This content was recently updated by Sudhir Singh on May 1, 2025 to improve accuracy.
You might have skipped going to the hospital because you feared the cost. Maybe you delayed treatment, or someone you know had to borrow money for surgery. These are daily struggles for many women in India.
But there’s a way to get help.
The government runs a scheme called the Ayushman Bharat Card. It gives ₹5 lakh every year for health treatment to families who cannot afford medical care. If you qualify, you can get treatment without paying – at both government and approved private hospitals.
What is Ayushman Bharat?
Ayushman Bharat, known as PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana), is India’s largest government health scheme.
- It offers ₹5 lakh per family per year for medical care.
- It covers hospital stays, surgeries, medicines, and tests.
- You can use it at the listed hospitals, including many private ones.
This scheme is not just for men or families with money. It’s for people like you, who need real support to face real health issues.
Why is the Ayushman Bharat Card important for women?
Women often face unique health needs – pregnancy, childbirth, cancer, and chronic illnesses. Many times, these needs go unmet because of cost.
Ayushman Bharat ensures:
- You don’t pay for delivery or C-section.
- You can get cancer treatment, like breast or cervical cancer surgeries.
- You are covered for major surgeries, including heart and kidney issues.
- You get post-hospital care and medicines.
This coverage removes the money barrier and helps women get timely care.
Do you qualify for the Ayushman Bharat card?
Not everyone gets this scheme. But many women do, and they don’t realize it.
You are eligible if:
- Your family is listed in the SECC 2011 database (poor and vulnerable households).
- Your family has no adult male between the ages of 16 and 59.
- You are a widow, single mother, or part of an SC/ST group.
- Your income is low, and you don’t have access to private insurance.
You don’t need to guess. You can check your eligibility online or at your local service centre.
How to check if you are eligible for the Ayushman Bharat card?
Checking if you qualify takes only a few minutes.
- Visit the website https://mera.pmjay.gov.in.
- Enter your mobile number and verify with OTP.
- Search for your name in the PM-JAY list.
If your name appears, you are eligible.
If not, go to your Common Service Centre (CSC) or talk to your local Panchayat office. They can check the list for you or help with any corrections.
How to get your Ayushman Bharat card for Women
Once you confirm that you are eligible, getting your card is simple.
- Visit your nearest CSC or a hospital that is part of the scheme.
- Bring these documents:
- Aadhaar card
- Ration card or any proof of family income
- A mobile number linked to Aadhaar for verification
- Your name will be checked on the list again.
- If confirmed, your Ayushman Bharat card will be printed and given to you.
This card allows you to get free treatment at any approved hospital.
Where can you use your Ayushman Bharat card?
Not every hospital accepts Ayushman Bharat. Only government hospitals and some approved private hospitals.
To find out where you can use your card:
- Go to https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in.
- Select your state and district.
- A list of hospitals will appear.
Take your card to any of these hospitals and you can get treated without paying.
Documents You Will Need
To get started, make sure you have:
- Aadhaar card
- Ration card or any income proof
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
Important: Use Your Rights
This is not a favour. The Ayushman Bharat card is your right if you qualify. Many women lose out because they wait or don’t ask. Take action. Check, apply, and use it.
Example: How this worked for Sangeeta
Sangeeta, a 36-year-old woman from Madhya Pradesh, was told she needed surgery for a tumour. She didn’t have the ₹60,000 needed. Her neighbour told her about Ayushman Bharat. She checked her name at the CSC, got her card, and went to a private hospital in her district. She had the surgery done, and she didn’t pay anything.
FAQS About Ayushman Bharat Card for Women
1. Is Ayushman Bharat free for women?
Yes, Ayushman Bharat is completely free for eligible women. You do not have to pay for the card or any treatment covered under this scheme. The hospital, medicines, tests, and surgeries are paid by the government up to ₹5 lakh every year for your family.
2. How do I know if I am eligible?
You can check online at https://mera.pmjay.gov.in. Enter your mobile number, verify with OTP, and search your name. If your name is listed, you are eligible. If you need help, visit your local Common Service Centre (CSC).
3. What if my name is not on the list but I need help?
Go to your CSC or Panchayat office. They can help check your details or tell you if any correction is needed. If you are eligible but missing from the list, they will guide you on what to do next.
4. Does Ayushman Bharat cover childbirth?
Yes, the scheme covers both normal delivery and C-section. It includes hospital stay, medicines, and care during and after childbirth.
5. Can I get treatment for cancer under this scheme?
Yes. Ayushman Bharat covers treatment for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other serious conditions. It includes surgeries, chemotherapy, and hospital expenses.
6. What documents do I need to get my card?
You need:
- Aadhaar card
- Ration card or proof of income
- A mobile number linked to Aadhaar for verification
These are used to confirm your eligibility and print your card.
7. Where can I use my Ayushman Bharat card?
You can use it at:
- Government hospitals.
- Private hospitals approved under Ayushman Bharat.
To find approved hospitals, visit https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in.
8. Is there an age limit to use Ayushman Bharat?
No, there is no age limit. Women of all ages can use this scheme if their family is eligible.
9. How long does it take to get the card after applying?
Usually, you can get your card within 1 to 2 days after your documents are verified. It depends on the CSC or hospital where you apply.
10. What if I lose my card?
Go back to the CSC or the place where you got the card. They will verify your details and give you a new card.
11. How many times can I use the scheme in a year?
You can use it as many times as needed until your family’s total medical expenses reach ₹5 lakh in a single year.
12. Are medicines free under Ayushman Bharat?
Yes, all medicines given during your treatment in the hospital are free under this scheme. You don’t pay separately.
13. Do I need to pay any fees at any step?
No, there are no fees to apply, get the card, or use the scheme. Everything from the card to treatment is free for eligible families.
14. Does the scheme cover my family too, or just me?
The scheme covers your entire family if they are listed under SECC 2011. The ₹5 lakh coverage is for the whole family together.
15. Can I use the scheme in any hospital?
No, you can only use it in hospitals that are listed under Ayushman Bharat. Always check the official hospital list online before going for treatment.
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