What is Ayushman Vay Vandana Card?

Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is a special health card launched in 2024 for senior citizens aged 70 and above who are NOT already covered under regular Ayushman Bharat PMJAY. It provides ₹5 lakh cashless health coverage per year exclusively for the elderly individual.

Can a person have both Ayushman Bharat and Vay Vandana Card?

If a senior citizen 70+ is already an Ayushman Bharat beneficiary, they get an additional ₹5 lakh top-up on their existing card rather than a separate Vay Vandana Card. Only those NOT previously covered get the new Vay Vandana Card.

Is coverage the same under both cards?

Yes, both cards provide access to the same 1,929+ treatment packages, same empanelled hospitals, and same cashless treatment. The only difference is eligibility criteria and whether it's a family cover (Ayushman Bharat) or individual cover (Vay Vandana).

Which card is better for my 75-year-old parent?

If your family is already covered under Ayushman Bharat, your parent gets both the family ₹5 lakh AND an additional ₹5 lakh top-up. If your family is not covered, your parent can still get ₹5 lakh through the Vay Vandana Card regardless of income.

Do I need to surrender regular Ayushman Card for Vay Vandana?

No, you don't need to surrender anything. Existing Ayushman beneficiaries above 70 automatically get the enhanced coverage. The Vay Vandana Card is an addition, not a replacement.

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Ayushman Bharat vs Vay Vandana Card

Understanding the key differences between regular Ayushman Card and the new senior citizen Vay Vandana Card

Updated: February 2025 4 min read

Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY)

₹5 Lakh

Per family per year

Launched: September 2018

For: SECC-listed families (all ages)

Coverage: Family-based (shared)

Eligibility: SECC deprivation criteria

Beneficiaries: ~12 crore families

All family members covered

Ayushman Vay Vandana 🆕

₹5 Lakh

Per individual per year

Launched: September 2024

For: ALL seniors aged 70+

Coverage: Individual-based

Eligibility: Age 70+ (no income bar)

Beneficiaries: ~6 crore seniors

Only the 70+ individual covered

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	Ayushman Bharat	Vay Vandana
Coverage Amount	₹5 Lakh (family)	₹5 Lakh (individual)
Who's Covered	Entire family	70+ individual only
Income Criteria	SECC-based	None
Age Requirement	No age limit	70+ years only
Treatment Packages	1,929+	1,929+ (same)
Hospital Network	27,000+	27,000+ (same)
Cashless Treatment	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Can Have Both?	Yes – existing beneficiaries get ₹5L top-up

Which Card Do You Need?

Scenario 1: Family in SECC list + Senior 70+

✅ Regular Ayushman Card covers the family (₹5L) + Senior gets additional ₹5L top-up = ₹10L total effective cover

Scenario 2: Family NOT in SECC + Senior 70+

✅ Senior gets Vay Vandana Card (₹5L individual cover). Rest of the family is NOT covered unless state has expanded criteria.

Scenario 3: Family in SECC list + No Senior 70+

✅ Regular Ayushman Bharat Card covers the entire family with ₹5L. Vay Vandana not applicable.

Scenario 4: Family NOT in SECC + No Senior 70+

❌ Not eligible for either card under central scheme. Check if your state has expanded eligibility criteria.

FAQs – Ayushman Bharat vs Vay Vandana

Related Guides

Senior Citizens Guide

Age limit and coverage for elderly

Eligibility 2025

Complete eligibility criteria

Ayushman Card Benefits

All benefits under PMJAY

Apply Online

Apply for Ayushman Card

Check Your Eligibility

Find out which Ayushman Card you or your family qualifies for.

Disclaimer: Information based on government policy. Implementation may vary by state. Visit pmjay.gov.in for latest details.