Ayushman Bharat Scheme : How to Get Free Health Insurance in India (2025 Guide)

Healthcare expenses can be a heavy burden, especially for low-income families. Recognizing this, the Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) the world’s largest government-funded health insurance program. It aims to provide free or affordable healthcare to millions of vulnerable families across India.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what Ayushman Bharat is, who is eligible, how to apply, and what benefits you can get.

What is the Ayushman Bharat Scheme?

Ayushman Bharat provides cashless health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. This means eligible families can get treatment for serious illnesses at empaneled hospitals without worrying about the bill.

The scheme covers over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families, making quality healthcare accessible and affordable.

Who is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat?

Eligibility is based on the government’s socioeconomic criteria, mainly targeting:

• Families listed in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 database under the deprivation and occupational categories.
• Those who hold a PM-JAY Golden Card issued by the government.
• Families below the poverty line (BPL) and vulnerable groups such as farmers, daily wage laborers, and the elderly.

You can check your eligibility online using your ration card or Aadhaar number on the official PM-JAY website.

How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat?

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Visit the official PM-JAY website or app and enter your ration card or Aadhaar details to see if your family is eligible.

Step 2: Obtain the Ayushman Bharat Golden Card

If eligible, you will receive a Golden Card, which acts as your health insurance ID.

Step 3: Find an Empaneled Hospital

Use the PM-JAY hospital directory to find government or private hospitals that accept Ayushman Bharat insurance.

Step 4: Avail Cashless Treatment

At the hospital, present your Golden Card to get cashless treatment. The hospital will directly claim payment from the government.

What Does Ayushman Bharat Cover?

• Hospitalization expenses for serious illnesses like heart surgery, cancer treatment, kidney failure, and more.
• Pre and post-hospitalization expenses.
• Coverage for both government and private hospitals empaneled under the scheme.
• No cap on family size or age.
• Cashless and paperless process at the hospital.

Important Tips to Remember

• You don’t need to pay anything upfront for covered treatments at empaneled hospitals.
• Keep your Golden Card safe and carry a valid ID when visiting hospitals.
• The scheme does NOT cover outpatient services or medicines bought outside hospitals.
• Beware of fraudsters offering fake Ayushman Bharat cards or charging fees the scheme is free.

Where to Get Help?

• Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) for assistance with registration and card issuance.
• Call the official PM-JAY helpline: 14555 or check the website https://pmjay.gov.in.
• Contact local health officials or social welfare officers if you face any issues.

Conclusion

Ayushman Bharat is a lifeline for millions of Indians who need affordable healthcare. If your family qualifies, don’t miss out on this free health insurance that can protect you from heavy medical expenses.

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