Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) Card - Complete Process

The ABHA card, issued under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) by the National Health Authority (NHA), is a key digital healthcare initiative in India. This health card provides Indian citizens with numerous benefits, including streamlined access to medical treatments and healthcare facilities and simplified registration for personal health record applications like the ABDM ABHA app.

Your 14-digit ABHA number will allow you to be individually identified as a member of India's digital healthcare ecosystem. Healthcare providers and payers across will recognize your ABHA number as a solid and reliable identification.

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What is an ABHA Card or Health Card? 

The ABHA health card features a unique 14-digit ABHA ID that contains essential health information enabling quick access to medical history and data. This digital card provides users with access to high-quality, affordable healthcare services, including cashless treatment at top hospitals.

What is the Ayushman Bharat Health Account?

The Ayushman Bharat Health Account, also known as ABHA, Health ID, or ABHA number, which is an identification number assigned to individuals who apply for it.

This 14-digit unique identifier allows easy access to past medical records, eliminating the need to maintain physical paper records. Individuals can securely access their health records digitally from anywhere in India using the ABHA card that helps streamlining the management of their medical history and ensuring easy retrieval of vital health information.

The program enables the user to share these facts with healthcare facilities and medical specialists throughout India by combining the user's medical records and establishing a single point of safe access. Additionally, users have choice over how their medical records are used, and access is contingent upon agreement.

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Overview about ABHA Card

Type

Details

Scheme 

Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)

Advantage

Digital Health Account

Established On

27 September 2021

Details of Code

14-digit Identification Number

Launched By

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Application Fee

NIL

Documents Required

Aadhaar Card, Driving Licence

Benefits of ABHA Card

The benefits of ABHA card are mentioned below -

  • In state government and private hospitals that are affiliated with the Ayushman Bharat Health Account, the program offers free healthcare and medical services up to Rs.5 lakhs.
  • The Government of India covers three days of pre-hospitalization and fifteen days of post-hospitalization charges, which is one of the scheme's primary advantages.
  • If there are several operations, the highest package will pay the cost. The coverage provided will be 50% for a second treatment and 25% for a third.
  • The program pays for chemotherapy and oncology treatments for fifty different types of cancer. Yet, one instance cannot cover both surgical and medical packages.
  • Under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana program, both insured people and beneficiaries can use their ABHA card to access cashless services and admission services.

Documents Needed for ABHA Card Download via Aadhaar

In order to complete the ABHA card registration process, you will only need two documents: 

  1. ✔️ Aadhar Card
  2.  ✔️ Driving licence
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How to Manage Personal Health Records (PHR) on an ABHA Card Online

To manage personal health records (PHR) on an ABHA card online, you must follow the steps given below:

  • Download the ABHA app
  • Enter all the information requested by the portal and register with a government ID
  • Enter the phone number associated with your Aadhaar card. Use the OTP that was shared on your mobile number to confirm the number
  • The platform will create your PHR address once the OTP has been validated.

How to Create ABHA Number through an Aadhaar Card

The procedure that must be followed to apply for the ABHA ID with the help of an Aadhaar Card is mentioned below:

  • Visit the official website of ABHA.ABDM
  • On the homepage, select the option, 'Create ABHA Number’.
  • Select the option Aadhaar card and enter your Aadhaar number.
  • An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar registered number.
  • Enter OTP and Aadhaar registered mobile number
  • Fill in the communication details, and your ABHA ID will be generated.
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Create ABHA Number using Driving License 

To create the Abha ID through Driving License, you need to follow the given below steps: 

  • Visit ABHA's official website
  • Click Create your ABHA number using driver's licence
  • Choose the statement after entering your mobile number. Click Next
  • Enter the OTP that was delivered to the mobile number you registered
  • Enter your name, driver's license, date of birth, gender, residence, PIN code, district, and state. Upload a picture of your driver's license as well.
  • The ABHA number will be produced.

Why Use an ABHA Card for Digital Healthcare?

Here are some of the reasons to use an ABHA Card for digital healthcare:

  • Your test results, medicines, and medical history are all safely stored in one location with your ABHA ID
  • Doctors can retrieve your medical information fast, cutting down on paperwork and waiting times
  • For simple access to policy benefits and cashless treatments, link your health insurance information
  • Enroll in public health programs and take advantage of government healthcare programs with your ABHA health card.

How to use the ABHA Card?

To use the ABHA card, you must follow the steps given below:

  • Access to the Healthcare Professional Registry (HPR): The healthcare professional registry, which offers a thorough list of physicians across the country, is accessible with your ABHA card.
  • Use the Health Facility Registry (HFR): You can access the HFR, which includes details about government and private healthcare facilities throughout India, by using your ABHA Card.
  • Examine your Alternative Medicine: You may locate facilities for yoga, ayurveda, and naturopathy with the ABHA card.
  • Share Medical Records: Using your ABHA health card, you may simply provide your physicians and hospitals with access to your medical records.

How to Download ABHA Card Online?

ABHA identity card is a key part of the Ayushman Bharat program that helps access high-quality medical care. Individuals can apply for and download their ABHA health card online.

Here are the following ways to download your ABHA health card: 

  • Visit the official ABDM websit
  • Log in to your ABHA account by filling in your mobile number and captcha code
  • Enter the OTP sent on your mobile number and click on download ABHA card.

Note: Android users can also download their card by installing and login into ABHA app from the Play Store.

How to Complete ABHA KYC and Download via Aadhaar

In order to complete the ABHA e-KYC, you can follow the given below steps:

  • Visit the official website of ABHA and login into your account
  • Click on the option, Re-KYC verification.
  • Enter your Aadhaar number and accept the terms and conditions.
  • Click on next and enter the OTP sent on your registered number.
  • You will get a notification for completing the e-KYC verification.

 ABHA vs PM-JAY : Download & Benefits Comparison for Seniors

The government took a significant step to improve the healthcare of older people. The government made new changes in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) on 11 September 2024. These changes will benefit 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens across India.

Important Updates:

  • All the senior citizens who are 70 years old or above are eligible to get free health insurance of up to Rs.5 lakh per year, regardless of their income. They will receive a special AB PM-JAY card to access free medical treatment.
  • Senior citizens who already hold an Ayushman card will be given an extra Rs.5 lakh only for their own use. They cannot share that amount with other family members who are below the age of 70.
  • Those citizens who have private health insurance or are under ESI (Employees' State Insurance) can also avail themselves of the AB PM-JAY benefits.
  • Senior citizens who have access to other government health schemes (like CGHS, ECHS, or CAPF) can either choose their existing coverage or choose AB PM-JAY.

Purpose of Creating an ABHA ID

To participate in India's quickly developing digital healthcare ecosystem, you must create your ABHA health ID. It ensures quicker diagnosis and individualized care by providing a simple means of storing and sharing your medical records with clinics, hospitals, and physicians.

Eligibility for ABHA Card Creation

If any of the following scenarios resonate with you, creating an ABHA account is a wise choice:

  • Early Access Advantage: Creating your ABHA account now gives you access to services that may soon become mandatory, much like Aadhaar or PAN. Imagine entering a hospital with your ABHA card, sharing your healthcare data instantly with a professional, and receiving treatment without needing to carry records or remember your medical history.
  • Embracing Digital Innovation: India is embracing the digital health transformation. Creating an ABHA ID lets you experience digital healthcare tools firsthand, especially since prominent hospitals like AIIMS are already adopting ABHA for healthcare services.
  • Preparing for Future Benefits: By setting up your ABHA number, you'll be well-positioned to take advantage of future benefits in India's digital health landscape.
  • Integrated Hospital Experience: If your hospital is ABHA-integrated, you can conveniently access your hospital documents through a Personal Health Record (PHR) app. It's a simple way to manage and track your medical history and treatments.

Every Indian citizen can benefit from an ABHA account. Whether you're looking for immediate convenience, future benefits, digital health tools, or streamlined hospital services, ABHA provides valuable support for your healthcare needs.

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Importance of ABHA Card for Health Records

Here are some of the vital reasons why you need to have an ABHA Card: 

  • Individual health records can be tracked and accessed digitally using ABHA digital Health ID enabling you to share them with any healthcare system through ABHA registration. 
  • ABHA card enables access to verified doctors, medical examiners, and other healthcare professionals for consultations through the Healthcare Professional Registry (HPR) which is a database of licensed medical professionals. 
  • Helps linking and maintaining your personal health records with the ABHA Address (Health ID) card to keep track of all your medical history, including treatments and consultations. 
  • Make your medical data accessible only with your consent, and you can revoke access at any time, ensuring privacy and control over your information. 
  • The digital platform ensures control over who can access your medical information by providing robust encryption and security measures. 
  • The ABHA Card ensures voluntary activation and de-activation as registration for the ABHA health ID card is optional and individuals can choose to register or delete their information from the ABHA database if they wish to opt-out. 
  • Adding a Nominee is easy with ABHA card as individuals will be able to include a nominee for your ABHA account, a feature currently in development. 
  • Child ABHA can also be availed which is an ABHA digital health card for your child to maintain a medical history record from birth, a facility still under development. 

Track ABHA Benefits & Claims with Digital Tools

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FAQs on ABHA Card

  1. Who is eligible to register for an ABHA card?

    Any Indian citizen can register for an ABHA card.

  2. What are the benefits of having an ABHA card?

    The ABHA card provides several benefits, including access to India's Healthcare Professional Registry (HPR) and easy retrieval of personal medical information, such as prescriptions. It enables individuals to avail of AYUSH treatments, like Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy, and offers seamless sign-up for Personal Health Records (PHR) applications, like the ABDM ABHA app, to facilitate health data sharing. Additionally, the ABHA card unifies benefits by linking public health programs and insurance schemes under one platform, enhancing healthcare access and coordination.

  3. What is the purpose of the ABHA number?

    The ABHA number, a 14-digit identifier, authenticates users and links their health records to healthcare systems only with the user's informed consent. 

  4. Is the Ayushman Bharat card free?

    Yes, obtaining an ABHA card is completely free.

  5. How is PMJAY different from ABHA?

    PMJAY provides health coverage to economically weaker sections, while ABHA promotes the creation of digital health records. 

  6. Can I revoke access to my health data after sharing it?

    Yes, the ABDM allows users to revoke or delete access to their health data at any time.

  7. How does the ABHA card work?

    The ABHA card ID enables users to locate healthcare facilities and share health records securely, allowing access to healthcare benefits and maintaining a health record.

  8. Are the Arogya and Ayushman (ABHA) cards the same?

    No. The ABHA card provides access to cashless medical care, while the Arogya card under PMJAY offers health insurance coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family annually for hospitalisation.

  9. Can hospital bills be claimed under PMJAY or ABHA?

    As an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) beneficiary, the card provides access to cashless treatments and hospitalisations. 

About the Author

Devarthi Gattuwar Author

Devarthi Gattuwar

Devarthi Gattuwar is a Finance Content Writer who has experience writing about Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Tax, and other BFSI products. Other than that, she also writes about non-financial utility products like Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Government Certificates, etc. She has a special interest in Social Media Marketing and its nuances. She likes to read and learn new things. She's a mental health advocate, LGBTQIA+ ally and a dog mom.

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