As people age, health expenses often become a major concern. Medical costs can rise quickly, and many senior citizens lack a steady income to manage these expenses. To address this issue, the Indian government introduced the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card in October 2024. This initiative provides citizens aged 70 and above with free hospital treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh per year. Let’s explore how this scheme works and why it is a vital support system for India’s elderly population.
What is the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card?
The Ayushman Vaya Vandana card is a new health card designed specially for people aged 70 years and above. It grants eligible senior citizens access to comprehensive healthcare benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
Features of the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card
Here are the important features of the Ayushman Vaya Vandana card :
- Age eligibility: 70 years or above
- Coverage amount: Up to ₹5 lakh per year
- Cashless treatment: At empanelled hospitals under Ayushman Bharat
- Covers pre-existing diseases: No exclusions for old illnesses
- Family coverage: Only the senior citizen gets coverage, not the entire family
- Paperless: E-card issued digitally
- Available in all states: Pan-India validity
- Easy application: Can apply online, through hospitals or with a simple missed call
- No premium: 100% free for seniors above 70
Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card for senior citizens
Here are some key benefits of Ayushman Vaya Vandana card that senior citizens can get:
- Free medical treatment: No out-of-pocket costs up to ₹5 lakh
- Access to quality hospitals: Empanelled government and private hospitals
- Covers chronic illnesses: Heart, kidney, cancer, joint replacements and more
- Financial relief: Protects senior citizens from spending their life savings
- Simple process: Senior citizens can enrol easily without documents like an income certificate
- No stress about pre-existing diseases: Everything is covered from day one
- Dignity: Elderly people can get treatment with respect and confidence
Eligibility criteria for Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card
This health initiative benefits Indian citizens aged 70 and above who hold an Aadhaar card and reside in India.
How to apply for Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card?
To apply for the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card for senior citizens, follow these simple steps:
Option 1: Online
- Visit the official PM-JAY website or Ayushman Bharat app
- Enter Aadhaar details and date of birth
- Verify with OTP
- Provide necessary details
- Upload the required documents
- Apply and wait for verification
- After verification, you can download the card
Option 2: Missed call
- Give a missed call to 1800 11 0770
- You will get a call-back
- They will register and guide you through the process
Option 3: Hospital or CSC centre
- Go to any empanelled hospital or Common Service Centre
- Show your Aadhaar card
- Staff will help you register and issue the e-card
How to download the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card?
Once your application is verified and approved, you can easily download your Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card by visiting the PM-JAY website.
Log in using your Aadhaar number, enter the OTP received, click on “Download” and then save or print the PDF.
Documents required for Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card registration
Here are the documents required:
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Document
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Why it’s needed
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Aadhaar card
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Confirms your identity and date of birth
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Proof of address
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Shows where you live — for example, a utility bill, voter ID or other official document
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Age verification document
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Confirms you are 70 or older, such as a birth certificate, passport or other valid proof
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PMJAY beneficiary evidence
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Proves you have been part of PM-JAY earlier, like your old Ayushman card or an eligibility certificate
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Difference between Ayushman Bharat and Vaya Vandana Yojana
To avoid misunderstanding, it’s important to distinguish between the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the Vaya Vandana Yojana. Here’s how they differ:
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Feature
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Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Yojana
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PMVVY (Pradhan Mantri Vayaa Vandana Yojana)
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Type
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Health card for free treatment
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Pension scheme by LIC
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Who manages
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National Health Authority
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Life Insurance Corporation
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Age group
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70+ only
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60+
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Coverage
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₹5 lakh per year health insurance
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Guaranteed pension income
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Premium
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Free
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Premium to be paid to LIC
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Conclusion
With simple eligibility rules, no premium and the option of cashless treatment, the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card is a good initiative for senior citizens.
As people age, their medical needs tend to increase, bringing with them the burden of rising healthcare costs. This is where health insurance becomes not just important, but essential. For senior citizens, having dedicated health insurance coverage is especially valuable, as it addresses common age-related conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and joint problems.
FAQs
- Who can get the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card?
Any Indian citizen who is 70 years of age or older is eligible to receive the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card.
- How much medical cover does it provide?
The Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card provides up to ₹5 lakh per year to cover hospitalisation expenses.
- Is there any premium to pay?
No, there is no premium required. The Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana card is completely free for eligible senior citizens.
- Can I use it at private hospitals?
Yes, you can use the card at any empanelled private or government hospital under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.