Ayushman Bharat, a flagship scheme of the Government of India, was launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This initiative has been designed to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its underlining commitment, which is to “leave no one behind.”
Government of India launched world’s largest healthcare insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) in 2018. And, by October 2025, more than 42,17,58,675 Ayushman Cards have already been issued and over 10,40,33,937 hospital treatments have been provided worth nearly ₹1.3 lakh crore. The scheme provides a free health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year and is known as the world’s biggest government health scheme.
Since its launch in 2018, Ayushman Bharat Yojana has helped crores of families get free hospital treatment across India. The government continues to expand the scheme every year so that no poor or middle-income family has to face money problems due to medical costs. All citizens above 70 years, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, and millions of poor families are now included under this scheme. The registration process has also become easier with full online facilities.
Eligibility For PMJAY
Rural Areas Eligibility
- Families living in one-room kucha houses
- Households with no adult earning member
- Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) families
- Families with disabled members and no adult support
- Landless laborers depending on daily wages
Urban Areas Eligibility
- Ragpickers, beggars, domestic workers, street vendors, construction workers, plumbers, drivers, shop helpers, and similar occupations
Age Limitation
There is no age limit or family size restriction. Everyone in the eligible family, from newborns to grandparents, is covered. In 2024 – 25, the government added ASHA and Anganwadi workers and all citizens above 70 years under this scheme.
Benefits of PMJAY Yojana
- Ayushman Bharat Yojana offers several strong benefits that make it one of the best healthcare schemes for Indians. Here are the main features:
- No Premium or Hidden Charges: It’s totally free for the beneficiary; the government bears the entire cost.
- ₹5 Lakh Free Health Cover: Each family gets ₹5,00,000 per year for hospitalization expenses. The amount can be used by any family member as needed.
- Cashless and Paperless: No need to pay or submit forms at the hospital. The bill is settled directly between the hospital and the government.
- All Major Treatments Covered: More than 1,500 medical and surgical procedures across 24 specialties are included, from heart and kidney surgeries to cancer and maternity care.
- Pre and Post-Hospitalization Costs: Expenses up to 3 days before and 15 days after hospitalization are included in the package.
- Nationwide Portability: The Ayushman Card can be used anywhere in India, whether you live in a village or another state.
- All Ages and Family Sizes Covered: There is no limit on the number of family members or their ages.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is a national health protection scheme started by the Government of India in 2018. It offers cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year in both government and private hospitals that are part of the scheme.
This means that if any member of the eligible family needs hospitalization for surgery, therapy, or any major disease, the hospital bill will be paid by the government. You do not have to spend any money from your pocket. The treatment is paperless and completely cashless. The scheme aims to help poor and middle-class families who earlier struggled to afford good medical care.
Documents Required for Ayushman Bharat Card
- Aadhaar Card: Mandatory for identity verification through OTP or biometric.
- Ration Card or Family ID: Useful to confirm family members linked to your household.
- Mobile Number: Required for OTP verification.
- Passport-size Photo: For Printing On Card.
How Can Apply
You can check the eligibility for Ayushman Bharat Yojana coverage at the official portal by visiting pmjay.gov.in and click on “Am I Eligible” and then login using mobile number and enter details such as you Aadhaar number, state & district to check your eligibility for the scheme.