Apply Process, Eligibility, Documents Required
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.
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.
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.
Doctors get your health history instantly for faster care.
Free treatments up to ₹5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat at empaneled hospitals.
Book online consultations or e-pharmacy services easily.
Encrypted records with access controlled by you.
Use your ABHA ID across India—no need to carry paper records.
All your prescriptions, test reports, and treatments stored in one place.
You must be a resident or citizen of India.
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.
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.
A mobile number linked to the Aadhaar card or driver's license is required for OTP-based verification during the registration process.
To apply for an ABHA card, you need the following documents:
| Document Option |
|---|
| Aadhaar Card |
| Driving License |
| PAN Card |
| Mobile Number / Email |
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your data is protected with encryption, and only authorized healthcare providers can access it with your consent, ensuring top-notch privacy.
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.