Ayushman Bharat Card: Get Free COVID-19 Hospital Treatment Up to ₹5 Lakh – Who's Eligible and How to Apply

As COVID-19 cases begin to rise again in several parts of India, people are once more turning their attention to healthcare schemes that can ease the financial burden of treatment. A key question resurfacing is: Can the Ayushman Bharat Card cover COVID-19 treatment costs?

The answer is yes—but with specific conditions. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Ayushman Bharat Card, including eligibility, benefits, application steps, and how it supports COVID-19 hospitalization.

🩺 What is the Ayushman Bharat Card?

The Ayushman Bharat Card—also known as the Ayushman Golden Card—is issued under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). This government-backed scheme offers free medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh per family per year to economically disadvantaged citizens. In some states like Delhi, this limit has even been increased to ₹10 lakh.

This initiative ensures that even the most vulnerable sections of society have access to quality healthcare services in government and empaneled private hospitals.

🦠 Does the Ayushman Bharat Card Cover COVID-19 Treatment?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances:

• COVID-19 hospitalization is covered. If a patient tests positive for the virus and requires in-patient care, treatment can be availed under the Ayushman scheme.

• Outpatient care (OPD) or general consultations for COVID-19 symptoms are not covered.

• Even individuals with existing health insurance or Employee State Insurance (ESI) are eligible for treatment under this scheme.

• The hospital where treatment is being taken must be empaneled under PM-JAY. Not all private hospitals are included, so it's important to check beforehand.

In essence, only severe cases that require hospitalization are eligible for Ayushman Bharat support for COVID-19.

👨👩👧👦 Who is Eligible for an Ayushman Bharat Card?

The scheme specifically targets economically weaker sections of the population. You may be eligible if you fall into one or more of these categories:

• Families with low or no income

• Belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST)

• Daily wage laborers

• People without a permanent address or property

• Individuals without access to any other financial protection or insurance

The goal is to make sure benefits reach those who need them the most.

🔍 How to Check If You're Eligible

Checking your eligibility for the Ayushman Bharat Card is simple and can be done online:

Visit the official website:

Click on the ‘Am I Eligible’ tab.

Enter your mobile number and the captcha code shown.

Verify the OTP sent to your phone.

Fill out the basic form with your name, state, age, family details, and income.

The system will then confirm whether you qualify for the scheme.

📝 How to Apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card

If you are eligible, applying is easy:

• Online via the website:

• Via mobile app: Download the official Ayushman Bharat App from the Play Store.

• Fill in your details and upload the required documents.

📄 Documents Required

Make sure to have the following documents ready:

• Aadhaar Card

• Ration Card

• Proof of Residence

• Income Certificate

• Mobile Number

• Passport-size Photograph

✅ Conclusion

The Ayushman Bharat Card continues to be a lifesaver for millions of Indians, especially in the wake of another potential COVID-19 wave. With free treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh, this card could significantly reduce the burden of hospitalization costs.

If you or someone in your family is at risk, don’t delay—check your eligibility, register today, and stay prepared.