Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme

Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme provides free cashless health coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per year to every Indian senior citizen aged 70 years and above, regardless of income, under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. Senior citizens can register online at beneficiary.nha.gov.in or through the Ayushman App on Android or iOS.

Introduction of Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme: A Brief Insight

Healthcare costs in old age are among the biggest financial burdens Indian families face. A single hospitalisation for a cardiac procedure, kidney treatment, or orthopaedic surgery can wipe out years of savings. For senior citizens aged 70 and above, this risk is highest. Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme removes this financial burden entirely by providing free cashless health coverage to every Indian senior citizen aged 70 and above, regardless of income.

The Union Cabinet approved the scheme in September 2024 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched it on 29 October 2024 as an expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The National Health Authority (NHA), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, implements the scheme across all 36 States and UTs, including West Bengal, which joined in May 2026. The scheme targets 6 crore senior citizens from 4.5 crore families across India.

Every Indian citizen aged 70 years and above receives a separate Ayushman Vay Vandana Card with Rs. 5 lakh annual cashless health coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. There is no income limit, no premium, and no waiting period. Coverage starts from day one of enrolment, including pre-existing diseases. Senior citizens from families already covered under AB-PMJAY receive an additional top-up of Rs. 5 lakh specifically for themselves over and above the existing family cover. Treatment covers 1,961 procedures across 27 specialities at 31,466 empanelled hospitals, including 14,194 private hospitals across India. Portability ensures treatment at any empanelled hospital in any state.

As of 31 December 2025, 96.73 lakh cards have been issued and 10.33 lakh hospital admissions worth Rs. 2,154.37 crore have been authorised. Senior citizens can apply online at beneficiary.nha.gov.in, through the Ayushman App on Android or iOS, at the nearest empanelled hospital, or at any Common Service Centre. Only an Aadhaar Card and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number are required. No income certificate is needed.

Senior citizens who also need pension support alongside health coverage can explore the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana, which provides guaranteed pension income to senior citizens aged 60 and above through LIC of India. Elderly persons looking for social security support can additionally check the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, which provides monthly pension assistance to BPL senior citizens across India.

Senior citizens, caregivers, families, and anyone looking for more health schemes, pension programmes, social security initiatives, and welfare benefits for elderly persons can also explore other available schemes under our Welfare Schemes List of Central Government section.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme provides comprehensive cashless health coverage to all Indian senior citizens aged 70 years and above at empanelled hospitals across India.

Health Coverage Benefits

• Free cashless health coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per year for every eligible senior citizen aged 70 and above
• Existing AB-PMJAY family beneficiaries aged 70 and above receive an additional top-up cover of Rs. 5 lakh per year specifically for themselves over and above the family cover
• No income limit, no premium payment, and no waiting period, coverage starts from day one of enrolment
• Covers pre-existing diseases as per AB-PMJAY package rules from the date of enrolment
• Covers 1,961 medical procedures across 27 specialities, including General Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Cardiology, and Oncology

Hospital Network Benefits

• Cashless treatment available at 31,466 empanelled hospitals across India, including 14,194 private hospitals
• The portability feature allows beneficiaries to access treatment at any empanelled hospital across India, regardless of their state of residence
• Treatment available at both Government and private empanelled hospitals under AB-PMJAY

Treatment Types Covered

• Cardiac procedures, including Coronary Angioplasty and Pacemaker Implantation
• Kidney treatment, including Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis
• Orthopaedic surgeries, including Total Hip Replacement and Total Knee Replacement
• Cancer treatment under Oncology packages
• Neurological treatments, including Acute Ischemic Stroke management
• General surgeries, including Gallbladder Removal, Cataract Surgery, and Prostate Resection

Achievement Data

• As of 31 December 2025, more than 96.73 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards have been issued across all States and UTs
• As of 31 December 2025, 10.33 lakh hospital admissions worth Rs. 2,154.37 crore were authorised under the scheme
• Scheme now covers all 36 States and UTs, including West Bengal, which joined AB-PMJAY in May 2026

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The following eligibility conditions apply to senior citizens seeking health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme as per official guidelines of the National Health Authority.

Who Is Eligible

• Applicant must be an Indian citizen
• Applicant must be 70 years of age or above
• No income limit applies; every Indian citizen aged 70 and above qualifies, regardless of economic status
• No caste or category restriction, both rural and urban residents are eligible
• Applicant must have a valid Aadhaar Card for identity verification and e-KYC
• Applicant must have a mobile number linked with Aadhaar for OTP-based verification

Additional Benefit for Existing AB-PMJAY Beneficiaries

• Senior citizens aged 70 and above who already belong to families covered under AB-PMJAY receive an additional top-up cover of Rs. 5 lakh per year specifically for themselves over and above the existing family cover

Who Is Not Eligible

• Individuals below 70 years of age
• Persons unable to complete Aadhaar-based identity verification
• Senior citizens covered under CGHS, ECHS, or Ayushman CAPF who choose to retain their existing scheme instead of opting for AB-PMJAY

Documents Required to be Attached

Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme registration process is Aadhaar-based. Senior citizens must keep the following documents ready before applying.

• Aadhaar Card of the applicant
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar for OTP verification
• Age proof confirming age of 70 years or above, wherever required during verification

Important: No income certificate is required. The scheme covers all Indian senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income or economic status.

How Senior Citizens Can Apply for Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme

Senior citizens can register for the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme through four different channels. All methods use Aadhaar-based e-KYC for instant card generation.

Method 1: Online Through Beneficiary Portal

Step 1: Visit the official Ayushman Bharat beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in on any browser.

Step 2: Select Beneficiary as login type and enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, captcha, and OTP to log in.

Step 3: After logging in, click on Click Here to Enrol. Select Ayushman Vay Vandana from the scheme dropdown. This step is important to ensure the correct scheme is selected.

Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar number and captcha, then click Search to find your details.

Step 5: Complete e-KYC through Aadhaar OTP. Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and give consent.

Step 6: After successful e-KYC, your Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is generated immediately and is ready to download from beneficiary.nha.gov.in.

Method 2: Through the Ayushman App

Step 1: Download the Ayushman App from Google Play Store on your Android device or from Apple App Store in you iOS device.

Step 2: Open the app and select Beneficiary as the login type. Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, captcha, and OTP to log in.

Step 3: Select Ayushman Vay Vandana from the scheme options and enter your Aadhaar number to search your details.

Step 4: Complete e-KYC using Aadhaar OTP or Face Authentication through the app camera. Face Authentication matches your face with Aadhaar records instantly.

Step 5: After successful e-KYC, download your Ayushman Vay Vandana Card directly from the app.

Method 3: Through Nearest Empanelled Hospital

Step 1: Visit any nearest hospital empanelled under AB-PMJAY with your Aadhaar Card and Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Find the nearest empanelled hospital through pmjay.gov.in.

Step 2: Contact the Ayushman Mitra or help desk at the hospital and request enrolment for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.

Step 3: The Ayushman Mitra verifies your Aadhaar details and completes the e-KYC process on your behalf.

Step 4: After successful verification, the card is generated and is issued to you at the hospital’s help desk itself.

Method 4: Through Common Service Centre (CSC)

Step 1: Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) in your area with your Aadhaar Card and Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Step 2: Request the CSC operator to enrol you under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card Scheme.

Step 3: The CSC operator completes the Aadhaar-based e-KYC process using the official beneficiary portal.

Step 4: After successful e-KYC, the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is generated, and the operator downloads it for you.

Important: Senior citizens can also give a missed call on 1800-110-770 or call Toll Free 14555 to know more about the scheme and find the nearest enrolment centre. Coverage starts from the day of enrolment with no waiting period for any disease or treatment.

Important Links Available

• Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Registration and Download, Official Beneficiary Portal.
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Official Portal.
• Ayushman App, Official Download, Google Play Store, Android.
• Ayushman App, Official Download, Apple App Store, iOS.
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India Official Portal.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

Senior citizens facing issues related to Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme registration, card download, hospital empanelment, or scheme-related queries can contact the following official channels.

• Toll-Free Helpline: 14555
• Missed Call: 1800-110-770
• National Health Authority
  9th Floor, Tower-l, Jeevan Bharati Building,
  Connaught Place,
  New Delhi 110001
• For local assistance: Visit the nearest empanelled hospital help desk or the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme?

Ans. Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme is a Central Government initiative launched on 29 October 2024 under AB-PMJAY to provide free cashless health coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per year to all Indian senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income or economic status.

Q. Who launched this scheme?

Ans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card on 29 October 2024. The Union Cabinet approved the scheme in September 2024. The National Health Authority (NHA) implements the scheme.

Q. Is there any income limit to get the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?

Ans. No. There is no income limit under this scheme. Every Indian citizen aged 70 years and above qualifies for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card regardless of their income, occupation, caste, or economic status.

Q. What is the health coverage under this scheme?

Ans. Every eligible senior citizen receives free cashless health coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation at empanelled hospitals across India.

Q. What additional benefit do existing AB-PMJAY beneficiaries get?

Ans. Senior citizens aged 70 and above who already belong to families covered under AB-PMJAY receive an additional top-up cover of Rs. 5 lakh per year specifically for themselves over and above the existing family cover.

Q. How many hospitals are empanelled under this scheme?

Ans. Beneficiaries can access cashless treatment at 31,466 empanelled hospitals across India, including 14,194 private hospitals under AB-PMJAY.

Q. Can senior citizens get treatment in any state?

Ans. Yes. The portability feature of AB-PMJAY allows Ayushman Vay Vandana Card holders to access treatment at any empanelled hospital across India, regardless of their state of residence.

Q. Is there a waiting period before availing of treatment?

Ans. No. There is no waiting period under this scheme. Coverage starts from the day of enrolment and pre-existing diseases are also covered from day one as per AB-PMJAY package rules.

Q. What diseases and treatments does the scheme cover?

Ans. The scheme covers 1,961 medical procedures across 27 specialities, including cardiac procedures, kidney treatment, orthopaedic surgeries, cancer treatment, neurological treatments, cataract surgery, gallbladder removal, and prostate resection, among others.

Q. How can senior citizens apply for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?

Ans. Senior citizens can apply through four channels. They can register online at beneficiary.nha.gov.in, download the Ayushman App on Android from Google Play Store or iOS from App Store, visit the nearest empanelled hospital help desk, or visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).

Q. What documents are required to apply?

Ans. Only an Aadhaar Card and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number are required for Aadhaar-based e-KYC registration. No income certificate or BPL proof is required.

Q. How many Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards have been issued so far?

Ans. As of 31 December 2025, more than 96.73 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards have been issued across all States and UTs with 10.33 lakh hospital admissions worth Rs. 2,154.37 crore authorised under the scheme.

Q. What is the difference between the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card and the regular Ayushman Card?

Ans. The regular Ayushman Card covers families in the bottom 40% of India’s population based on socio-economic criteria with a Rs. 5 lakh family cover. The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card covers every Indian citizen aged 70 and above, regardless of income with a separate Rs. 5 lakh individual cover. Senior citizens from AB-PMJAY families get both the family cover and the additional Vay Vandana top-up cover.

Q. Can senior citizens under CGHS or ECHS also get the Vay Vandana Card?

Ans. Senior citizens currently covered under CGHS, ECHS, or Ayushman CAPF can choose between their existing scheme or opt for AB-PMJAY. They cannot avail both schemes simultaneously.

Q. Is the scheme available in West Bengal?

Ans. Yes. West Bengal joined AB-PMJAY in May 2026. The scheme now covers all 36 States and UTs across India, including West Bengal.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.