Is the ABHA Card the Same as the Ayushman Card?

In present times, India’s healthcare system is transforming rapidly. There are two key digital initiatives that have gained major attention—the ABHA Card & the Ayushman Card. Both of these cards are linked to the broader Ayushman Bharat initiative, but they serve very different purposes.

So, if you are wondering, “Is ABHA card and Ayushman card the same?”—the short answer to this question is no. But understanding why they are different, how they actually work, & how they benefit you is very essential.

Let us discuss this in detail in this blog. 

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What is the ABHA Card?

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The ABHA card is also referred to as the Ayushman Bharat Health Account, is part of India’s National Digital Health Mission (NDHM). It is essentially your digital health ID - a 14-digit number that facilitates you to access & manage your personal health records online.

Imagine having all your medical documents, prescriptions, lab results, & doctor visits stored securely in one place—accessible anytime, anywhere. That is what the ABHA card offers.

Key Features of the ABHA Card:

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• The ABHA Card digitally stores all your health records safely.
• ABHA Cards can be easily shared with doctors/hospitals (with your consent).
• ABHA Card can be accessed across public as well as private healthcare providers across India. 
• Once you have enrolled and start using an ABHA Card, no paperwork is involved. Thus, there is no hassle. It is fully digital and free. 
• ABHA Card gives you one ID to track lifelong medical history. 

This initiative is strategically designed to simplify your overall healthcare experience & promote continuity of care. It does not offer any insurance benefits. It is solely for managing your digital health records on a single platform. 

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What is the Ayushman Card?

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The Ayushman Card comes under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). This particular card provides free healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakhs per year per family for secondary & tertiary care hospitalization.

Unlike the ABHA card, the Ayushman Card offers real financial support—especially useful in times of serious illness or surgery.

Key Benefits of the Ayushman Card:

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• This card provides coverage of the medical expenses in public & private hospitals.
• No enrolment fee or premium is involved in getting an Ayushman Card. 
• It covers over 1,500 procedures including surgeries, diagnostics, & medication. 
• It helps in reducing out-of-pocket expenses. 
• It is available to several eligible families under government-defined criteria

You can easily check your Ayushman Bharat scheme eligibility online & proceed with Ayushman card download once approved.

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ABHA Card vs Ayushman Card: What are the Differences?

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Let us make this clear with a side-by-side comparison:

Feature

ABHA Card

Ayushman Card

Purpose

Digital health record management

Free health insurance for treatment

Financial Benefit

No

Yes (₹5 lakh/year)

Eligibility

Available for all citizens

Based on Ayushman Bharat scheme eligibility

Use Case

Manage & share health data

Avail cashless treatment

Issuing Authority

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

National Health Authority (PM-JAY)

Where It Works

Any public/private healthcare linked to NDHM

Empanelled hospitals under PM-JAY

Ayushman card download

Not applicable

Yes, after eligibility check

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Can You Apply for Both Cards?

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Yes, you absolutely can—& should—apply for both if you are eligible. Here’s why:

• ABHA Card empowers you with digital control over your health history.
• Ayushman Card provides financial security when you or your family need hospital care.

These two cards, in true sense, complement each other, making your healthcare journey more streamlined & stress-free.

How to Get Your ABHA Card?

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The ABHA card registration is absolutely simple & can be conducted online:

1. Visit the NDHM/ABHA portal or Eka Care’s website or Mobile App
2. Choose to register using Aadhaar number or mobile number
3. Fill in all the personal details & verify via OTP
4. Generate your 14-digit ABHA ID
5. Then, start linking your health records & build your profile

Once created, you can use your ABHA card across any health facility that is part of the digital health ecosystem.

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How Do You Apply for an Ayushman Card?

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To check Ayushman bharat scheme eligibility:

1. Go to the PM-JAY official website.
2. Use your Aadhaar number or ration card in order to search your name.
3. If eligible, you will be allowed to apply for the Ayushman card.
4. Submit all the required documents online or via a CSC (Common Service Center)
5. Post approval, proceed with Ayushman card download.

You will receive a digital card that can be used at any empanelled hospital to receive cashless treatment.

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Why You Shouldn’t Confuse the Two?

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It is easy to see why people get confused—both cards use the "Ayushman Bharat" branding. However:

• ABHA is a health identity tool
• Ayushman Card is a health insurance scheme

They target different problems. ABHA simplifies the aspect of record keeping, while the Ayushman Card removes all financial barriers to healthcare.

Knowing this distinction can considerably help you take full advantage of both systems without missing out on benefits.

Common FAQs

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Q1: Is the ABHA card mandatory for the Ayushman card?
No. They are altogether separate services. However, linking them is beneficial for better healthcare tracking.

Q2: What happens if I lose my Ayushman card?
You can easily reissue it online via the Ayushman card download section after logging in.

Q3: Do private hospitals accept ABHA cards?
Yes, many private hospitals integrated into the NDHM ecosystem accept ABHA-linked health data (with consent).

Q4: How often do I need to renew these cards?
Both cards are currently issued for lifetime use. However, you should keep your contact details updated on these cards.

Q5: Can a person have multiple ABHA cards?
No. One person can only hold one unique ABHA ID, just like an Aadhaar number.

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Conclusion

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India’s digital health mission is moving at a fast pace. With tools like the ABHA card and Ayushman card, the government is making healthcare more affordable, accessible, & efficient.

While they may sound similar, they serve two very distinct purposes. So instead of asking whether they are the same, the better question is—how can both help you lead a healthier, more secure life?

If you are eligible, do not wait any further—check your Ayushman bharat scheme eligibility, apply for the scheme, & proceed with your Ayushman card download. At the same time, generate your ABHA ID & take control of your health journey today.

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