Table of Contents
- What is PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat)?
- Key Features of PM-JAY
- PM-JAY Coverage
- Who is Eligible for PM-JAY?
- How to Get Your Ayushman Card?
- PM-JAY Treatment Process
- PM-JAY Coverage for Cancer Treatment
- Important Things to Know
- PM-JAY Support at Onco-Life
- Compare PM-JAY with Other Government Schemes
- Contact Details
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Healthcare costs in India represent the primary reason for catastrophic household expenditures, pushing millions into poverty annually. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), branded as Ayushman Bharat, directly addresses this critical challenge by providing ₹5 lakh annual cashless treatment to vulnerable populations.
Launched nationally in 2018, PM-JAY operates as the world’s largest government health assurance programme. It covers approximately 55 crore beneficiaries from around 12.37 crore eligible families, in addition to subsequent eligible categories and all senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the applicable enrolment provisions. Treatment is available at 36,000+ empanelled hospitals across the country.
Unlike traditional health insurance requiring premiums and claim processing, PM-JAY removes upfront payment for approved treatment through direct government-to-hospital settlement, so eligible beneficiaries do not pay for procedures approved under the scheme.
What is PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat)?
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), popularly known as Ayushman Bharat, is India’s largest government health assurance scheme, launched in 2018 by the Government of India.
It provides ₹5 lakh per family per year for cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India.
PM-JAY covers 1,900+ medical and surgical procedures, making it one of the world’s largest publicly funded healthcare programmes. It serves approximately 55 crore beneficiaries from around 12.37 crore eligible families, along with additional eligible categories notified from time to time.
As of 28 February 2026, the scheme had 36,229 empanelled hospitals, comprising 19,483 public and 16,746 private hospitals.
Key Features of PM-JAY
PM-JAY offers several unique benefits that make quality healthcare accessible across the country.
- Pan-India Coverage: Receive treatment at any empanelled hospital across India.
- Coverage from Day One: Pre-existing diseases are covered without any waiting period.
- Family Floater Coverage: ₹5 lakh annual coverage is shared among all eligible family members.
- Cashless at Empanelled Hospitals: Approved packages are settled directly between the hospital and the scheme, so there is no reimbursement or claim filing for the patient.
- Senior Citizen Coverage: All citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible irrespective of income. Eligible senior citizens who already belong to a PM-JAY family receive an additional ₹5 lakh top-up cover for the senior members.
- Paperless Process: Digital verification and portal-based approvals keep the process simple.
PM-JAY Coverage
Cancer Treatment
- Cancer surgeries
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Cancer diagnostics
- Supportive care
Cardiac Care
- Heart surgeries
- Angioplasty
- Valve replacement
- Pacemaker implantation
Neurosurgery
- Brain tumour surgeries
- Spine surgeries
- Skull base procedures
Trauma & Orthopedic Care
- Accident treatment
- Fracture management
- Orthopedic surgeries
Maternity Care
- Normal delivery
- Caesarean section
- Pregnancy-related complications
Renal Care
- Dialysis
- Kidney stone removal
- Management of kidney-related conditions
Other Treatments
More than 1,900 medical and surgical procedures across multiple specialties.Note: Coverage is package-based. The exact procedures, investigations and add-ons available depend on the applicable Health Benefit Package and the rules of the implementing state agency.
Who is Eligible for PM-JAY?
Rural Beneficiaries (SECC-based)
Eligible families include:- Households with no adult member aged 16–59 years
- Female-headed families
- Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families
- Families with disabled members and no able-bodied adult
- Landless labourers
- Primitive tribal groups
Urban Beneficiaries (SECC-based)
Eligible occupations include:- Rag pickers
- Domestic workers
- Street vendors
- Cobblers
- Plumbers
- Construction workers
- Rickshaw pullers
- Delivery personnel
- Sanitation workers
- Other unorganized sector workers
Additional Eligible Categories
- All senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income
- ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi helpers, along with their eligible families
- Additional beneficiary groups included by individual states through converged state schemes
Check Your Eligibility
You can verify your eligibility instantly using:- Aadhaar Number
- Mobile Number
- Ration Card Number
How to Get Your Ayushman Card?
Online Registration
- Visit the official PM-JAY portal.
- Enter your Aadhaar, mobile number, or other required details.
- Check eligibility and complete registration.
Common Service Centre (CSC)
Visit your nearest CSC with:- Aadhaar Card
- Family details
At Onco-Life
Our team assists with:- Eligibility verification
- Card registration
- Documentation support
- Aadhaar Card
- Address Proof
- Family ID
- Member details
- QR Code
- Validity information
PM-JAY Treatment Process
Step 1 – Hospital Admission
Visit any PM-JAY empanelled hospital. Onco-Life is fully empanelled under PM-JAY across all four centres.
Carry:
- Ayushman Card
- Aadhaar Card
Step 2 – Pre-Authorization
The hospital submits treatment details through the PM-JAY portal. Pre-authorization timelines vary depending on the treatment package, the implementing state agency, clinical documentation and case complexity. Emergency cases are attended to immediately, with authorization completed thereafter as per scheme provisions.
Step 3 – Cashless Treatment
Once the package is approved, treatment is provided on a cashless basis for an eligible beneficiary at an empanelled hospital, within the available family balance and the authorized scope of the approved package.
Depending on the approved package, this covers:
- Hospital charges
- Doctor consultation
- Surgery expenses
- ICU charges
- Medicines
- Diagnostics
- Nursing care
Room-category upgrades, treatment outside the approved package and non-covered services are not billable to the scheme and remain the patient’s responsibility.
Step 4 – Discharge
Patients receive:
- Discharge summary
- Medical reports
- Prescription
- Follow-up schedule
PM-JAY covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days of post-hospitalization expenses, including applicable diagnostics and medicines for the same condition, within the approved package.
PM-JAY Coverage for Cancer Treatment
Cancer patients receive extensive financial support under PM-JAY.
Covered services may include:
- Cancer surgeries
- Tumour removal procedures
- Reconstructive surgeries
- Chemotherapy (multiple cycles)
- Radiation therapy
- IMRT and Brachytherapy
- Blood transfusions
- Pain management medicines
- Supportive care
Relevant investigations, imaging and pathology – including scans and tumour marker
tests – may be covered when included in the approved treatment package or permitted as an authorized add-on under applicable scheme rules.
At Onco-Life, our multidisciplinary oncology team coordinates surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and supportive care under PM-JAY, helping patients receive comprehensive cancer treatment within the scheme’s annual coverage.
Important Things to Know
| Important Point | Details |
|---|---|
| No OPD Coverage | PM-JAY covers hospitalization only. Outpatient (OPD) consultations are generally not included, although some hospitals may provide consultation support before admission. |
| No Claim Process | Approved treatment is settled directly between the empanelled hospital and the scheme. Eligible beneficiaries do not submit reimbursement claims or pay for approved packages upfront. |
| Scope of Cashless Cover | Cashless treatment applies to an eligible beneficiary receiving an approved package at an empanelled hospital, within the available family balance and authorized scope. Room upgrades, non-covered treatment and services outside the approved package are not covered. |
| Pre & Post Hospitalization | Up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days of post-hospitalization expenses are covered, including related diagnostics and medicines for the same condition, within the approved package. |
| Pan-India Portability | Your Ayushman Card can be used at any PM-JAY empanelled hospital across India, regardless of your home state. |
| Family Coverage | The ₹5 lakh annual coverage is shared among all eligible family members. There is no limit on the number of registered family members. |
| Senior Citizens (70+) | All citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible irrespective of income. Seniors in an existing PM-JAY family receive an additional ₹5 lakh top-up cover. |
| Annual Renewal | The ₹5 lakh coverage is renewed every year. Any unused balance does not carry forward to the next year. |
PM-JAY Support at Onco-Life
- Eligibility verification
- Ayushman Card registration
- Treatment cost estimation
- Pre-authorization support
- Admission assistance
- Post-discharge guidance
Compare PM-JAY with Other Government Schemes
| Scheme | Coverage | Eligible Beneficiaries | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJPJAY | ₹1.5–2.5 Lakh | Eligible families in Maharashtra | Explore MJPJAY |
| ECHS | Unlimited (No Annual Cap) | Ex-servicemen and their eligible dependents | Explore ECHS |
| CGHS | As per CGHS guidelines | Central Government employees, pensioners, and eligible beneficiaries | Explore CGHS |
| MPKAY | Unlimited (No Annual Cap) | Maharashtra Police personnel and their eligible family members | Explore MPKAY |
Contact Details
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat): Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) Frequently Asked Questions
Is PM-JAY Completely Free?
There is no premium, contribution or reimbursement process for eligible beneficiaries. Treatment approved under a PM-JAY package at an empanelled hospital is provided cashless within the available family balance. Services outside the approved package, room upgrades and non-covered treatment are not paid for by the scheme.
Can I Use PM-JAY In Private Hospitals?
Yes. More than 36,000 hospitals are empanelled under PM-JAY, including a large number of private hospitals such as Onco-Life. As of 28 February 2026, this included 19,483 public and 16,746 private hospitals.
Is Cancer Treatment Covered Under PM-JAY?
Yes. PM-JAY covers cancer surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and supportive care. Related diagnostics are covered when part of the approved package or permitted as an authorized add-on.
Are Organ Transplants Covered Under PM-JAY?
Organ transplantation is not covered under the national PM-JAY scheme. Some state convergence schemes may have separate provisions, which should be confirmed with the implementing state agency.
Are Senior Citizens Covered?
Yes. All citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible irrespective of income. Those already part of a PM-JAY family receive an additional ₹5 lakh top-up cover for the senior members.
Can I Use PM-JAY Outside My Home State?
Yes. PM-JAY offers nationwide portability, allowing treatment at empanelled hospitals anywhere in India.
What If My Treatment Cost Exceeds ₹5 Lakh?
PM-JAY covers treatment expenses up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. Any amount beyond this limit must be borne by the patient unless covered under another eligible government scheme.
