Ayushman Card: In a major step to make healthcare easy and free for India’s elderly population, the central government has launched the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card (AVVC) under the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY scheme. This special health card gives ₹5 lakh free medical coverage every year to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, no matter what their income or background is. The best part? You can apply for it easily from your mobile phone using the Ayushman App.
All You Need to Know
- Name of Scheme: Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana (AVVY)
- Launched Under: Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY
- Started From: October 29, 2024
- Eligibility: Every Indian citizen aged 70 years or above
- Income Limit: No income check, no exclusions for pre-existing conditions
- Medical Coverage: ₹5 lakh per year, cashless treatment
- Hospitals Covered: Over 30,000 across India
- Application Mode: Through Ayushman App or official website
- Card Download Time: Within 15–20 minutes after approval
- Hotline Numbers: 14555 / 1800-11-0770 (24×7 support)
Ayushman Card: What is the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?
This is a special health ID card made just for Indians who are 70 years or older. Once you get this card, you can receive ₹5 lakh worth of free hospital treatment every year. This includes surgeries, cancer care, dialysis, heart treatments, and much more – even pre-existing illnesses are covered right from the start. This is a huge relief for senior citizens who may not have regular income or private health insurance.
What Treatments Are Covered?
The card covers 1,961 medical procedures across 27 specialties like:
- Heart surgeries (angiograms, pacemakers)
- Cancer care
- Dialysis
- Knee and hip replacements
- Bone and joint treatments
- ICU stays, hospitalisation, and post-operative care
Who Can Apply?
If you are:
- An Indian citizen aged 70 or above
- Have a valid Aadhaar Card
- Your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar
Then you can apply, even if you’re not from an economically weaker section. There is no income test and no delay in treatment – coverage starts immediately.
How to Apply via Ayushman App (Mobile Method)
- Download the Ayushman App from Google Play Store.
- Choose “Login as Beneficiary” and enter your mobile number and captcha.
- Verify OTP.
- Select ‘Enrollment for 70+’.
- Enter your Aadhaar number, complete e-KYC.
- Fill personal details, upload a photo, and submit.
- You’ll get your Ayushman Vay Vandana Card within minutes.
How to Apply via Website
- Go to the Ayushman Bharat official website.
- Enter your mobile number and captcha to log in with OTP.
- Click ‘Enrollment for Senior Citizens (70+)’.
- Enter Aadhaar details and complete e-KYC using OTP or biometrics.
- Fill your info, upload live photo, give consent, and submit.
- Card will be ready to download in about 15-20 minutes.
Current Stats of the Scheme
- Applications received: 65,97,096
- Approved: 64,96,101
- Pending: 96,203
- Rejected: 4,792
- Cards distributed: 434 (as of now)
- Top states: Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh
Why This Scheme Is So Important
Most senior citizens spend a huge amount of their savings on medical bills. Many avoid treatment due to high hospital charges. This card changes that. With this government scheme, India’s elderly can now receive good quality treatment without worrying about money. Whether it’s a heart surgery or a cancer check-up, the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card takes care of it all – free of cost.
Already Have PM-JAY or Other Insurance?
- If you’re already enrolled in Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, this scheme works as a top-up, giving you ₹5 lakh extra coverage.
- If you have other government or private insurance, you’ll need to choose one plan.
Where Can You Use This Card?
At over 30,000 hospitals across the country, including:
- More than 13,000 private hospitals
- All empanelled public hospitals
Need Help?
Call 14555 or 1800-11-0770 – toll-free numbers available 24×7 for help with applying, downloading the card, or finding hospitals.
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FAQs
Who can apply for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?
Any Indian citizen aged 70 years or more with a valid Aadhaar and linked mobile number.
Is income or BPL status required?
No, this scheme is for all above 70, regardless of income or category.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Yes, from day one. No waiting period at all.
How can I download the card?
Once your e-KYC is done, the card is ready to download in the app or from the official website.
Is this different from regular Ayushman Bharat card?
Yes. This is specially for 70+ citizens and offers an extra ₹5 lakh cover, even if you’re already enrolled in PM-JAY.
