Updated on 13 Dec 2025
As people reach retirement age, their needs change, especially their healthcare requirements. This period of life comes with higher health issues and limited earning sources. However, the senior citizen health card (Ayushman card) in India under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) provides relief to individuals above the age of 70 years by offering affordable healthcare. It covers free check-ups, access to special medical facilities and discounted medicines.
The blog will give you a detailed idea about the health card for senior citizens.
Why are health cards important for senior citizens?
Medical insurance and a health card for senior citizens are important for the following reasons:
- Healthcare in India is getting costlier. For example, heart surgery may range from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh, depending on the procedure. The senior citizen health card can reduce that burden and protect savings.
- With growing age, the chances of having chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis can increase. These require long-term treatments and regular check-ups. The health insurance card for senior citizens helps you reduce such expenses.
- Many senior citizens live on fixed pensions or savings. Without the health insurance card, unexpected medical costs can drain their entire savings.
- Ayushman card holders get a cashless hospitalisation facility.
- A senior citizen's health insurance plan covers major illnesses like cancer therapy, stroke care or kidney failure
Key benefits of health cards for senior citizens
The senior citizen health card offers several important benefits, some of which are given below:
- It provides subsidised or free medical treatment. This helps you cover surgeries, diagnostic tests, or consultations with a specialist, either free or at a reduced price.
- Senior citizens get faster access to OPD services, hospital admissions and doctor appointments.
- Immediate medical help is available at the time of emergencies at the network hospitals.
- There are annual check-ups to detect early health-related issues like hypertension, diabetes and heart issues.
- Consultation with specialist doctors is offered on a priority basis to senior citizens at the selected hospitals.
List of government health insurance schemes for senior citizens (mention only 5)
1. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
In September 2024, the government of India extended the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to cover all citizens aged 70 or above, and it does not have income restrictions. Senior citizens who were already part of PMJAY now receive an individual top-up of ₹5 lakh per year, in addition to their family coverage of ₹5 lakh, without needing income proof.
2. United India Senior Citizen Health Insurance
This scheme is tailored for individuals aged 61 to 80 years, addressing the specific health concerns of this age group. With sum insured options ranging from 1 to 3 lakh, it covers hospitalisation expenses for treatments exceeding 24 hours. A 5% family discount on the premium makes this scheme even more attractive for senior citizens and their families.
3. Varistha Mediclaim Policy for senior citizens
The Varistha Mediclaim Policy targets citizens aged 60 to 80 years, providing sum insured options of 1 lakh and 2 lakh. It covers hospitalisation expenses, critical illness treatments, and even pre-existing conditions like diabetes and hypertension. This scheme offers holistic protection. Moreover, its cashless treatment options within a network of hospitals provide the convenience of treatment to the elderly.
4. Health of Privileged Elders (HOPE)
For holistic well-being, this program focuses on Indians aged 60 and above. With sum insured options from 1 lakh to 5 lakhs, it covers specific diseases and treatments. While a co-payment of 20% is required during hospitalisation, the programme includes coverage for Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy treatments, promoting holistic healthcare.
5. The New India Assurance Senior Citizen Mediclaim Policy
This policy addresses the health needs of those aged 60 to 80 years. Covering hospitalisation expenses and treatments, it offers coverage for pre-existing conditions after a waiting period and optional coverage for Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani treatments.
Conclusion
The health card for senior citizens is a great initiative by the government of India. This reduces financial stress and gives peace of mind to individuals above 70 years by offering benefits like subsidised treatment, cashless facilities and regular health checks. With support from government schemes, medical insurance and family health insurance, senior citizens can manage health issues without financial stress.
If you are looking for additional health insurance to enhance your senior citizen health card coverage, fill out the form on this page. We will help you find the best policy according to your requirements.
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.