Ayushman Bharat 2.0: How to Apply for the New ‘Vay Vandana’ Card (70+)

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is a historic expansion of the PM-JAY scheme. In 2026, the government has simplified the application process to ensure that senior citizens don’t have to wait in long queues. Whether your family is already covered under Ayushman Bharat or not, every individual aged 70+ is entitled to this exclusive ₹5 lakh annual cover.

1. Eligibility Criteria for 2026

• Age: You must be 70 years or older as per your Aadhaar card.
• Income: There is no income limit. Even if you have private health insurance or are well-off, you can still apply.
• Other Schemes: If you are already using CGHS or ECHS, you can choose to either continue with those or switch to Ayushman Bharat 2.0.

2. How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)

The fastest way to get your card is through the Beneficiary Portal or the Ayushman App.

• Step 1: Visit the official portal at beneficiary.nha.gov.in or download the Ayushman App from the Play Store.
• Step 2: Log in using your Mobile Number and verify it with the OTP.
• Step 3: Select the “Ayushman Vay Vandana (70+)” section.
• Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar Number. The system will verify your age automatically.
• Step 5: Complete the e-KYC using Aadhaar OTP, Fingerprint, or Face Auth (on the app).
• Step 6: Take/upload a Live Photo of the senior citizen.
• Step 7: Submit the application. Your card is usually approved and ready for download within 15–30 minutes.

3. Alternative: Applying Offline

If you aren’t comfortable with digital portals, you can visit:

• Common Service Centres (CSC): Carry your Aadhaar card; the operator will do the registration for you.
• Empanelled Hospitals: Most large hospitals have an Ayushman Mitra desk that helps with on-the-spot registration during admission.

4. What if the Family is Already Covered?

If the family already has an Ayushman Card (the pink/yellow ones), the senior citizen (70+) gets a separate and additional ₹5 lakh cover.

Note: The rest of the family shares their original ₹5 lakh, while the senior citizen gets their own dedicated ₹5 lakh “top-up” which cannot be used by other members.

Ayushman Vay Vandana vs. Standard PM-JAY

Conclusion

As President Murmu highlighted, the Vay Vandana Card is about “dignity in old age.” With over 30,000 empanelled hospitals across India, including 13,000+ private ones, this card ensures that a medical emergency doesn’t become a financial crisis for your family in 2026.

Have you checked your parents’ age on their Aadhaar card recently? Ensure it’s updated so they can get their Vay Vandana card today!