Ayushman Vay Vandana card: Free health insurance of Rs 5 lakh for citizens aged 70 years & above

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Senior citizens above the age of 70 can now get an extra ₹5 lakh a year health cover under the newly introduced Ayushman Vay Vandana card. The initiative will improve medical access and financial protection for India's most vulnerable population group.

The card also includes a ₹5 lakh top-up cover, in addition to any AB PM-JAY entitlement that is already in place, specifically for citizens who are 70 and above. This will mean that eligible seniors can avail up to ₹10 lakh of cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals.

Notably, the advantage is not limited to the economically weaker sections. All citizens of 70 years and above are eligible for the Ayushman Vay Vandana card, irrespective of income, providing universal protection for this age group.

Senior citizens can procure the card through the Ayushman app or official AB PM-JAY beneficiary portal (www.beneficiary.nha.gov.in). The process involves Aadhaar-based eKYC authentication and uploading minimum personal information.

Alternatively, the elderly can also go to any local empanelled public or private hospital to apply in person. After verification, a digital Ayushman Vay Vandana card is provided for accessing cashless treatment.

The ₹5 lakh top-up under Ayushman Vay Vandana card covers all AB PM-JAY listed secondary and tertiary care treatments. These include surgeries like coronary angioplasty, joint replacement, cataract surgery, and other high-end treatments.

The advantage is completely portable, and cardholders have the option to get treated in any empanelled hospital in India, even if they shift to a different city or state.

All existing diseases are covered from day one under the scheme.

Ever since its initiation in late October 2024, over 25 lakh senior citizens have enrolled under the Ayushman Vay Vandana card, as per official records.

More than 22,000 beneficiaries have so far benefited from ₹40 crore worth of treatments under the scheme

Popular treatments received so far include cardiac care, cataract surgeries, and orthopaedic interventions

CGHS, ECHS or CAPF medical scheme beneficiaries will have to opt for either remaining under their current plan or opting for AB PM-JAY. Private health insurance holders can avail benefits of Ayushman Vay Vandana simultaneously along with their private policy.

The design of the scheme guarantees that the elderly can access complete health insurance without sacrificing current benefits.

Ayushman Vay Vandana card is a big step towards providing financial security to India's elderly. With over 10 crore individuals in India expected to be 70+ years old by 2030, the need for affordable care among the elderly is expected to rise sharply.

The government's move to extend a universal entitlement — regardless of income — is a distinct indication of an intention to protect the well-being of elderly citizens and lower out-of-pocket medical costs.

For more information, elderly people may call the AB PM-JAY toll-free number 14555 or provide a missed call on 1800-110-770.