AB Vaya Vandana
Ayushman Bharat — Vaya Vandana Yojana (Senior Citizen Health Cover)
Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Yojana (launched August 2024) is a landmark expansion of the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY programme, extending free health cover of ₹5 lakh per year to ALL Indian citizens aged 70 years and above — regardless of income, economic status, or existing insurance. This is the first universal health scheme for seniors in India with no means testing. The scheme is separate from PM-JAY's family cover — senior citizens in existing PM-JAY families get a TOP-UP of an additional ₹5 lakh exclusively for themselves. Seniors not in PM-JAY families get a fresh ₹5 lakh cover. Coverage includes: inpatient hospitalisation, daycare procedures, pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, 1,949 medical and surgical packages across all specialities. The existing PM-JAY network of 29,000+ empanelled hospitals — public and private — is available.
Key Objectives
- Provide universal health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70+ regardless of income.
- Reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure for elderly Indians.
- Ensure dignified and quality healthcare access for senior citizens.
Benefits
Eligibility
- ALL Indian citizens aged 70 years and above
- No income restriction — universal coverage
- Whether or not already a PM-JAY beneficiary
- Must be 70+ years of age
- Indian citizen — Aadhaar required for enrolment
How to Apply
Visit nearest Ayushman Bharat empanelled hospital or Common Service Centre (CSC)
Carry Aadhaar card and age proof (birth certificate, Aadhaar DOB)
Enrolment officer generates Ayushman Vaya Vandana card
Alternatively: register online at beneficiary.nha.gov.in or via UMANG app
Present Ayushman card at empanelled hospital for cashless treatment
Required Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ayushman Vaya Vandana free for all senior citizens or only for poor families?
It is free for ALL Indian citizens aged 70 years and above — there is no income restriction or means testing. A wealthy senior, middle-class senior, and economically poor senior all qualify equally. This is India's first universal (no income restriction) health insurance scheme.
My parents already have PM-JAY coverage. Do they get additional benefit under Vaya Vandana?
Yes — if a senior citizen (70+) is already covered under a PM-JAY family, they get a TOP-UP separate individual ₹5 lakh cover under Vaya Vandana. This is in ADDITION to, not replacement of, the family's existing PM-JAY cover. So a PM-JAY family with one 70+ senior effectively has ₹5 lakh family cover (PM-JAY) + ₹5 lakh individual cover for the senior (Vaya Vandana).
How do I get the Ayushman Vaya Vandana card for my parent?
Visit any Ayushman Bharat empanelled hospital or CSC with the senior citizen's Aadhaar card. Age is verified from Aadhaar's date of birth. The enrolment officer generates the Ayushman Vaya Vandana card on the spot. Can also be done online at beneficiary.nha.gov.in or via UMANG app. Helpline: 14555.