Ayushman Card Age Limit & Senior Citizens
New 2024 expansion provides free ₹5 lakh health cover to ALL senior citizens aged 70 and above
Updated: February 2025 5 min read
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Major Update: September 2024
PM Modi announced Ayushman Bharat expansion for ALL citizens aged 70+
No income limit • No SECC requirement • Separate ₹5 lakh cover
Age-Based Eligibility at a Glance
| Age Group | Eligibility | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 0-17 years | ✅ | Covered if family is in SECC list |
| 18-59 years | ✅ | Covered if family meets SECC criteria |
| 60-69 years | ✅ | Covered if family meets SECC criteria |
| 70+ years | ✅ 🆕 | ALL eligible – regardless of income or SECC |
What Senior Citizens (70+) Get
Already Ayushman Beneficiary
- • Existing family ₹5 lakh cover continues
- • Additional ₹5 lakh top-up for the senior
- • Total: Up to ₹10 lakh effective coverage
- • Same Ayushman Card – upgraded automatically
New Beneficiary (Not in SECC)
- • New Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
- • ₹5 lakh individual health cover
- • Same hospital network & treatments
- • Apply at portal, CSC, or hospital
How to Apply for 70+ Senior Citizens
1
Gather Documents
Senior's Aadhaar Card (age proof), mobile number, and any family member's assistance
2
Visit Portal or CSC
Go to beneficiary.nha.gov.in or visit a CSC center. Family members can apply on behalf.
3
Complete eKYC
Aadhaar-based verification (biometric at CSC or OTP online). Simplified process for seniors.
4
Download Card
Download the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card and start availing cashless treatment at any empanelled hospital.
💡 Tip: CSC centers are recommended for senior citizens as operators provide full assistance and biometric eKYC avoids mobile OTP issues.
FAQs – Age Limit & Senior Citizens
Disclaimer: Information based on government announcements. Implementation details may vary. Visit pmjay.gov.in for latest updates.