Ayushman Bharat for parents over 70: how to enrol from abroad

The Ayushman Vay Vandana card gives citizens aged 70+ hospital cover of ₹5 lakh a year. Who qualifies, how to enrol with Aadhaar, and the limits to know.

By the Athnova Care team · Updated 2026-09-29

What it is

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the government’s health assurance scheme for hospital treatment. In 2024 it was extended to every citizen aged 70 or over, whatever their income. Senior citizens who enrol receive the Ayushman Vay Vandana card.

The cover at a glance

Question	Answer
Who qualifies	Indian citizens aged 70 or over, by the age recorded in Aadhaar
Income limit	None for the over-70 cover
Cover	₹5 lakh per family per year, shared between the senior citizens of the family
Families already in PM-JAY	Senior citizens get an additional top-up of ₹5 lakh for themselves
Where it can be used	Empanelled government and private hospitals
What it covers	Hospitalisation for listed treatment packages; not routine outpatient visits
Cost to enrol	Free

How to enrol

Check that your parent’s Aadhaar shows the correct date of birth and is linked to a working mobile number.
Use the Ayushman app or the National Health Authority’s beneficiary portal and choose the option for senior citizens.
Complete Aadhaar e-KYC with the OTP sent to the linked mobile, or a face or fingerprint check.
Download the card once it is approved.

A sibling, a neighbour or a Common Service Centre can help your parent through the steps. You can also guide them on a video call, as long as the OTP reaches their phone.

The limits to know

States implement the scheme, and participation and hospital lists differ. Check your parent’s state.
Many well-known private hospitals are not empanelled, or accept the scheme only for some treatments.
It covers hospital admission for listed packages, not doctor visits, tests and medicines outside admission.
People covered by CGHS, ECHS or similar government schemes must choose one or the other.

With a private policy

People with private health insurance can also enrol. Many families keep both: the private policy for the hospital they prefer, and the Ayushman card as a second line.

Keep it on the emergency card

Add the Ayushman card number and the nearest empanelled hospital to your parent’s emergency card, so that whoever takes them to hospital knows to ask.

General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules and limits change — confirm with the insurer, your bank or a qualified adviser before you act.

Questions families ask

Is there an income limit for the Ayushman card for senior citizens?

No. The cover for people aged 70 and over does not depend on income.

Can I enrol my parent from abroad?

You can guide them, but the Aadhaar OTP or biometric check has to be done by your parent in India.

Can it be used at any hospital?

Only at empanelled hospitals. Check the list for your parent’s city.

Sources

National Health Authority — Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

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