Ayushman Card Eligibility 2026: Who Can Get PM-JAY Benefits and How to Apply Online?

Updated October 02, 2026 — Written by Dr. Shabbir Hussain, BPT, Registered Physiotherapist | Clinical Rehabilitation Specialist

Quick Answer – Ayushman Card Eligibility 2026

The biggest change to Ayushman Card eligibility is for senior citizens: if you are 70 or older, you can qualify for AB-PMJAY regardless of your income or economic status. For people under 70, eligibility generally depends on the applicable government or state beneficiary database.

Getting an Ayushman Card is not simply a matter of meeting an income limit. The eligibility process depends on which PM-JAY category you fall under—and the rules for people aged 70 and above are now particularly important.

For senior citizens, the government has expanded AB-PMJAY to cover everyone aged 70 years or above, regardless of economic status.

How do I check my PMJAY eligibility?

You should check your name through the official PM-JAY beneficiary system rather than relying on unofficial websites or agents.

For the regular PM-JAY population, beneficiary identification has historically been based on government databases, including SECC-related eligibility criteria and, depending on the state, integrated state health-scheme databases.

If your details are not found, that does not automatically mean that every member of your household can simply register as a new regular PM-JAY beneficiary. State-specific rules and databases can affect eligibility.

Official PM-JAY Beneficiary Portal

Who is eligible for PMJAY?

For the original PM-JAY beneficiary population, eligibility is based on government-identified poor and vulnerable households using prescribed criteria. States can also integrate their own beneficiary databases with PM-JAY.

A major additional category is senior citizens aged 70 years and above. They are eligible irrespective of income or socio-economic status.

PM-JAY provides health assurance for eligible beneficiaries for covered secondary and tertiary hospitalization services through empanelled hospitals.

Can I apply for an Ayushman Card by myself?

Yes, in eligible categories you can use the official beneficiary portal or the Ayushman App for enrolment.

For people aged 70+, the National Health Authority specifically states that beneficiaries can enrol through the official beneficiary portal or Ayushman App. Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for enrolment in this senior-citizen category.

Avoid sharing your Aadhaar OTP with an unknown person claiming they can “activate” your card. Use official government channels whenever possible.

How to apply for an Ayushman Card for 70 years old?

If the person is 70 years or older, the process is particularly straightforward:

1. Open the official PM-JAY beneficiary portal or Ayushman App.
2. Start the beneficiary enrolment process.
3. Complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
4. Verify the person’s age and identity.
5. Complete enrolment and obtain the Ayushman Card after successful verification.

The NHA states that Aadhaar is the only document required for enrolment in the AB-PMJAY senior-citizen scheme, and eligible senior citizens receive a distinct Ayushman Card.

If multiple family members are aged 70 or above, the first member can be enrolled and other eligible 70+ members can then be added through the portal’s “Add Member” option.

What does the 70+ Ayushman Card cover?

Situation	Coverage
70+ senior citizen not already in a PM-JAY family	Up to ₹5 lakh/year on a family basis
70+ senior citizen already in a PM-JAY family	Additional top-up up to ₹5 lakh/year for 70+ members

What Documents Are Needed for a 70+ Ayushman Card?

For enrolment in the AB-PMJAY senior-citizen scheme, NHA states that Aadhaar is the only document required, and Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory.

Is There a Waiting Period for the 70+ Ayushman Card?

No. According to the National Health Authority, eligible senior citizens can begin accessing treatment from the first day of enrolment. There is no waiting period for any disease or treatment under the 70+ AB-PMJAY enrolment.

Does PM-JAY Cover Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation?

PM-JAY is primarily a health-assurance scheme for covered hospitalisation and specified healthcare packages; it should not be confused with a general physiotherapy reimbursement card.

Physiotherapy may form part of rehabilitation following certain medical conditions, surgeries or hospital treatments when the relevant treatment package includes it. Whether a particular physiotherapy service is covered depends on the applicable PM-JAY package and the empanelled hospital.

Key takeaway

If you are 70 or older, age itself now makes you eligible for AB-PMJAY irrespective of income. For younger people, eligibility generally depends on inclusion in the applicable government/state beneficiary database. Always verify eligibility through the official PM-JAY system before paying anyone to create an Ayushman Card.

MEDICAL SOURCES

• National Health Authority — FAQs related to the benefits for senior citizens under AB-PMJAY
  View NHA Senior Citizen FAQs
• Press Information Bureau / Government of India — Health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above under AB-PMJAY
  View Government announcement
• National Health Authority — AB-PMJAY Beneficiary Identification System
  View PM-JAY operational information
• National Health Authority — PM-JAY eligibility framework
  View NHA eligibility information

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. If you have persistent, severe, worsening, or concerning symptoms, consult a qualified healthcare professional. Seek urgent medical care for emergency symptoms.