In 2018, the Indian government launched Ayushman Bharat to make healthcare more accessible across the country.
Initially, it established Health and Wellness Centers and introduced the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), offering health coverage to low-income families. In September 2024, it was expanded to offer free health insurance of up to ₹5 lakh annually to every Senior citizen above 70 years!
Here’s everything you need to know about this free health insurance for your parents or grandparents.
What exactly is PM-JAY?
Launched in 2018, PM-JAY is India’s largest government-backed health insurance scheme. Earlier, it used to provide ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family per year, focusing on low-income households. Recently expanded, PM-JAY now covers all citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income, ensuring they have access to essential health services.
Recent Developments in PM-JAY
| 1. All Indian citizens aged 70+ are now eligible for PM-JAY, regardless of income. |
| 2. Seniors of a family get up to ₹5 lakh annually in free health insurance covering hospital stays and treatments. |
| 3. Seniors with existing government or private health plans can add PM-JAY benefits or choose the best option. |
| 4. Already Covered senior citizens gain an extra ₹5 lakh just for themselves, separate from family coverage. |
| 5. Previously uninsured senior citizens now get ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family. |
And finally, now, senior citizens aged above 70 will receive a special Ayushman Vaya Vandana card, for easy access to benefits!
How does the Ayushmaan Vaya Vandana Card help?
The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card acts like an instant access card, allowing senior citizens to receive free hospital treatment without any out-of-pocket expenses.
Unlike traditional insurance, where payments are made upfront and later claimed, this card lets citizens aged 70 and above tap directly into ₹5 lakh of annual health coverage at eligible hospitals. It’s a cashless solution that immediately covers eligible treatments.
But what treatments?
| 1. Diabetes-related complications |
| 2. Heart diseases | 3. Respiratory conditions |
| (e.g., heart attack, bypass surgery) | (e.g., asthma, pneumonia) |
| 4. Orthopedic issues | 5. Gastrointestinal disorders |
| (e.g., joint replacement surgeries) | (e.g., appendicitis, hernia) |
| 6. Cancer treatments | 7. Kidney disorders |
| (chemotherapy, radiation) | (dialysis, transplantation) |
That’s not it! There’s a lot more covered.
Features Of Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card:
| Daycare procedures like dialysis, chemotherapy, cataract surgeries, and more. | Coverage for families of up to five members, ensuring comprehensive support. |
| No waiting period for pre-existing diseases for senior citizens. | Access to a wide network of hospitals across India. |
To apply online, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Visit the NHA Website / Ayushman App
- Step 2: Click “Register as Beneficiary” and enter your Aadhaar number
- Step 3: Complete e-KYC by verifying the OTPs sent to your mobile
- Step 4: Fill in family details and submit your application
Note: The Ayushman App is only available for android users.
Check out this video for a detailed step-by-step guide on applying!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCHDpMVCVCf/
How to find eligible Hospitals?
| Step 1 | Step 2 |
| Access the entire list of empanelled hospitals here | Search for nearby hospitals in the list to find eligible facilities in your area. |
Limitations of Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card:
Residents of Delhi and West Bengal aren’t eligible due to local government rules.
Coverage mainly applies to general wards, which may not be comfortable for senior citizens.
The hospital list is limited and usually doesn’t include premium facilities.
Hospital access varies by state, so coverage isn’t always consistent.
₹5 lakh per family might not cover serious or long-term treatments.
There’s no reimbursement if you go outside the listed hospitals.
Ayushman Card, ABHA card, Vaya Vandana card, Confused?
Here are the key differences between each of these cards:
| Feature | Ayushman Card (PM-JAY) | ABHA Card | Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card |
| Purpose | Health insurance for low-income families | Digital health record management | Health insurance for all senior citizens (70+) |
| Coverage Amount | ₹5 lakh per family annually | Not applicable (no financial coverage) | ₹5 lakh for senior citizens of family annually |
| Eligibility | Income-based criteria | Available to all Indian citizens | No income restrictions |
| Use Case | Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals | Digital access to personal health records | Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals |
| Key Benefit | Financial aid for medical treatment for low-income families | Digitized and accessible healthcare data | Senior-focused healthcare without income criteria |
Comparing PM-JAY with Private Health Insurance:
| Aspect | PM-JAY (Vaya Vandana Card) | Private Health Insurance |
| Coverage amount | 5 Lakhs | 5 Lakhs |
| Covered Riders | Senior citizens of a family | Selected Individuals (Senior Citizens) |
| Premium Cost | Free (government-funded) | ~₹14,000-₹24,000/year |
| Hospital Network | ~28,351 hospitals (12,824 private) | Generally over 10,000+ hospitals, but varies by insurer |
| Claim Process | Cashless at empanelled hospitals, no reimbursements at other hospitals. | Cashless at empanelled hospitals, reimbursements can be claimed outside empanelled hospitals. |
| Scope of Treatment | Covers major hospital treatments and surgeries only. Limited preventive care. | Broad coverage: hospital stays, surgeries, maternity, routine visits (with add-ons). |
| Customizability | Standardized, no customization | High customization: you can add specific coverage, like critical illness, regular doctor visits, maternity, or higher room rent options. |
| No-claim Bonus | Not available | Commonly includes a bonus of up to 10-50% added to the sum insured for no claims |
| Free medical check-ups | Not available | Often includes free annual health check-ups |
While the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card provides crucial support, it doesn’t replace private health insurance. For comprehensive coverage, it’s wise to consider a customized private plan suited to your specific healthcare needs.
Final Takeaway?
The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card redefines senior healthcare by removing income-based barriers and simplifying access. It lowers healthcare-related financial stress on families, making quality treatment accessible instantly at empanelled hospitals nationwide.
In an era where medical costs are rising, the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card stands out by addressing the immediate healthcare needs of senior citizens, and supporting their well-being while ensuring financial peace for families.
SUMMARY
Refer the image below for the summary of the entire Read. Hope you enjoyed the Read!
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?
All Indian citizens aged 70 or above qualify for free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh, regardless of income.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for enrollment for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?
Yes, Aadhaar-based e-KYC is required to enroll and issue the Ayushman card.
Will each eligible senior citizen get a separate Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?
Yes, all Senior Citizens (Aged 70+) receive an individual Ayushman Vaya Vandana card for easy access to benefits.
Can senior citizens with private insurance still use the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?
Yes, senior citizens can benefit from PM-JAY even if they have private insurance.
What if my family already has PM-JAY coverage?
Senior citizens (Aged 70+) get an additional ₹5 lakh top-up coverage without affecting the existing family coverage.
Is there a waiting period for treatments in Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?
No, coverage begins immediately from enrollment day, with no waiting period for any conditions or treatments.
