How to Create an ABHA Card and Benefit From an Ayushman Bharat Health Account?

By Megha Jain, Content Writer | Friday, 31 May 2024, 01:48 Hrs

The National Health Authority (NHA), through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), manages everything related to ABHA cards. This card enables Indian citizens to access high-quality healthcare and other additional benefits, including health insurance coverage of 5 lakh per year available through the PM-JAY scheme for eligible citizens.

This article will answer how you can create ABHA card, its eligibility criteria, benefits, and other key details concerning the ABHA card.

What is an ABHA Card?

Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) is a digital health identification number consisting of 14 digits that give you a distinct identity and recognise you as a candidate in India's digital healthcare ecosystem. Healthcare providers across the country accept this identity. After you create an ABHA card, you will get easier access to public health programmes, healthcare benefits, and storage of treatment-related information in a digital and centralised repository.

Who is Eligible for the ABHA Card?

Before you start the process of applying for an ABHA card, you should know if you are eligible for the ABHA ID or not.

You are eligible for ABHA ID if you fulfil the following criteria:

There are no category bars. So, whether you are General, SC, ST, or OBC, you can apply for one.
Individuals already benefiting from RSBY, PMJAY, or CGHS can apply.
You have to have a valid Aadhaar card.

How to Create an ABHA Card?

Follow the steps below to swiftly create an ABHA card through the ACKO app:

Step 1: Download the ACKO app and login with your phone number. Then tap “Discover” > “Set up ABHA”

Step 2: Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with an OTP.

Step 3: Use the ‘add’ button you should add family members. Upon having members you have to select a member and verify his/her Aadhaar too.

Step 4: Complete the process by clicking on ‘Get ABHA Card’.

This will successfully register your details with the database and generate an ABHA ID for you. To get the ABHA card you can download it through the ACKO app.

What are the Benefits of an ABHA Card?

If you have an ABHA card you can avail of the following benefits:

You can link each medical care benefit ranging from public health programmes to health insurance plans to your ABHA ID.
Create a unique identity that is constant across all healthcare providers across India.
Skip the long line for registration in healthcare facilities.
You can easily get access to AYUSH healthcare services.
The simpler sign-up process for Personal Health Records (PHR) applications like ABDM application for health data sharing.
Seamless access to the Healthcare Professional Registry (HPR).

Things to Keep in Mind While Claiming ABHA’s Health Insurance

If your Aadhaar number is linked with your mobile number (the number you have used during ABHA registration) you can claim ABHA’s health insurance. Keep the following things in mind to ensure the claim process is hassle-free:

If you are a PM-JAY policyholder, you can avail treatment by showing the ABHA card.
If you are not a PM-JAY policyholder, you can add your health insurance details to ABHA and follow your insurance company’s claim process.
During all medical assessments and treatment keep your health card with you.
At discharge, you should ensure all medical bills are presented to the hospital.
Submit the completely filled-in Claim Form to your insurance provider along with all medical bills and other relevant documents.
If you experience any issues contact the local ABHA enrolment centre near you.
After the claim submission, your insurance provider will look into the claim.
After approving your claim they will process it.
For future reference, you should keep track of all documents including each medical bill. In case you are dissatisfied with the reimbursement this will help you file a complaint.

What is the Need for a Health Insurance Plan if You Have an ABHA Card?

Comprehensive health insurance policy gives you coverage throughout your lifetime for healthcare including hospitalisation for life-threatening diseases. In contrast, ABHA, if linked with PM-JAY, offers a limited amount upon completion.

While eligible individuals can benefit from cashless healthcare at empanelled hospitals, this lump sum amount may only cover one medical emergency per year. Therefore, it is not designed to replace a lifetime health insurance plan.

The Bottom Line

Overall, if you create an ABHA Card you get access to various healthcare benefits ranging from access to quality healthcare through the PM-JAY scheme and streamlined medical data storage. The eligibility criteria are very easy to fulfil and the application process is straightforward. As you get your ABHA card, be sure to keep tabs on all your medical bills so that you can claim your reimbursement without a hitch.

ACKO has affordable premium options when it comes to health insurance schemes. So, if you intend to purchase one, do contact ACKO.