Ayushman Vay Vandana Card 2026: Eligibility, Apply Online and ₹5 Lakh Benefits for 70 Plus

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AYUSHMAN CARD FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Ayushman Vay Vandana Card 2026: Eligibility, Apply Online and ₹5 Lakh Benefits for 70 Plus

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card extends AB PM-JAY health coverage to senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income, occupation, caste or socio-economic category. Eligible seniors can use the card for applicable cashless secondary and tertiary hospital treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals.

Last Updated: July 20, 2026

Quick Answer

An Indian senior citizen who has completed 70 years of age can check and create an Ayushman Vay Vandana Card through the official PM-JAY beneficiary portal or Ayushman App. Eligibility under this age-based category is not restricted by the applicant’s income or socio-economic status.

The card provides access to health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year for applicable secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. Treatment must be obtained at a currently empanelled hospital and must match an available Health Benefit Package.

Senior citizens belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY receive an additional senior-citizen cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year, reserved for eligible members aged 70 and above and not shared with family members below 70.

Main Ayushman Card guide: Read Ayushman Card 2026: eligibility, application, download, hospitals and treatment benefits .

Table of Contents

  1. What is the Vay Vandana Card?
  2. Who is eligible?
  3. 70-plus age rule
  4. Is there an income limit?
  5. Main benefits
  6. How the ₹5 lakh cover works
  7. Existing PM-JAY families
  8. Multiple senior citizens in one family
  9. CGHS, ECHS, CAPF and other insurance
  10. Documents required
  11. Apply through beneficiary portal
  12. Apply through Ayushman App
  13. Offline application process
  14. Complete eKYC
  15. Check application status
  16. Download the card
  17. Use the card at a hospital
  18. Treatments and packages
  19. What may not be covered?
  20. Common application problems
  21. Complaint and helpline
  22. Safety precautions
  23. Frequently asked questions

What Is the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is a distinct AB PM-JAY card for senior citizens aged 70 years and above. It was introduced as part of the expansion of PM-JAY coverage for elderly citizens.

The card can help an eligible senior citizen:

  • Establish eligibility under the 70-plus category
  • Access a distinct senior-citizen beneficiary record
  • Receive cashless treatment for applicable hospital packages
  • Use empanelled public and private hospitals
  • Use nationwide portability where scheme rules permit
  • Access applicable secondary and tertiary hospital care
  • Receive treatment without an income-based eligibility test
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is connected with AB PM-JAY hospital coverage. It is different from an ABHA number, which is primarily a digital health-account identifier.
Understand the difference: Read ABHA Card vs Ayushman Card .

Who Is Eligible for the Vay Vandana Card?

The central age-based eligibility condition is that the senior citizen must be aged 70 years or above.

Age Requirement The applicant must have completed 70 years.
No Income Limit Eligibility is not restricted to low-income households.
No Social Category Limit Coverage is available irrespective of socio-economic status.

Subject to successful identity and age verification, the category may include:

  • Men and women aged 70 years and above
  • Senior citizens from low-income families
  • Senior citizens from middle-income families
  • Senior citizens from higher-income families
  • Senior citizens already in an eligible PM-JAY household
  • Senior citizens whose family was not previously covered under PM-JAY
  • Senior citizens holding private health insurance
  • Senior citizens covered under Employees’ State Insurance
The system must still verify age and identity. Simply claiming to be over 70 without an accepted identity or age record does not complete enrolment.
General eligibility guide: Read the Ayushman Card eligibility check process .

How Does the 70-Plus Age Rule Work?

The applicant should have completed 70 years of age. Age is normally verified from Aadhaar or another identity and age record accepted by the official enrolment process.

Applicant’s Age 70-Plus Category Recommended Action
69 years Not yet eligible by age The applicant must complete 70 years before using the 70-plus category.
Exactly 70 years Age eligible Proceed with official age and identity verification.
Above 70 years Age eligible Search and create the Vay Vandana Card through the official system.
Date of birth is incorrect Correction required Correct the source age record before repeating verification.
If Aadhaar contains an incorrect date or year of birth, update the appropriate source record through the authorised process. PM-JAY cannot directly correct the Aadhaar database.
Age or identity mismatch? Read the Ayushman Card correction guide .

Is There an Income Limit for the Vay Vandana Card?

The 70-plus expansion is not limited by the senior citizen’s income, occupation, pension amount or socio-economic category.

The following conditions are not the basic central eligibility test for this category:

  • Being below the poverty line
  • Holding a BPL card
  • Having a particular annual income
  • Working in a particular occupation
  • Belonging to a particular caste or social category
  • Having no existing health insurance
The main central condition is age 70 years or above, followed by successful identity, age and enrolment verification.

Main Benefits of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card

₹5 LAKH COVER

Annual Hospital Coverage

Access to health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year under applicable rules.

CASHLESS CARE

Cashless Package Treatment

Approved covered treatment can be processed without direct package payment.

NO INCOME LIMIT

Universal 70-Plus Eligibility

The category is available regardless of the applicant’s socio-economic status.

PORTABILITY

Empanelled Hospitals Across India

Eligible beneficiaries may use portability at participating empanelled hospitals.

Package benefits may include applicable:

  • Hospital registration and admission charges
  • Doctor and specialist services
  • Room or ward charges within scheme rules
  • Nursing services
  • Operation-theatre services
  • Applicable ICU care
  • Medicines and consumables included in the package
  • Required diagnostic investigations
  • Approved implants or devices
  • Applicable pre-hospitalisation care
  • Applicable post-hospitalisation care
Coverage does not mean that every consultation, medicine, diagnostic test, room type or procedure is automatically free. An applicable PM-JAY package and hospital approval process must apply.

How Does the ₹5 Lakh Coverage Work?

Senior Citizen’s Situation General Coverage Structure
Family was not previously covered under PM-JAY Eligible senior citizens receive up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis under the 70-plus category.
Family is already covered under PM-JAY Eligible senior citizens aged 70 and above receive an additional top-up of up to ₹5 lakh per year reserved for the senior members.
Family has members below and above 70 The additional senior-citizen cover is not shared with family members below 70.
More than one eligible senior in the family The applicable senior-citizen family coverage is used according to official beneficiary and package-booking rules.
The ₹5 lakh amount is an annual health-cover limit, not a cash payment transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account.

What If the Senior Citizen’s Family Already Has PM-JAY?

A senior citizen aged 70 or above who belongs to a family already covered under PM-JAY can receive an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year for eligible senior members.

This means:

  • The eligible senior should receive the distinct 70-plus card
  • The senior-citizen cover is separate from the ordinary family cover
  • Members below 70 do not use the additional senior-citizen top-up
  • The senior must still complete official enrolment and eKYC
  • Hospital treatment must match an applicable package
  • The hospital must complete beneficiary verification
An existing ordinary Ayushman Card does not remove the need to check and generate the distinct senior-citizen card where required by the official system.

What If Both Husband and Wife Are Aged 70 Plus?

Both eligible senior citizens should be searched and verified in the official beneficiary system. Each senior should have the appropriate beneficiary record and distinct card.

  1. Log in to the official beneficiary portal or Ayushman App.
  2. Search for the first senior citizen.
  3. Complete age and identity verification.
  4. Generate the first senior citizen’s card.
  5. Return to the family or beneficiary search.
  6. Search for the second senior citizen.
  7. Complete the second person’s eKYC.
  8. Generate the second senior citizen’s card.
  9. Review the official family coverage information.
Do not use one spouse’s card for the other spouse. Each hospital patient must match the beneficiary record and card used for treatment.

What If the Senior Citizen Already Has Another Health Scheme?

Existing Coverage General Rule
CGHS The eligible senior may need to choose between the existing public health scheme and AB PM-JAY according to official rules.
ECHS The eligible senior may choose the existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY under the applicable process.
Ayushman CAPF The senior may need to choose the applicable public scheme option.
Private health-insurance policy Holding private insurance does not by itself remove 70-plus PM-JAY eligibility.
Employees’ State Insurance ESI coverage does not by itself remove eligibility under the 70-plus PM-JAY expansion.
People already using CGHS, ECHS, Ayushman CAPF or another public scheme should understand the choice and transition rules before opting for PM-JAY. Do not assume that benefits from two public schemes can always be used simultaneously for the same treatment.

Documents Required for the Vay Vandana Card

The exact document and authentication options can vary. Keep the following ready:

  • Aadhaar card or accepted identity document
  • Document showing the correct date or year of birth
  • Active mobile number
  • Mobile number linked with Aadhaar for Aadhaar OTP, where used
  • Live photograph or face authentication
  • Existing PM-JAY Family ID, where available
  • Existing Ayushman Card or PM-JAY ID, where applicable
  • Another document requested by the official enrolment workflow
Complete document guide: Read the Ayushman Card documents required list .
Aadhaar is commonly used for identity and age authentication, but follow the alternative process displayed by the official system when another approved method is available.

How to Apply Through the Official Beneficiary Portal

The exact buttons and labels may change. Follow the current senior-citizen or 70-plus card option displayed by the official portal.

  1. Open the official beneficiary portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
  2. Select the beneficiary login option.
  3. Enter an active mobile number.
  4. Complete the displayed captcha or security check.
  5. Request and enter the login OTP.
  6. Select the correct state.
  7. Select the applicable scheme or senior-citizen category.
  8. Search using Aadhaar or another displayed method.
  9. Enter the senior citizen’s identity details.
  10. Review the age shown in the official record.
  11. Select the correct senior citizen.
  12. Choose the card-creation or eKYC option.
  13. Select an available authentication method.
  14. Complete Aadhaar OTP, face or operator-assisted authentication.
  15. Capture a clear photograph when requested.
  16. Review the name, age, gender and address information.
  17. Submit the card-creation request.
  18. Save any reference or acknowledgement information.
  19. Check the card-generation status.
Open Official Beneficiary Portal Read Apply Online Guide
Confirm that the website address is beneficiary.nha.gov.in before entering Aadhaar details or an OTP.

How to Apply Through the Ayushman App

  1. Install the official Ayushman App from an official app store.
  2. Confirm that the app is provided by the National Health Authority.
  3. Open the app and select beneficiary login.
  4. Enter an active mobile number.
  5. Complete login OTP verification.
  6. Select the correct state and scheme.
  7. Select the 70-plus or Vay Vandana workflow where displayed.
  8. Search using Aadhaar or another supported identifier.
  9. Select the correct senior citizen.
  10. Review the age and identity information.
  11. Start the card-creation or eKYC process.
  12. Complete the available authentication method.
  13. Capture a clear live photograph where requested.
  14. Review and submit the application.
  15. Check the resulting card status.
Official Ayushman App for Android Official Ayushman App for iPhone
Complete app instructions: Read the official Ayushman App guide .

How to Apply Offline

A senior citizen who cannot complete the online process may request help from an authorised assistance point.

Depending on local availability, assistance may be available at:

  • An authorised Common Service Centre
  • An Ayushman help desk at an empanelled hospital
  • A State Health Agency assistance centre
  • An authorised beneficiary-enrolment camp
  • Another officially designated PM-JAY service point

General offline process

  1. Carry the senior citizen’s original identity and age documents.
  2. Carry an active mobile phone.
  3. Ask the authorised operator to use the 70-plus workflow.
  4. Confirm that the correct senior citizen is selected.
  5. Check the date of birth and age shown.
  6. Complete Aadhaar, face or supported authentication.
  7. Capture a clear photograph where required.
  8. Review every detail before submission.
  9. Collect any acknowledgement or reference information.
  10. Check the status through the official system.
Collect every original document before leaving the centre. Do not permanently hand over Aadhaar or another identity document to an operator.

How to Complete Vay Vandana Card eKYC

eKYC confirms that the person creating the card matches the senior-citizen beneficiary record.

Available methods may include:

  • Aadhaar OTP authentication
  • Face authentication
  • Fingerprint authentication through an authorised operator
  • Another approved identity-verification method

General eKYC process

  1. Select the correct senior citizen.
  2. Review the displayed date of birth.
  3. Select an available authentication method.
  4. Enter the required identity information.
  5. Complete OTP, face or biometric verification.
  6. Capture a clear photograph if requested.
  7. Review the demographic information.
  8. Submit the eKYC request.
  9. Check whether the card is approved or generated.
Complete verification tutorial: Read the Ayushman Card eKYC process .
The senior citizen should be physically present for face or biometric authentication. Do not use another person’s photograph or fingerprint.

How to Check the Application Status

  1. Log in to the official beneficiary portal or Ayushman App.
  2. Select the correct state and scheme.
  3. Search for the senior citizen.
  4. Open the correct beneficiary record.
  5. Review the eKYC status.
  6. Review the card-generation status.
  7. Complete any remaining action displayed.
  8. Download the card after approval and generation.
Possible Status Meaning Recommended Action
eKYC Pending Identity verification has not been completed. Complete an available official authentication method.
Under Review The submitted information may be awaiting verification. Check the status later and retain the reference information.
Approved The card request has been approved. Check whether the download option is available.
Card Generated The Vay Vandana Card has been created. Download and verify the card.
Rejected The submitted information was not accepted. Review the reason and correct the source information.
Detailed status help: Read the Ayushman Card status check guide .

How to Download the Vay Vandana Card

  1. Open the official beneficiary portal or Ayushman App.
  2. Log in using the active mobile number.
  3. Select the correct state and scheme.
  4. Search for the senior citizen.
  5. Select the approved beneficiary record.
  6. Choose the available card-download option.
  7. Complete any required authentication.
  8. Download the official card file.
  9. Check the name, age, photograph and beneficiary details.
  10. Keep a digital copy and a clear printed copy.
Download instructions: Read the Ayushman Card PDF download guide .
Do not manually edit the downloaded card. An edited image does not change the official beneficiary record.

How to Use the Vay Vandana Card at a Hospital

  1. Find a currently empanelled PM-JAY hospital.
  2. Confirm that the exact hospital branch provides the required speciality.
  3. Call the hospital before planned treatment.
  4. Carry the Vay Vandana Card.
  5. Carry an accepted photo identity document.
  6. Carry prescriptions, reports and scans.
  7. Visit the hospital’s Ayushman help desk.
  8. Ask for the Arogya Mitra.
  9. Complete beneficiary identity verification.
  10. Meet the appropriate doctor.
  11. Complete medical assessment.
  12. Ask which Health Benefit Package applies.
  13. Allow the hospital to submit pre-authorisation where required.
  14. Confirm the approved package before planned treatment.
  15. Receive treatment under the approved package.
  16. Collect the discharge summary and follow-up instructions.
Search Official Ayushman Hospitals Read Hospital Use Guide
Find the correct hospital: Read the Ayushman Card hospital list guide .

Which Treatments May Be Available?

Coverage is package-based. Depending on medical necessity, hospital speciality and current package rules, treatment areas may include:

Cardiology

Specified heart-related medical, interventional and surgical packages.

Orthopaedics

Applicable fracture, bone, joint and approved implant-related procedures.

Oncology

Applicable medical, surgical and radiation cancer-treatment packages.

Ophthalmology

Specified eye procedures, including applicable cataract-related treatment.

Urology and Nephrology

Applicable kidney, urinary and dialysis-related hospital packages.

Neurology and Neurosurgery

Applicable brain, stroke, nerve and spine-related hospital treatment.

General Surgery

Specified abdominal and other approved surgical procedures.

General Medicine

Specified non-surgical inpatient treatment where package conditions apply.

Complete treatment information: Read the Ayushman Card treatment, disease and surgery package guide .
A speciality being listed does not mean every procedure is available at every hospital. Confirm the exact package with the hospital’s Ayushman help desk.

What May Not Be Covered?

The following should not automatically be assumed to be covered:

  • Treatment at a non-empanelled hospital
  • A service for which the hospital lacks the required speciality
  • A procedure outside an applicable package
  • Hospital admission without medical necessity
  • Routine outpatient consultation by itself
  • Medicines purchased independently without a covered package
  • Independent diagnostic tests not connected with approved care
  • Optional room or service upgrades
  • Non-medical personal expenses
  • Items excluded under national or state package rules
  • False or duplicate beneficiary use
Ask the hospital for the exact package name, package code, approval status and included services before planned treatment.

Common Vay Vandana Card Problems and Solutions

1. Senior citizen is not found

Confirm the state, scheme and Aadhaar details. Check whether the senior citizen is being searched through the correct 70-plus workflow.

2. Age shows below 70

Compare the date of birth with Aadhaar or the accepted source record. Correct the source record when it is inaccurate.

3. Aadhaar OTP is not received

Check access to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar. Use another official authentication method when the system provides one.

4. Face authentication fails

Use good lighting, clean the camera, keep the face clearly visible and follow the app’s instructions. Seek authorised operator help if failure continues.

5. eKYC remains pending

Check whether additional verification is required and keep any reference information available.

6. Card is approved but not downloadable

Log in again, open the correct beneficiary and check whether the card has reached the generated stage.

7. Name or date of birth is incorrect

Identify which source record is incorrect and follow the authorised correction process before repeating eKYC.

8. Existing public scheme creates an option conflict

Ask the authorised support channel to explain the choice between the existing public scheme and AB PM-JAY.

9. Hospital refuses the senior-citizen card

Confirm the hospital’s empanelment, speciality, beneficiary verification and package status. Ask for a written reason.

10. Agent promises instant approval for money

Do not pay. Use only the official portal, app or authorised assistance centre.

Hospital refusal help: Read what to do when a hospital is not accepting the Ayushman Card .

Vay Vandana Card Complaint and Helpline

Senior citizens and family members who need official assistance may contact the national PM-JAY toll-free helpline.

14555

Keep the following information ready:

  • Senior citizen’s full name
  • Date of birth or age
  • State and district
  • Active mobile number
  • PM-JAY ID or card information, if available
  • Application or eKYC status
  • Exact error message
  • Hospital name and branch, where relevant
  • Package or treatment information, where relevant
  • Complaint number, if already registered
Open Official Grievance Portal Read Complaint and Helpline Guide
Official support does not require an ATM PIN, UPI PIN, debit-card CVV or internet-banking password.

Important Safety Precautions

  • Do not share an OTP with an unknown caller
  • Do not enter Aadhaar details on an unofficial website
  • Do not install an unknown Ayushman APK file
  • Do not pay an agent for guaranteed eligibility
  • Do not submit a false date of birth
  • Do not use another person’s face or fingerprint
  • Do not manually edit the generated card
  • Do not publicly post Aadhaar or card images
  • Do not leave original documents with an unknown operator
  • Do not pay cash without an official receipt
  • Do not share an ATM PIN, UPI PIN, CVV or banking password
Creating or using a Vay Vandana Card does not require your banking password, card PIN or UPI PIN.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?

It is a distinct AB PM-JAY card for eligible senior citizens aged 70 years and above.

Who is eligible for the card?

Senior citizens who have completed 70 years can apply, subject to successful age and identity verification.

Is there an income limit?

The 70-plus category is available irrespective of socio-economic status.

Is a BPL card compulsory?

No. A BPL card is not the basic eligibility requirement for the universal 70-plus category.

What is the annual coverage?

Eligible senior citizens can receive health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year under the applicable family and package rules.

Is ₹5 lakh transferred to the bank account?

No. It is a hospital-treatment coverage limit, not a cash-transfer benefit.

What if the family already has PM-JAY?

Eligible members aged 70 and above can receive an additional top-up cover reserved for senior citizens and not shared with members below 70.

Can both husband and wife get the card?

Yes, when both have completed 70 years and successfully complete the official beneficiary and identity-verification process.

Can a 69-year-old apply?

The person must complete 70 years before qualifying under the 70-plus category.

Can a private health-insurance holder apply?

Holding private health insurance does not by itself remove eligibility under the 70-plus PM-JAY expansion.

Can an ESI beneficiary apply?

Employees’ State Insurance coverage does not by itself remove 70-plus eligibility.

What if the applicant has CGHS or ECHS?

The applicant may need to choose between the existing public health scheme and AB PM-JAY according to the applicable official process.

How can I apply online?

Use the official PM-JAY beneficiary portal or official Ayushman App and select the available senior-citizen workflow.

Is Aadhaar compulsory?

Aadhaar is commonly used for age and identity verification. Follow any approved alternative displayed by the official system.

What if the Aadhaar-linked mobile is unavailable?

Check whether face authentication or authorised operator-assisted verification is available.

Can the card be created offline?

Authorised Common Service Centres, Ayushman help desks or designated enrolment points may assist with the process.

Can the card be used at any hospital?

Covered treatment should generally be obtained at a currently empanelled hospital with the required speciality and package.

Are pre-existing diseases covered?

Applicable pre-existing conditions may be treated, subject to package, hospital and approval requirements.

Does the card cover outpatient consultation?

PM-JAY primarily focuses on listed secondary and tertiary hospital care. Routine outpatient consultation alone should not automatically be assumed covered.

Can the card be used outside the home state?

Eligible beneficiaries may use portability at participating empanelled hospitals, subject to verification and package rules.

What is the official helpline number?

The national PM-JAY toll-free helpline number is 14555.

Does the card guarantee hospital admission?

No. Admission depends on beneficiary verification, medical necessity, hospital facilities, package availability and required approval.

Final Words

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card extends PM-JAY hospital coverage to senior citizens aged 70 years and above without an income-based eligibility limit. Eligible seniors can receive access to health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year under the applicable family and treatment-package rules.

Apply only through the official beneficiary portal, Ayushman App or an authorised assistance centre. Verify the senior citizen’s age, identity, photograph and existing public-scheme status before completing enrolment.

After card generation, use the official hospital search to find an empanelled facility with the required speciality. Treatment still depends on beneficiary verification, medical necessity, package availability and required pre-authorisation.

Official Resources

Disclaimer

Wikisia is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with the National Health Authority, AB PM-JAY, the Government of India, any State Health Agency, insurance scheme or hospital.

Eligibility workflows, identity-verification methods, public-scheme choice rules, treatment packages, hospital empanelment, portal features and state-level implementation may change.

Always verify current information through the official PM-JAY beneficiary portal, Ayushman App, National Health Authority, applicable public health scheme or an authorised assistance centre.

This article is provided for general educational purposes. It does not provide medical, insurance or legal advice and does not guarantee card approval, package approval, hospital admission, cashless treatment or medical outcomes.

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