ABHA CARD

Apply Process, Eligibility, Documents Required

Abha Card Apply Process, Eligibility, Documents Required - Step By Step Guide

Imagine a time when you visited a hospital in a new city, perhaps a busy hospital in Mumbai or an old rural location in Madhya Pradesh. Imagine that your entire medical history was available to the doctor at the click of a number and that you never had to carry worn-out files of medical records again, or missing prescriptions. This is what the ABHA card (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) does — it provides your digital health ID under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). For millions of Indians — from a shopkeeper in Patna, to a teacher in Chennai, to a student in Ahmedabad.

The ABHA card is making healthcare in India easy, secure, and accessible. In this guide, we will explain what the ABHA card is, the benefits of the card, how to apply, what documents you need, how it is different from the Ayushman card, and many other topics which will all include real-life stories and clear tables to help guide you.

What is an ABHA Card?

The ABHA card is a 14-digit digital health ID that works as a personal health locker, creating a safe place for records that include: prescriptions; lab reports; vaccinations; and hospital visits all in one location. The intent is to modernize India’s healthcare system, creating health records that are accessible wherever you are; from a village dispensary to a super-specialty hospital.

It is like Aadhaar for healthcare, connecting you to doctors, clinics, and health schemes across the country. For Rakesh, a delivery executive from Delhi, it means he no longer has to carry his old test results when visiting new doctors. His ABHA card allows the hospital to access his records with speed and efficiency, enhancing care and peace of mind.

The strength of the ABHA card is its ease of use and reach. It is free to create, it can be used at any ABDM-registered healthcare facility, and you have the power to decide who can access your information. No matter if you are in a metropolitan city or a small town, your health records are always available with you because of the ABHA card. This makes it a crucial tool for every Indian.

Why Choose the ABHA Health ID?

Benefits of the ABHA Card

The ABHA card is more than just a digital ID. It’s a lifeline that simplifies healthcare for Indians from all walks of life. Imagine going to a new doctor without repeating your entire medical history. For Sunita, a homemaker from Lucknow, this was a game-changer when she took her son for a check-up in a different city.

By sharing her ABHA number, the doctor accessed her son’s past records, ensuring quick and accurate treatment. The card also enables cashless treatments under schemes like Ayushman Bharat, offering up to ₹5 lakh in free medical care annually at empaneled hospitals. This was a blessing for Anil, a farmer from Haryana, whose father received free surgery without dipping into savings.

Key Features of ABHA Health ID

🚀 Seamless Access

Doctors get your health history instantly for faster care.

💳 Cashless Treatments

Free treatments up to ₹5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat at empaneled hospitals.

📞 Telemedicine Support

Book online consultations or e-pharmacy services easily.

🔐 Data Security

Encrypted records with access controlled by you.

🌐 National Portability

Use your ABHA ID across India—no need to carry paper records.

📁 Unified Health Records

All your prescriptions, test reports, and treatments stored in one place.

Eligibility For ABHA Card

Indian Citizenship

You must be a resident or citizen of India.

Identity Proof

You need a valid Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driver's license linked to a mobile number for verification during registration. No hard copies of documents are required for online applications.

No Age or Socio-Economic Restrictions

There are no restrictions based on age, gender, caste, or socio-economic status for creating an ABHA card. This makes it accessible to all Indian residents, including children.

Mobile Number

A mobile number linked to the Aadhaar card or driver's license is required for OTP-based verification during the registration process.

Documents Required for ABHA Card

To apply for an ABHA card, you need the following documents:

Document Option
Aadhaar Card
Driving License
PAN Card
Mobile Number / Email

Ways to Apply for ABHA Card

There are 5 ways to apply for an ABHA Card. Choose your favourite method from the table below.

Method
Online via ABHA Portal
abha.abdm.gov.in
Mobile Apps
ABHA App or Aarogya Setu
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals or Wellness Centers
Common Service Centres (CSCs)
With Help of ABHA Mitras
Community Health Workers

Apply For ABHA Card Online Via ABHA Portal

  1. First, go to the official ABHA portal: ➡️ ABHA CARD
  2. Click on the "Create ABHA Number" button on the homepage.
    ABHA portal homepage showing the 'Create ABHA Number' button
  3. You will have two options to create your ABHA card: 1. Via Aadhaar Card or 2. Via Driving License. Choose one from both.
  4. Choose the Aadhaar Card option for an easier process.
    ABHA portal homepage highlighting the 'Create ABHA Number' button
  5. On the next page, fill in the following details:
    1. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Card Number.
    2. Check the "I agree" box.
    3. In authentication type, choose Aadhaar OTP.
    4. Fill in the correct captcha.
    5. Click on the Next button.
    ABHA portal showing options for Aadhaar Card or Driving License
  6. In Aadhaar authentication, enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number. Then, enter your mobile number and click on the Next button.
    ABHA portal showing Aadhaar Card option selected
  7. You will receive another OTP. Enter it and click on Validate.
    ABHA portal form for entering Aadhaar number, agreement, OTP type, and captcha
  8. In communication details, enter your Email or Gmail ID and click on Verify.
    ABHA portal showing Aadhaar OTP and mobile number entry
  9. You will receive an email from the portal to confirm your email ID. Check your email or Gmail inbox.
    ABHA portal showing OTP validation screen
  10. Confirm your email for the ABHA card by clicking on the link within 24 hours.
    ABHA portal showing email entry and verification
  11. Return to the portal and click on the Next button.
  12. Create your ABHA address, similar to an email address. It must be unique, or you can choose from suggestions. Then click on the Create ABHA button.
    Email inbox showing ABHA confirmation email
  13. After clicking the Create ABHA button, your ABHA ID will be generated and displayed on the screen. You can print it or download the ABHA card PDF.
    ABHA portal email confirmation link screen

Note: Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to an active mobile number for OTP verification. For assistance, contact the ABDM helpline: 1800-11-4477 or email abdm@nha.gov.in.

Apply For ABHA Card Via Mobile App

  1. First of all go to the Play Store or App Store to install ABHA app.
  2. After the installation open the app and Continue with English and Then click on AGREE button and allow all the permissions.
  3. Now You will see two options. 1. Register and 2. Login
  4. Click on the Register Button.
    ABHA app create abha Card highlighting the 'Create ABHA Number'
  5. Click on Create Now
    ABHA app create abha
  6. Now fill the details
    1. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Card Number.
    2. Check the I agreebox.
    3. Click on the Next button.
    ABHA portal showing Aadhaar Card option selected
  7. Choose authentication OTP and click on NEXT button.
    ABHA app create abha number
  8. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number enter the OTP and Enter Your Mobile Number then click Validate Button.
    ABHA app
  9. Now your ABHA Card has been generated via mobile apps. You can check by login.

Conclusion

The ABHA card is a powerful tool that puts you in charge of your healthcare. Whether you’re managing a chronic illness, seeking affordable treatments, or simply want your medical records organized, this free, nationwide card makes it happen. From digital record-keeping to cashless treatments and telemedicine, it’s designed to simplify healthcare for every Indian, from villages to cities. Ready to take control? Visit healthid.ndhm.gov.in or download the ABHA app today to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the ABHA card mandatory?

No, it’s completely voluntary. However, it’s a smart choice for anyone who wants to streamline their healthcare, from accessing digital records to cashless treatments.

What documents are needed to apply for an ABHA card?

You need an Aadhaar card linked to a mobile number for OTP verification. Alternatively, you can use a driving license, PAN card, or voter ID, along with a mobile number or email for account verification.

Can I use my ABHA card outside my state?

Absolutely. The ABHA card works at any ABDM-registered hospital or clinic across India, making it ideal for travelers or those relocating to new cities.

How secure is my health data with the ABHA card?

Your data is protected with encryption, and only authorized healthcare providers can access it with your consent, ensuring top-notch privacy.

How does the ABHA card differ from the Ayushman card?

The ABHA card is a digital health ID for managing records and accessing services nationwide, while the Ayushman card is for cashless treatment under PM-JAY for eligible families.