Ayushman Vay Vandana Card – How to Get It
Written by Aruna Sane
Last reviewed: 15 September 2026 | Senior Citizen Information Researcher
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is a landmark health insurance initiative by the Government of India, specifically designed to provide health coverage to senior citizens aged 70 years and above. Launched under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), this card ensures that elderly citizens have access to quality healthcare without the burden of financial stress.
What is the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is a health insurance card that provides ₹5 lakh per family per year of cashless health coverage to senior citizens aged 70 and above. It was introduced in October 2025 as an extension of the existing Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme, with special provisions for the elderly population.
Unlike the regular Ayushman card which covers families below the poverty line, the Vay Vandana Card specifically targets senior citizens, recognizing the increased healthcare needs that come with advancing age.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Must be 70 years or above as on the date of application.
- Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Income: No income restriction – all senior citizens aged 70+ are eligible regardless of their economic status.
- Existing Coverage: Even if you are already covered under another health insurance scheme, you can still apply for the Vay Vandana Card.
Benefits of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
- Health Coverage: ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
- Cashless Treatment: Cashless and paperless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India.
- Pre and Post Hospitalization: Coverage for expenses up to 3 days before hospitalization and 15 days after discharge.
- Day Care Procedures: Coverage for over 1,949 day care procedures that do not require 24-hour hospitalization.
- Portable Coverage: The card can be used at any empanelled hospital anywhere in India, regardless of your state of residence.
- No Waiting Period: Coverage starts immediately – no waiting period for pre-existing diseases.
- Family Coverage: Each senior citizen gets separate ₹5 lakh coverage – it is not shared among family members.
Empanelled Hospitals
As of 2026, there are over 29,000 empanelled hospitals across India under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. These include:
- Government hospitals at district and state level
- Private hospitals meeting the empanelment criteria
- Trust and charitable hospitals
- NABH and NABL accredited facilities
You can find the complete list of empanelled hospitals on the Ayushman Bharat website at beneficiary.nha.gov.in or by calling the helpline at 14555 / 1800-111-565.
How to Apply for Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Visit the beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in and enter your Aadhaar number to check if you are eligible.
Step 2: Visit the Nearest Centre
You can apply through any of the following:
- Ayushman Bharat Service Centers (located at district hospitals)
- Common Service Centres (CSCs) across India
- Empanelled hospitals (many hospitals have dedicated Ayushman help desks)
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Step 3: Submit Documents
Carry the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for identity verification)
- Ration Card or other family identification document
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Passport-size photograph (some centres may take a live photo)
Step 4: Biometric Verification
Complete the biometric verification using your Aadhaar. The process is quick and takes only a few minutes.
Step 5: Receive Your Card
Once verified, your Ayushman Vay Vandana Card will be generated digitally. You can download it immediately from the beneficiary portal or the Ayushman app.
How to Download from Beneficiary Portal
- Visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
- Click on "Download Card" option.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with OTP.
- Select the family member whose card you want to download.
- Click "Download" to save the card as a PDF.
- Print the card and keep it handy for hospital visits.
How to Use the Card at a Hospital
- Visit any empanelled hospital with your Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.
- Go to the Ayushman help desk at the hospital.
- Show your card and Aadhaar for verification.
- The hospital will verify your eligibility and proceed with cashless treatment.
- No payment is required from your side for covered treatments.
Schemes Covered Under the Card
| Treatment Category | Examples of Covered Procedures |
|---|---|
| Cardiology | Heart bypass, angioplasty, valve replacement |
| Orthopedics | Joint replacement, spine surgery |
| Oncology | Cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation |
| Neurology | Brain surgery, stroke treatment |
| Nephrology | Dialysis, kidney transplant |
| Ophthalmology | Cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment |
| Pulmonology | Lung surgery, respiratory treatments |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card if I already have private health insurance?
Yes, having private health insurance does not disqualify you. The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is available to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of existing coverage.
Is there any fee for getting the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?
No, the card is completely free. The government bears all costs associated with the scheme.
Can I use the card at any hospital in India?
You can use the card only at hospitals that are empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. There are over 29,000 such hospitals across India.
What if I am not found in the beneficiary list?
If you are not found in the list despite being eligible (age 70+), you can file a grievance at the hospital help desk or call the helpline at 14555. Your eligibility will be verified and the card will be issued.
Does the ₹5 lakh cover include pre and post hospitalization expenses?
Yes, the ₹5 lakh cover includes expenses for 3 days before hospitalization and 15 days after discharge, including medicines, diagnostics, and consultation charges.
Can a 69-year-old apply for the card?
No, the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is specifically for senior citizens aged 70 and above. However, if you are part of an eligible PM-JAY family, you may be covered under the regular Ayushman card.