Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the world's largest government-funded health insurance scheme. It provides Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. To avail cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals, you need the right documents. This article explains the complete list of documents required and how to get your Ayushman card.
What Is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY provides health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. The scheme covers 55 crore beneficiaries from economically vulnerable families. Treatment is cashless and paperless at over 29,000 empanelled hospitals across India. The scheme covers 1,949 medical packages including surgeries, day care treatments, and diagnostic services.
Who Is Eligible Under PM-JAY?
Eligibility is based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. The criteria differ for rural and urban families:
Rural Eligibility (7 Crore Families)
- Families with no land and dependent on manual labour
- Families with no male member aged 16 to 59 years
- Families with a disabled member and no able-bodied adult member
- SC/ST households
- Bonded labourers
- Primitive tribal groups
- Manually scavenger families
Urban Eligibility
- Ragpickers
- Beggars
- Domestic workers
- Street vendors
- Construction workers
- Shop workers and helpers
- Transport drivers and conductors
- Waiters, peons, and other service sector workers
- Artisans and hawkers
If your family appears in the SECC 2011 database and meets these criteria, you are eligible for PM-JAY benefits.
Documents Required for Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
The document requirements are kept simple to ensure maximum coverage. Here is the complete checklist:
Primary Documents (Any One)
You need at least one of the following to prove your identity and eligibility:
- Ration Card — This is the most commonly used document. Your family name should appear on the ration card.
- Aadhaar Card — Can be used as an identity proof along with SECC data verification.
- Any Government-issued Photo ID — Voter ID, driving license, or PAN card can be used as supplementary identity proof.
For Verification
- SECC Data Reference Number — If available, this helps in quick verification of your family's eligibility in the SECC database.
- Mobile Number — Linked to Aadhaar for OTP verification during card generation.
How to Check Your Eligibility Online
Before visiting a hospital or service centre, check your eligibility online:
- Visit mera.pmjay.gov.in
- Enter your Aadhaar number or ration card number
- The system will check whether your family is listed in the SECC database
- If eligible, you will see your family members' names and Ayushman card status
You can also call the PM-JAY helpline at 14555 or 1800-111-565 to check eligibility over the phone.
How to Get Your Ayushman Card
Once your eligibility is confirmed, here is how you can get your Ayushman card:
Option 1: Common Service Centre (CSC)
- Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC)
- Carry your Aadhaar card and ration card
- The CSC operator will perform eKYC using your Aadhaar
- Your Ayushman card will be generated and printed
- A small service charge of Rs. 5 to Rs. 10 may apply
Option 2: Empanelled Hospital
- Visit any empanelled hospital under PM-JAY
- Go to the Ayushman Bharat help desk or reception
- Carry your Aadhaar card or ration card
- The hospital will verify your eligibility and generate your card
- You can get treatment and the card generated in the same visit
Option 3: Ayushman Arogya Mandir
You can also visit an Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Health and Wellness Centre) in your area. These centres are equipped to generate Ayushman cards and provide basic health services.
How to Use Your Ayushman Card for Treatment
Once you have your Ayushman card, using it for treatment is straightforward:
- Visit any empanelled hospital — you can find the list at hospitals.pmjay.gov.in
- Go to the Ayushman Bharat help desk at the hospital
- Show your Ayushman card and Aadhaar card
- The hospital will verify your identity and treatment eligibility
- Treatment is cashless — you do not need to pay anything upfront
The scheme covers pre-hospitalization, hospitalization, and post-hospitalization expenses. There is no restriction on family size, age, or gender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my name is not in SECC 2011 data?
PM-JAY eligibility is strictly based on SECC 2011 data. If your family does not appear in the database, you are not eligible under this scheme. However, some states have their own health insurance schemes that may cover you.
What if my Ayushman card is lost?
You can get a duplicate card generated by visiting any CSC or empanelled hospital with your Aadhaar card. There is no charge for reissuance.
Is there a time limit for treatment?
There is no time limit. You can avail treatment at any empanelled hospital at any time during the year, as long as the treatment falls under the 1,949 approved packages.
Can I use the card in any state?
Yes, Ayushman Bharat is a national scheme. You can use your card at any empanelled hospital in any state across India.
Important Tips
- Check your eligibility at mera.pmjay.gov.in before visiting a hospital to avoid disappointment.
- Always carry both your Ayushman card and Aadhaar card when visiting an empanelled hospital.
- Keep your mobile number updated for any communications related to the scheme.
- If you face any issues, call the helpline at 14555 (in Hindi and English).
- The scheme covers treatment at both government and private empanelled hospitals — you are not limited to government hospitals.
Conclusion
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY provides health coverage to millions of families who cannot afford expensive medical treatment. The document requirements are minimal — a ration card or Aadhaar card is enough to get started. Check your eligibility, get your Ayushman card, and keep it ready for any medical emergency.
For detailed information about the scheme including the full list of empanelled hospitals and covered treatments, visit the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY page on UmangIndia.