ABHA Card vs Ayushman Card 2026: Difference, Benefits, Eligibility and Uses
ABHA Card and Ayushman Card are connected with two different parts of India’s health system. ABHA helps an individual create a digital health identity and manage linked health records, while an Ayushman Card helps an eligible PM-JAY beneficiary access applicable cashless hospital treatment packages.
Last Updated: July 20, 2026
Quick Answer
ABHA Card contains a unique 14-digit Ayushman Bharat Health Account number. It is used as a digital health identity and can help an individual link, access and share health records through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission ecosystem.
Ayushman Card is connected with eligibility under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana or an applicable participating state scheme. It can be used at empanelled hospitals for eligible cashless treatment packages.
Creating an ABHA number does not automatically make a person eligible for PM-JAY, does not create an Ayushman Card and does not provide ₹5 lakh hospital-treatment coverage.
Table of Contents
- Main difference
- Complete comparison table
- What is an ABHA Card?
- ABHA benefits
- Is ABHA health insurance?
- What is an Ayushman Card?
- Ayushman Card benefits
- Eligibility difference
- ₹5 lakh coverage difference
- Hospital-use difference
- Digital health-record difference
- ABHA number, address and Ayushman ID
- How to create ABHA
- How to create an Ayushman Card
- Documents and information
- Can one person have both?
- Senior citizens aged 70 plus
- Consent and privacy
- Common confusion and myths
- Official helplines
- Frequently asked questions
ABHA Card and Ayushman Card: Main Difference
ABHA Card
ABHA stands for Ayushman Bharat Health Account. Its main purpose is to provide a unique digital health identity and help individuals manage linked health records.
- Contains a unique 14-digit ABHA number
- Can be created by individuals
- Supports linked digital health records
- Supports consent-based record sharing
- Does not itself provide hospital insurance coverage
Ayushman Card
The Ayushman Card identifies an eligible beneficiary under PM-JAY or an applicable participating scheme and helps the beneficiary access approved cashless hospital-treatment packages.
- Requires applicable beneficiary eligibility
- Used at empanelled public and private hospitals
- Supports applicable cashless hospitalisation
- Connected with package and pre-authorisation rules
- Does not primarily function as a health-record account
ABHA Card vs Ayushman Card Comparison Table
| Comparison Point | ABHA Card | Ayushman Card |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Ayushman Bharat Health Account | Ayushman Card under AB PM-JAY or an applicable scheme |
| Main purpose | Digital health identity and linked health-record management | Access to applicable cashless hospital-treatment benefits |
| Number format | Unique 14-digit ABHA number | Beneficiary or card identifier generated through the PM-JAY system |
| Who can create it? | Individuals can create an ABHA through an official process | Only an eligible beneficiary can generate an Ayushman Card |
| Income test | No PM-JAY income eligibility test for creating a digital health ID | Eligibility depends on the applicable beneficiary category or scheme |
| ₹5 lakh benefit | No automatic ₹5 lakh health cover | Applicable PM-JAY beneficiaries may receive cover up to ₹5 lakh per year |
| Hospital treatment | Does not by itself authorise cashless hospital treatment | Can be used for applicable packages at empanelled hospitals |
| Health records | Can help link, access and share digital health records | Not primarily designed as a personal health-record account |
| Consent | Health-record sharing is intended to be consent based | Beneficiary verification and treatment authorisation follow PM-JAY rules |
| Hospital network | Can participate in ABDM-enabled digital-health interactions | Treatment is connected with empanelled PM-JAY hospitals |
| Eligibility search | Not a PM-JAY eligibility certificate | Requires beneficiary identification under the applicable scheme |
| Can both exist together? | Yes. One person may have an ABHA number and, when eligible, a separate Ayushman Card. | |
What Is an ABHA Card?
ABHA stands for Ayushman Bharat Health Account. It is part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
The ABHA number is a unique 14-digit identifier that can identify a person as a participant in India’s digital healthcare ecosystem.
An ABHA account can help an individual:
- Create a unique digital health identity
- Create an easy-to-remember ABHA address where available
- Link health records from participating healthcare providers
- Access linked records through supported applications
- Share health records with consent
- Maintain a longitudinal view of available health information
- Reduce dependence on carrying every paper record
- Use supported digital registration and health-service workflows
Main Benefits of an ABHA Card
Digital Health Identity
A unique 14-digit number identifies the individual within the ABDM digital-health ecosystem.
Link Available Records
Participating health records may be linked to the individual’s account.
Controlled Record Sharing
An individual can use supported consent-based workflows to share linked records.
View Health Information
Supported applications can provide access to linked health records.
Is an ABHA Card a Health-Insurance Card?
No. An ABHA Card is not, by itself, a health-insurance policy or hospital-treatment guarantee.
An ABHA number by itself does not automatically provide:
- ₹5 lakh hospital coverage
- Automatic PM-JAY eligibility
- Cashless surgery at every hospital
- Free medicines from every pharmacy
- Free diagnostic tests at every laboratory
- Automatic admission to an empanelled hospital
- An Ayushman Card beneficiary record
- Approval for a PM-JAY treatment package
What Is an Ayushman Card?
An Ayushman Card is generated for a beneficiary who is eligible under AB PM-JAY or an applicable participating state scheme.
The card can help the beneficiary:
- Establish the PM-JAY beneficiary record
- Complete hospital-level beneficiary verification
- Access applicable cashless treatment packages
- Use empanelled public and private hospitals
- Use portability where applicable
- Receive secondary and tertiary hospital care under package rules
- Use approved pre-authorisation and claim processes
Main Benefits of an Ayushman Card
Applicable Hospital Treatment
Approved treatment packages can be processed cashlessly at participating empanelled hospitals.
Annual PM-JAY Coverage
Eligible families may receive health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year under applicable rules.
Hospital Access Across India
Eligible beneficiaries can use portability at participating empanelled hospitals.
Secondary and Tertiary Care
Applicable medical and surgical hospital packages may be covered.
ABHA and Ayushman Card Eligibility Difference
| Question | ABHA | Ayushman Card |
|---|---|---|
| Does the person need PM-JAY eligibility? | No, not for creating a standard digital health account | Yes, an applicable beneficiary category is required |
| Can any income group create it? | ABHA creation is not based on PM-JAY’s household eligibility test | General PM-JAY eligibility depends on the applicable scheme rules |
| Does Aadhaar alone prove eligibility? | Aadhaar may support identity authentication | Aadhaar alone does not establish general PM-JAY eligibility |
| Is age 70-plus separately relevant? | Age is not the basic condition for creating ABHA | Indian senior citizens aged 70-plus have a special PM-JAY category |
| Does creating the number guarantee benefits? | It creates a digital health identity, not insurance coverage | Card use still depends on verification, hospital and package rules |
Which Card Provides ₹5 Lakh Coverage?
The applicable ₹5 lakh annual hospital cover is connected with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY eligibility, not with the creation of an ABHA number.
ABHA Card
- No automatic ₹5 lakh hospital cover
- No automatic cashless surgery entitlement
- No automatic PM-JAY beneficiary eligibility
Ayushman Card
- Connected with eligible PM-JAY beneficiary coverage
- Applicable cover up to ₹5 lakh per family per year
- Used for approved packages at empanelled hospitals
How Are ABHA and Ayushman Card Used at Hospitals?
| Hospital Activity | ABHA Use | Ayushman Card Use |
|---|---|---|
| Patient identification | Can function as a digital health identifier | Used to identify an eligible PM-JAY beneficiary |
| Health-record access | Can support access to linked records with appropriate consent | Not primarily a personal health-record account |
| Cashless package treatment | Does not itself authorise PM-JAY cashless care | Used during beneficiary and package processing |
| Pre-authorisation | Not the PM-JAY package-approval card | Beneficiary information is used in the treatment workflow |
| Empanelled hospital requirement | ABHA may be used across supported digital-health facilities | PM-JAY treatment generally requires an empanelled hospital |
Which Card Stores or Links Health Records?
ABHA is designed to help individuals participate in the digital-health ecosystem and link available health records.
Depending on provider participation and consent, linked information may include:
- Prescriptions
- Laboratory reports
- Diagnostic reports
- Hospital discharge summaries
- Consultation records
- Other supported digital health documents
An Ayushman Card is mainly used for PM-JAY beneficiary and hospital treatment processes. It should not be treated as a replacement for an ABHA-based personal health-record account.
ABHA Number, ABHA Address and Ayushman Card ID
| Identifier | Meaning | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| ABHA Number | A unique 14-digit digital health identifier | Identifying the individual in the ABDM ecosystem |
| ABHA Address | An easy-to-remember digital username created through a supported workflow | Accessing and sharing linked health records through supported systems |
| Ayushman Card or PM-JAY ID | An identifier connected with an eligible PM-JAY beneficiary | Beneficiary verification and applicable hospital treatment processing |
How to Create an ABHA Card
ABHA may be created through official self-registration or an assisted creation process.
- Open the official ABHA portal.
- Select the option to create an ABHA number.
- Choose an available identity-verification method.
- Enter the requested Aadhaar or other permitted information.
- Review the displayed consent information.
- Complete OTP or another approved authentication method.
- Enter or confirm the required personal details.
- Create an ABHA address where the option is available.
- Review the generated 14-digit ABHA number.
- Download or save the ABHA Card.
- Install the official ABHA application when record management is needed.
How to Create an Ayushman Card
An Ayushman Card can be created only after locating an eligible beneficiary record or qualifying under an applicable category.
- Open the official PM-JAY beneficiary portal or Ayushman App.
- Log in using an active mobile number.
- Select the correct state and scheme.
- Search using an available beneficiary or family identifier.
- Open the matching eligible family record.
- Select the correct beneficiary.
- Review the name, age, gender and family information.
- Start the card-creation or eKYC process.
- Select an available identity-authentication method.
- Complete OTP, face or authorised biometric verification.
- Capture a clear photograph where requested.
- Review and submit the request.
- Check the approval and card-generation status.
- Download the card after it is generated.
Documents and Information Required
| Requirement | For ABHA | For Ayushman Card |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile number | Used for registration, authentication or communication | Used for portal login and applicable authentication |
| Aadhaar | May be used for approved identity verification | May be used for beneficiary eKYC and identity verification |
| Beneficiary eligibility | Not a PM-JAY requirement for creating a digital health account | Required under an applicable PM-JAY or state category |
| Family ID or ration card | Generally not the central ABHA-creation requirement | May help locate the eligible household |
| Photograph | Used according to the available ABHA workflow | May be captured during card eKYC |
| Relationship documents | Generally not needed for an individual ABHA account | May be needed for family-member addition or correction |
Can One Person Have Both ABHA and Ayushman Card?
Yes. The two identifiers serve different purposes, so an eligible person may have both.
Use ABHA For
- Digital health identity
- Linking supported health records
- Accessing records through supported applications
- Consent-based health-record sharing
Use Ayushman Card For
- PM-JAY beneficiary verification
- Applicable cashless treatment packages
- Empanelled hospital processes
- Pre-authorisation and treatment-related workflows
ABHA and Ayushman Card for Senior Citizens Aged 70 Plus
A senior citizen aged 70 or above may create an ABHA number like another individual. Separately, the senior may qualify for an Ayushman Vay Vandana Card under the special 70-plus PM-JAY category.
| Senior-Citizen Service | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ABHA Card | Digital health identity and supported health-record management |
| Ayushman Vay Vandana Card | Applicable PM-JAY hospital coverage for eligible senior citizens aged 70 years and above |
ABHA Health-Record Consent and Privacy
ABHA is intended to support consent-based access and sharing of linked health information.
Important precautions include:
- Review the consent request before approving record sharing
- Check which healthcare provider is requesting access
- Check which records are being requested
- Check the permitted purpose and duration where displayed
- Use only official or trusted applications
- Keep the registered mobile number secure
- Do not share an OTP with an unknown caller
- Do not publicly post the ABHA Card or identity documents
PM-JAY beneficiary and hospital information should also be handled carefully. Do not publicly share the Ayushman Card, Aadhaar or medical documents.
Common ABHA and Ayushman Card Confusion
1. “My ABHA Card says Ayushman Bharat, so I have ₹5 lakh coverage.”
Incorrect. ABHA is part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, but an ABHA number alone does not establish PM-JAY eligibility.
2. “I created ABHA, so an Ayushman Card will be generated automatically.”
Incorrect. Ayushman Card creation requires an eligible beneficiary record or applicable category and a separate PM-JAY workflow.
3. “Ayushman Card stores all my medical records.”
The Ayushman Card is primarily a beneficiary and treatment-access card. ABHA is the system designed for linking and managing supported health records.
4. “Only poor people can create ABHA.”
Incorrect. ABHA creation is not the same as PM-JAY household eligibility.
5. “Anyone who has Aadhaar can get an Ayushman Card.”
Incorrect. Aadhaar may help with identity verification, but it does not by itself create general PM-JAY eligibility.
6. “An Ayushman Card guarantees every operation.”
Incorrect. Treatment depends on beneficiary verification, medical necessity, hospital empanelment, package availability and required approval.
7. “I must choose between ABHA and Ayushman Card.”
Usually no. They serve different purposes, and an eligible person may use both.
8. “ABHA automatically receives all hospital records.”
Records must be generated and linked through supported providers and applications. They do not necessarily appear automatically.
9. “The ₹5 lakh benefit is deposited into my account.”
No. PM-JAY provides an annual health-cover limit for applicable treatment, not a direct cash transfer.
10. “A hospital can use my ABHA number instead of checking Ayushman eligibility.”
An ABHA number does not replace PM-JAY beneficiary and package verification.
Which Card Should You Create?
| Your Requirement | Appropriate Card or Account |
|---|---|
| You want a digital health identity | ABHA Card |
| You want to link supported health records | ABHA Card |
| You want to share health records with consent | ABHA Card |
| You want PM-JAY cashless hospital benefits | Ayushman Card, subject to eligibility |
| You are already an eligible PM-JAY beneficiary | Create or download the Ayushman Card |
| You are aged 70 or above | Check the Vay Vandana Card category and create ABHA separately if desired |
| You need both digital records and PM-JAY benefits | Create ABHA and, when eligible, a separate Ayushman Card |
What to Do If Your Ayushman Card Is Not Available
- Check PM-JAY eligibility.
- Search for the beneficiary or family record.
- Select the correct state and scheme.
- Complete beneficiary eKYC.
- Check the card-generation status.
- Correct inaccurate information where required.
- Download the card after approval.
- Use the official complaint channel when the process remains unresolved.
Name List Check
Read the beneficiary search guide .
Complete eKYC
Read the Ayushman Card eKYC guide .
Check Status
Read the Ayushman Card status guide .
Download Card
Read the Ayushman Card download guide .
Official ABHA and Ayushman Helplines
Use for applicable ABHA and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission support.
Use for applicable Ayushman Card, beneficiary, hospital and PM-JAY support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ABHA Card and Ayushman Card the same?
No. ABHA is a digital health identity and record-linking account, while Ayushman Card is connected with eligible PM-JAY hospital benefits.
Does ABHA provide ₹5 lakh health insurance?
No. An ABHA number alone does not provide ₹5 lakh PM-JAY coverage.
Which card provides cashless treatment?
An eligible Ayushman Card beneficiary may receive applicable cashless package treatment at empanelled hospitals.
What is the ABHA number?
It is a unique 14-digit digital health identifier under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Can anyone create ABHA?
Individuals can create ABHA through the official self-registration or assisted process, subject to the available identity-verification workflow.
Can anyone get an Ayushman Card?
No. The person must be an eligible beneficiary under PM-JAY or an applicable participating category.
Does Aadhaar guarantee Ayushman Card eligibility?
No. Aadhaar can support identity authentication, but Aadhaar alone does not establish general PM-JAY eligibility.
Can one person have both cards?
Yes. An individual can have ABHA and, when eligible, a separate Ayushman Card.
Does ABHA store medical reports?
It can help link and access supported digital health records when the records are available through participating providers and applications.
Does an Ayushman Card store medical history?
Its main purpose is PM-JAY beneficiary and treatment processing, not personal health-record management.
Can ABHA be used at a hospital?
It can be used as a digital health identifier in supported systems, but it does not replace PM-JAY eligibility for cashless treatment.
Can an Ayushman Card be used at any hospital?
Applicable covered treatment should generally be obtained at a currently empanelled hospital with the required speciality and package.
Can ABHA automatically generate an Ayushman Card?
No. Ayushman Card creation requires a separate beneficiary-eligibility and eKYC process.
Is ABHA compulsory for receiving PM-JAY benefits?
ABHA and PM-JAY serve different purposes. Follow the current beneficiary and hospital-verification requirements displayed by the official PM-JAY system.
What is an ABHA address?
It is an easy-to-remember digital username that can be used in supported health-record access and sharing workflows.
Can I delete or recover an ABHA account?
Use the official ABHA portal, app or support channel to check the currently available recovery, deactivation or account-management options.
What if I lose my Ayushman Card?
Search for the beneficiary through the official portal or app and download the generated card again after authentication.
What if my ABHA and Ayushman Card details differ?
Check the source identity information for each system. Use the official correction process for the record containing the error.
Which helpline should I call for ABHA?
The official ABDM contact information lists the toll-free number 1800-11-4477.
Which helpline should I call for Ayushman Card?
The national PM-JAY toll-free helpline number is 14555.
Final Words
ABHA Card and Ayushman Card are two different health-system tools. ABHA provides a digital health identity and supports the linking, access and consent-based sharing of available health records.
Ayushman Card is connected with PM-JAY beneficiary eligibility and applicable cashless hospital-treatment packages. Creating ABHA does not automatically provide ₹5 lakh coverage or generate an Ayushman Card.
A person may use both: ABHA for supported digital health-record services, and Ayushman Card for PM-JAY hospital benefits when eligible. Always use official portals and applications, and keep both identifiers clearly separated.
Official Resources
- Official Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Website
- Official ABHA Portal
- Official ABDM Information for Citizens
- Official ABDM Frequently Asked Questions
- Official ABHA App for Android
- Official ABHA App for iPhone
- Official PM-JAY Beneficiary Portal
- National Health Authority – AB PM-JAY
- Official PM-JAY Empanelled Hospital Search
Disclaimer
Wikisia is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with the National Health Authority, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, AB PM-JAY, the Government of India, any State Health Agency or hospital.
ABHA account features, identity-verification options, consent workflows, PM-JAY eligibility rules, treatment packages, hospital empanelment and portal features may change.
Always verify current information through the official ABDM website, official ABHA portal or app, official PM-JAY beneficiary portal, National Health Authority or another authorised support channel.
This article is provided for general educational purposes. It does not provide medical, insurance or legal advice and does not guarantee ABHA record availability, PM-JAY eligibility, card approval, cashless treatment, hospital admission or medical outcomes.