Ayushman Bharat Golden Card – How to Apply Online, Eligibility List, Who Can Get It

The Ayushman Bharat Golden Card acts as a key to cashless and paperless treatment for those in need across the country. Each family covered under this scheme receives health insurance coverage up to rs 5 lakh every year and enabling them to get secondary and tertiary medical treatment and bills will be paid through Ayushman Bharat Golden card across India especially to those citizens who are economically weak and can’t afford treatment. Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana known by name of

Healthcare is a basic human right, yet millions across India still struggle with expensive medical treatments. To ensure that every citizen, especially those from economically weaker sections, can access quality healthcare without financial stress, the (PM-JAY) — popularly known as the Ayushman Bharat Golden Card Scheme.

🌿 What Makes the Ayushman Bharat Golden Card Unique?

The Ayushman Bharat Golden Card is more than just a health card as it assists comprehensive healthcare assurance those who can’t afford treatment.

👥 Who Are eligible for the Ayushman Bharat Golden Card?

To be Eligibility for the Ayushman Bharat Golden Card candidate should be from Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data and It primarily targets families belonging to economically weaker sections. Below are the key eligibility criteria:

1. Families listed under the SECC database are eligible for Ayushman Bharat Golden card.
2. Ration card holders recognized by the state government can also apply for golden card.
3. RSBY beneficiaries – Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana) are automatically included.
4. States may add additional eligibility filters depending on regional needs.

📋 Eligibility Criteria

🚫 who can’t apply for Ayushman Bharat Scheme?

While the scheme covers a vast population, some categories are not eligible under PM-JAY:

1. State or Central Government employees.
2. Individuals with existing private or employer-based health insurance.
3. Households with high income, owning assets like cars, tractors, or large farmland.
4. Those owning mechanized farming equipment, Kisan credit cards (₹50,000+ limit), or earning more than ₹10,000 per month.

🧾 How to Apply for the Ayushman Bharat Golden Card?

The government has simplified both online and offline application processes to ensure that beneficiaries can apply easily from anywhere.

✅ Online Application Process

1. Visit the official website of PM JAY at pmjay.gov.in
2. Select your state under the “How to Apply” section.
3. Fill out the application form as per your state’s website instructions.
4. Upload required documents such as Aadhaar card, proof of address, and income certificate.
5. Submit the form and wait for verification.

🏢 Offline Application Process

1. Visit your nearest Common Service Centre or Ayushman Enrollment Centre.
2. Provide required documents like ID proof, address proof and family details.
3. The operator will help fill and submit your form.
4. After successful verification then you will receive an acknowledgment slip with the expected date of card delivery.

🩺 Activating and Using the Ayushman Bharat Golden Card

When candidate will receive golden card then it need to be activated by following steps:

1. Go to an empanelled hospital or CSC center with your card and ID proof.
2. Once activated, you’ll get a confirmation SMS.
3. Present your Golden Card at any PM-JAY hospital’s help desk to avail cashless treatment.

All your hospitalization costs — from consultation to surgery, medicines, and follow-ups — will be covered under this scheme.

🏥 What’s Covered Under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?

PM-JAY offers one of the most extensive healthcare coverage plans in India. Below is the list of treatments and services included under the ₹5 lakh cover:

The ₹5 lakh coverage applies on a family floater basis, meaning any member can use the full limit if needed.

🌾 Rural and Urban Beneficiary Categories

The scheme includes specific inclusion criteria for both rural and urban families based on livelihood and income factors.

Rural Beneficiaries

Families are covered if they fall under any of these categories:

1. Only one room with kucha walls and roof
2. No adult member (16–59 years)
3. Female-headed household with no adult male
4. SC/ST or landless families
5. Manual laborers or bonded workers
6. Primitive tribal groups or destitute families

Urban Beneficiaries

Eligible urban workers include:

1. Ragpickers, domestic workers, and street vendors
2. Construction laborers, plumbers, painters, security guards
3. Drivers, helpers, and rickshaw pullers
4. Electricians, tailors, mechanics, and delivery assistants
5. Sweepers, washermen, and chowkidars

🗂️ Documents Required for Ayushman Bharat Golden Card

To apply successfully, keep these documents ready:

1. Aadhaar Card / PAN Card (for identity)
2. Proof of Address (utility bill or ration card)
3. Caste Certificate (if applicable)
4. Income Certificate
5. Family structure proof (joint or nuclear)
6. Contact details (mobile number, email ID)

🔗 Important Links