Ayushman Bharat Yojana 2025: ₹5 Lakh Free Health Scheme – How to Apply
No one should lose life because of lack of money. That’s the promise of the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). This scheme is a game-changer for India’s poor and lower-middle-class families who cannot afford expensive medical treatment.
In 2025, the government is expanding this scheme further with new hospitals onboard, digital health cards, and improved access in rural areas.
What is Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana?
Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest health assurance scheme, launched by the Government of India in September 2018. Under PM-JAY, eligible families can get free hospital treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year.
This scheme helps families during health emergencies, surgeries, and long-term illnesses without worrying about money.
PM-JAY covers over 10 crore families based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data, especially targeting the poor, deprived rural families and urban workers.
Who Can Apply for PM-JAY?
You do not need to register separately if you are already in the SECC list. You may be eligible if:
- You are from a low-income rural family
- You belong to Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe / OBC
- You are a daily wage laborer, domestic worker, or rickshaw puller
- You live in urban slums or work in the unorganized sector
- You are an elderly person without support
Note: No age limit and no cap on family size. Newborns are automatically covered.
To check if you are eligible, visit:
https://pmjay.gov.in
Key Benefits of Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY
Here are the major benefits under this life-saving scheme:
- Free medical treatment in government and private hospitals
- Covers over 1,500 medical procedures like heart surgery, kidney transplant, cancer, and more
- ₹5 lakh coverage per family per year
- No need to pay cash at the hospital – fully cashless & paperless treatment
- Transport allowance during hospitalization
- Pre and post-hospital expenses are also covered
- You can get treatment anywhere in India (portable benefits)
Good News (2025 Update):
“Under PM-JAY, more than 5.5 crore people have already availed free treatment worth ₹80,000 crore,” as per National Health Authority (NHA).
(Source: PIB Press Release – 2025)
Where You Can Get Treatment?
PM-JAY empanels both government and private hospitals across India. You can search your nearest hospital by visiting:
https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in
The scheme covers a wide range of medical services such as:
- General surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Cardiology and heart surgery
- Cancer treatment
- Kidney dialysis
- Neurology
- Maternity care and more
How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Scheme?
You don’t need to fill a complex form. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Go to the official website:
https://pmjay.gov.in
Enter your mobile number or ration card/Aadhaar to check if your family is listed.
Step 2: Get Your Ayushman Card
Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or empanelled hospital
Give your Aadhaar and mobile number
They will issue a PMJAY e-card after verification
Step 3: Avail Free Treatment
Show your e-card at any PM-JAY hospital
You don’t have to pay anything – hospital will claim from the government
What’s New in 2025?
Here are the latest updates for Ayushman Bharat scheme in 2025:
- Digital Health ID integration with Ayushman Card
- More district hospitals upgraded for better treatment
- New specialties added like mental health, elderly care, and palliative care
- Coverage extended for migrant workers and gig workers
- More private hospitals empanelled in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities
- Mobile health vans launched in tribal areas
Real Impact of PM-JAY in India
- Over 26,000 hospitals empanelled
- More than 28 crore Ayushman Cards issued
- More than 5.5 crore treatments already done
- Health access improved for lakhs of poor and remote families
- Direct savings of ₹5–10 lakh per family in major surgeries
Helpful Links to Know More or Apply
- Main Portal: https://pmjay.gov.in
- Hospital Finder: https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in
- Ayushman Card Download: https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- Toll-Free Helpline: 14555 / 1800-111-565
Final Words
“Bimari ka dard tab aur badh jaata hai jab jeb khaali hoti hai.”
Ayushman Bharat is a gift for crores of families who suffer silently due to lack of money for treatment. Now, no Indian has to choose between life and cost.
If your family is eligible, get your Ayushman card today and ensure health security for your loved ones. Help others know too. Health is not a luxury – it’s your right.
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