The Government of India has launched a very helpful scheme for senior citizens called the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. This card gives free health insurance of up to ₹5 lakh for people who are 70 years or older. The goal of this scheme is to reduce the burden of medical expenses for elderly people in India.
What is Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?
The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is a special health card for senior citizens under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. It offers a health cover of ₹5 lakh per year, free of cost. The card is specially made for people who are 70 years and above, helping them to get free treatment in government and selected private hospitals.
This scheme is part of the government’s aim to provide affordable healthcare for all, especially for the elderly who often need medical help the most.
Key Benefits of the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card
Here are the main benefits of this scheme:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Cover | ₹5 lakh per year |
| Age Limit | 70 years and above |
| Free Treatment | In more than 25,000 hospitals (Govt. & empanelled private) |
| Cost | Absolutely free (No premium to be paid) |
| Coverage | Over 1,300 illnesses including surgeries and critical care |
| Cashless Facility | No need to pay at the hospital |
| PAN & Aadhaar Based | Easy to apply with Aadhaar and PAN card |
Who Can Apply?
To apply for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, the person must:
- Be 70 years or older
- Be a citizen of India
- Have a valid Aadhaar card
- Have a PAN card (optional but useful for verification)
- Not be covered under any other similar health scheme
Diseases Covered Under the Scheme
This health card covers more than 1,300 medical procedures, including:
- Heart surgery
- Kidney treatment (dialysis)
- Cancer care
- Eye surgeries
- Joint replacement
- Diabetes and blood pressure management
- ICU and emergency care
This means senior citizens can get treatment for most major health issues without spending money.
How to Apply for Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card?
Follow these simple steps to apply:
- Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Ayushman Bharat Kendra.
- Submit your Aadhaar card, age proof, and address proof.
- A health official will verify your documents.
- Once approved, you will get your Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.
- You can also check your eligibility and apply online at https://pmjay.gov.in
How to Use the Card?
- Go to any Ayushman Bharat Empanelled Hospital.
- Show your Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card and Aadhaar card.
- You will get cashless treatment.
- The hospital will directly get payment from the government.
Why Is This Scheme Important?
As people grow older, they are more likely to suffer from health problems. Many senior citizens cannot afford private hospital treatment. This scheme helps them:
- Get quality treatment for free.
- Avoid long waiting lines in government hospitals.
- Stay independent without depending on family for medical costs.
This scheme gives peace of mind to both the elderly and their families.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card is a big step to support India’s senior citizens. With ₹5 lakh health coverage, it removes the fear of high medical bills. It ensures that every elderly citizen can get proper treatment when needed—without any stress about money.
