Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card Apply Online 2026, Download, Benefits & Eligibility

The Government of India has launched the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the expanded Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Through this initiative, elderly citizens can avail free cashless treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh every year at empanelled hospitals across the country, irrespective of their income, caste, occupation or socio-economic status.

The programme forms part of broader Union Government Schemes focused on strengthening healthcare access and financial protection for senior citizens.

To avail the benefits of the scheme, eligible beneficiaries must complete registration through the PMJAY Beneficiary Portal or Ayushman App. After successful verification and eKYC, the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card can be downloaded online and used for cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals anywhere in India. In this article, we explain the eligibility criteria, registration process, card download procedure, benefits, latest updates and other important details.

Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card 2026 Overview

Particulars	Details
Scheme Name	Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Yojana
Card Name	Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card
Launched By	Government of India
Beneficiaries	Citizens aged 70 years and above
Health Coverage	Up to ₹5 Lakh per year
Registration Mode	Online
Coverage Type	Cashless Healthcare
Official Portal	https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/
PM-JAY Website	https://pmjay.gov.in/
Helpline Number	14555, 1800-11-1565, 1800-11-0770
Scheme Category	Central Government Health Scheme

Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card

Applicants must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:

• Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• Age should be 70 years or above.
• No income ceiling has been prescribed.
• Citizens from all social and economic backgrounds are eligible.
• Existing PM-JAY beneficiaries must complete eKYC to activate the Vaya Vandana Card.

Unlike the original Ayushman Bharat scheme which was based on socio-economic criteria, the Vaya Vandana expansion covers all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income or category.

Documents Required

The following documents may be required while applying online:

• Aadhaar Card
• Aadhaar-linked Mobile Number
• Passport Size Photograph (if required)
• Age Proof (if applicable)

How to Apply Online for Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card

Eligible senior citizens can apply online through the PMJAY Beneficiary Portal by following the steps below:

Step 1: Visit PMJAY Beneficiary Portal
Open the official PMJAY Beneficiary Portal:
https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/

Step 2: Login with Mobile Number
Enter your mobile number and complete OTP verification.

Step 3: Select Enrollment option 
Once logged in, hit the "Click Here to Enroll" tab.

Step 4: Verify Aadhaar Details

Verify Aadhaar information and complete the authentication process.

Step 5: Complete eKYC
Complete the mandatory eKYC process to establish eligibility.

Step 6: Submit Application
Review the entered information and submit the registration request.

Step 7: Card Generation
After successful verification, the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card will be generated and made available for download.

Applicants may also register through the official Ayushman App:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beneficiaryapp

For assistance, beneficiaries can call the toll-free helpline number 14555.

Important Note for Existing Ayushman Card Holders

Senior citizens who are already enrolled under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY must still complete the mandatory eKYC process to activate the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card. After successful verification, the updated card can be generated and downloaded online.

Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card Download Process

After successful registration and approval, beneficiaries can download their card online by following these steps:-

• Visit https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/
• Login using registered mobile number and OTP.
• Select scheme name, state, sub-scheme, district and other options accurately.
• Accordingly, you would be able to download Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card.

The downloaded card can be presented at any empanelled hospital to avail cashless treatment under the scheme.

Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card Benefits

The major benefits and features of the scheme are as follows:-

• Free healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh every year.
• Available to all citizens aged 70 years and above.
• No income limit or socio-economic restrictions.
• Treatment for pre-existing diseases is covered from the first day.
• Cashless treatment facility at empanelled government and private hospitals.
• More than 30,000 empanelled hospitals are available under the scheme.
• Treatment can be availed anywhere in India through the PMJAY hospital network.
• Private health insurance holders can also avail benefits under the scheme.
• Nearly 6 crore senior citizens are expected to benefit from the expansion.
• Online registration, card generation and download facility.
• Additional healthcare security for elderly citizens and their families.

Coverage Sharing Rule

The Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card provides healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually.

If multiple beneficiaries aged 70 years or above belong to the same family, the available health cover may be shared among them as per applicable scheme guidelines.

Treatment Coverage Under the Scheme

Eligible beneficiaries can receive cashless treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. Coverage generally includes hospitalization expenses, medicines, diagnostic services, surgeries and treatment for various illnesses at empanelled hospitals.

One of the most important features of the scheme is that pre-existing diseases are covered from the first day of enrollment, ensuring immediate healthcare protection for senior citizens.

Latest Update on Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Yojana

As of 6th June 2026, more than 1.20 crore senior citizens have already enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Scheme. The scheme has facilitated over 13.84 lakh treatments worth approximately ₹3,000 crore, highlighting its growing impact on healthcare access for elderly citizens across India.

The government expects the scheme to continue expanding healthcare protection for senior citizens in the coming years.

Need for Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card

India's elderly population is increasing rapidly. According to the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), the proportion of elderly citizens is expected to rise significantly over the coming decades.

Healthcare expenses often become a major burden on senior citizens and their families. The Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Yojana has been introduced to provide financial protection against rising medical costs and ensure access to quality healthcare services during old age.

The scheme represents a major step towards strengthening healthcare security for India's ageing population.

Major Beneficiaries Under the Scheme

The expanded Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Yojana is expected to cover nearly 6 crore senior citizens from approximately 4.5 crore families.

Important beneficiary groups include:-

• Senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
• Around 1.78 crore beneficiaries already covered under the original Ayushman Bharat scheme.
• Beneficiaries covered under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
• Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) beneficiaries.
• Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) beneficiaries.
• Senior citizens holding private health insurance policies.

Beneficiaries covered under CGHS and ECHS may choose whether to continue with their existing healthcare coverage or opt for Ayushman Bharat benefits. ESIC beneficiaries can continue availing ESIC benefits while also being eligible under the scheme as per applicable guidelines.

PM Modi on Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card

While launching the initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that every citizen aged 70 years and above would receive the benefit of free treatment under the scheme. According to him, the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card will help reduce healthcare expenses for families and provide greater financial security to senior citizens during old age.

The initiative aims to ensure that elderly citizens can access quality healthcare services without worrying about expensive medical treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card?
Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card is a health card issued to citizens aged 70 years and above under the expanded AB-PMJAY scheme to provide cashless treatment benefits up to ₹5 lakh annually.

Q2. Who can apply for Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card?
All Indian citizens aged 70 years or above are eligible irrespective of income, caste or socio-economic status.

Q3. What is the healthcare coverage available under the scheme?
Eligible beneficiaries receive healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year.

Q4. How can I apply online for Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card?
Applicants can apply through the PMJAY Beneficiary Portal, Ayushman App or by calling the helpline number 14555.

Q5. How can I download my Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card?
After successful verification and approval, beneficiaries can login to the PMJAY Beneficiary Portal and download the card online.

Q6. Are pre-existing diseases covered under the scheme?
Yes. All pre-existing diseases are covered from the first day of enrollment.

Q7. Can private health insurance holders avail benefits under this scheme?
Yes. Senior citizens who already have private health insurance can also avail benefits under the scheme.

Q8. Is eKYC mandatory for existing Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries?
Yes. Existing beneficiaries must complete eKYC to activate the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card.

Q9. What is the official helpline number?
The official toll-free helpline number for the scheme is 14555.