY completely free?
Yes, the scheme is fully funded by the government. Beneficiaries do not need to pay any premium or treatment cost.
Can private hospitals treat PM-JAY patients?
Yes, both government and selected private hospitals are empaneled under the scheme.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for PM-JAY?
Aadhaar is preferred for identification, but alternative documents may be accepted as per government guidelines.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Scheme is a major step toward universal healthcare in India. By providing ₹5 lakh annual health coverage to eligible families, the scheme ensures that quality medical treatment is accessible without financial stress.
If you or your family members may be eligible, it is strongly recommended to verify your status and obtain your Ayushman card to benefit from free healthcare services.
