Government Schemes Guide

Ayushman Bharat for Your Parents: Free ₹5 Lakh Health Cover

Your parent may already be eligible for free hospital treatment. Here's how to check and apply — even if you're abroad.

📖 8 min read
₹5,00,000

Free health cover per year

For every Indian citizen aged 70 and above. No income limit. No premium. Zero cost.

1. First, Understand — There Are Two Schemes

This is where most people get confused. "Ayushman Bharat" actually covers two different programs. Your parent may qualify for one or both:

AB PM-JAY (Original)
Launched 2018. Covers economically weaker families based on the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. ₹5 lakh per family per year. Covers all ages.
Most Relevant for NRIs
Ayushman Vaya Vandana (New)
Launched October 2024. Covers ALL citizens aged 70 and above — regardless of income. ₹5 lakh per family per year. This is the one most NRI parents qualify for.

2. Is Your Parent Eligible?

For Ayushman Vaya Vandana (70+ scheme)

The eligibility is remarkably simple:

Three requirements. That's it.
1

Age: 70 years or older (as per date of birth on Aadhaar card).

2

Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.

3

Aadhaar: Must have an Aadhaar card. That's the only document required.

5. How NRIs Can Help From Abroad

You cannot complete the enrollment yourself — your parent needs to be physically present for the photo. But here's what you CAN do:

Check eligibility
Go to beneficiary.nha.gov.in and check if they are already in the system.
Update Aadhaar mobile
If their linked mobile is old, help them book an appointment to update it first.
Find nearest CSC
Search at locator.csccloud.in and send your parent the address.
Find hospitals
Search empanelled hospitals and save the top 3 to your Parent Profile.
Walkthrough on video
Get on a video call and guide them through the app screens.
Ask local contacts
Ask a neighbour or domestic help to take them to a CSC centre.

8. Your Action Checklist

Do This Today (15 Minutes)

Check eligibility at beneficiary.nha.gov.in using Aadhaar.

Confirm parent's Aadhaar mobile number is current.

If parent is 70+ and not enrolled, start the application process.

Find empanelled hospitals near your parent and save them.

Print the card and keep a copy in their wallet and at home.

Tell your parent and local contacts to show this card at any admission.

Save helplines: 14555 (General) and 1800-11-0770 (Vaya Vandana).

ℹ️ Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information based on publicly available government sources. Scheme rules, eligibility criteria, and processes may change. Always verify at official portals. CareForAmma is independent and not affiliated with the National Health Authority or any government body.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Sources: National Health Authority (nha.gov.in), PM-JAY official portal, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Lok Sabha replies December 2025.

CareForAmma provides general information only. In an emergency call 112.

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