The Government of India has expanded its flagship health insurance scheme to provide free and cashless treatment to senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. This special initiative ensures that elderly citizens can access quality healthcare without worrying about high medical expenses.

The scheme is part of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the world’s largest government-funded health assurance program.

Let’s understand everything in detail — eligibility, benefits, coverage, application process, and important updates.

What is Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana?

Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana is a special expansion under AB-PMJAY designed specifically for senior citizens aged 70 years and above.

Under this scheme:

• Eligible elderly citizens receive ₹5 lakh free health insurance coverage per year

• Treatment is cashless and paperless

• Available at empanelled government and private hospitals across India

• Coverage is provided on an individual basis

This initiative was officially expanded on October 29, 2024, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced nationwide inclusion of all citizens aged 70+ under the scheme.

Key Benefits of Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card

 1. Free Treatment up to ₹5 Lakh Per Year

Each eligible senior citizen gets ₹5 lakh annual coverage.

 2. Additional Top-Up Benefit

Senior citizens already covered under PM-JAY receive an additional ₹5 lakh top-up cover per year.

 3. No Income Limit

Unlike earlier versions of the scheme:

• No income criteria

• No caste restrictions

• No socio-economic eligibility filter

Every Indian resident aged 70+ can apply.

 4. Coverage of 2,000+ Medical Procedures

Includes treatment across 27+ medical specialties such as:

• Heart surgery

• Cancer treatment

• Kidney dialysis

• ICU care

• Major surgeries

• Diagnostics

• Medicines

• Emergency care

 5. Valid Across India

The card can be used at any empanelled Ayushman hospital in the country.

Who is Eligible?

To apply for Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, you must:

• Be a resident of India

• Be 70 years or older

• Have a valid Aadhaar card

• Have an active mobile number linked to Aadhaar

There is no income limit.

However, if you are already availing benefits under schemes like:

• CGHS

• ECHS

• CAPF

You will need to choose one scheme.

How to Apply for Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card

The process is simple and can be completed from home.

Method 1: Through Ayushman App

1. Download the Ayushman App from Google Play Store.

2. Open the app and choose:

   • Beneficiary login OR

   • Operator login

3. Enter:

   • Mobile number

   • Captcha

   • Authentication method

4. Select your state.

5. Enter Aadhaar details.

6. If your name does not appear:

   • Complete e-KYC via OTP.

7. Fill personal details.

8. Submit declaration form.

9. Verify using OTP.

10. Enter category and PIN code.

11. Add family members (optional).

After verification, the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card will be issued.

Method 2: Through Official Website

Visit:
 https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in

Steps:

• Login with mobile number

• Verify through OTP

• Enter Aadhaar details

• Complete e-KYC

• Download the card

Method 3: Offline Registration

You can also visit:

• Nearest empanelled hospital

• Common Service Centre (CSC)

Carry:

• Aadhaar card

• Age proof

• Mobile number

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card

• Age proof (if required)

• Mobile number linked to Aadhaar

Helpline Number

For assistance, call:

 14555

How Many Cards Have Been Issued?

As of December 5, 2026, more than 93 lakh Ayushman Vaya Vandana cards have been issued across India, reflecting strong adoption among senior citizens.

Special Updates

• Senior citizens in Delhi are also eligible.

• The newly formed BJP government had promised in its 100-day action plan to enroll at least 1 lakh senior citizens within 30 days.

• The scheme significantly reduces medical burden on families.

Frequently Asked Question

Question:

‘Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card’ is a part of which scheme?

Correct Answer:
(b) Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

Why This Scheme Is Important

Healthcare expenses in old age can be financially devastating. With rising costs of:

• Surgeries

• Cancer treatments

• Long-term hospitalization

• ICU care

The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card provides financial security and dignity to elderly citizens.

It ensures:

• No upfront hospital payment

• Nationwide portability

• Cashless treatment

• Reduced family burden

Conclusion

If you have a family member aged 70 years or above, you should immediately apply for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. It offers ₹5 lakh annual health coverage, works across India, and requires no income verification.

This initiative under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana marks a major step toward universal healthcare coverage for senior citizens.