In India’s growing digital healthcare landscape, two important initiatives often confuse people — the ABHA Card and the Ayushman Bharat Card. While they sound similar, their purpose and use are quite different.
🔹 What is the ABHA Card?
ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) is a 14-digit unique digital ID under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). It allows you to create and manage your health records online securely.
🔸 What is the Ayushman Bharat Card?
The Ayushman Bharat Card is a part of the PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) scheme. It offers free treatment up to ₹5 lakh/year per family at empaneled public and private hospitals.
📊 ABHA Card vs Ayushman Bharat Card – Comparison Table
| Feature | ABHA Card | Ayushman Bharat Card |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Digital Health ID | Health Insurance Coverage |
| Scheme | Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) | PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat Yojana) |
| Eligibility | Open to all citizens | Only for low-income eligible families |
| Cost | Free | Free (if eligible) |
| Main Benefit | Store & share health records | Free hospital treatment up to ₹5 lakh |
| Hospitalization | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Digital Records | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Issued By | National Health Authority (NHA) | National Health Authority (NHA) |
🧐 Do You Need Both?
Yes, absolutely! You can have both cards — and they serve different purposes:
- ABHA Card = for digital health record management
- Ayushman Bharat Card = for financial protection and hospitalization
📝 How to Get These Cards?
➤ To create ABHA Card:
- Visit: https://abha.abdm.gov.in
- Use Aadhaar or Driving License
- Download the ABHA card instantly
➤ To get Ayushman Bharat Card:
- Visit: https://pmjay.gov.in
- Check eligibility using your mobile number or ration card
- Visit nearest CSC center or empaneled hospital
📢 Final Words
While the ABHA Card empowers every citizen with a digital health identity, the Ayushman Bharat Card offers financial relief during major medical treatments for the economically vulnerable. Use both to stay covered in every aspect of your health journey.