Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA Card) is a unique initiative that was launched by the Government of India under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Proving to be immensely beneficial for countless Indians, this scheme aims to provide affordable and streamlined access to a wide range of healthcare services, which also includes alternative therapies.

Through the ABHA card millions of individuals and families nationwide can receive various health care benefits, which also include cashless treatments (under PM-JAY) as well as hospitalisation services. 

This article will help you understand how the ABHA health card can streamline your medical insurance experience in 2024 as you learn about its features and benefits.

What is ABHA Card – An Overview

ABHA card is a digital health ID card that provides the citizens of India access to their past as well as present medical records. Launched in 2021, every ABHA health card has a unique 14-digit code or an identification number that can be accessed or used from any location in India. Your ABHA health ID makes you an active member of India’s healthcare and medical insurance ecosystem, proving your eligibility for various healthcare benefits as well as public healthcare programmes.

Important Features of ABHA Card

• ~ Affordable healthcare through subsidised or free services
• ~ Access to a broad network of healthcare services
• ~ Streamlined processing through digital healthcare identity
• ~ Aimed to provide universal healthcare coverage and improved health outcomes
• ~ Providing coverage for a combination of medical services including traditional curing practices as well as prevailing medicine.

 

Benefits of the ABHA Card 

ABHA card through its robust health data management system, expedites the collection, storage, as well as analysing of medical data. Moreover, this data can further be used for important activities like policy formulation, research, and to create plans required to achieve specific health care goals so that the overall healthcare ecosystem in the country can be improved. The ABHA health card opens up a series of benefits and advantages. These benefits include:

• ~ Irrespective of socio-economic status or geographical location, the beneficiaries can easily access a wide range of healthcare services through their ABHA card in India. Moreover, the coverage extends to both pre-existing conditions and new illnesses.
• ~ Seamless sharing of health records with healthcare professionals.
• ~ Through their ABHA card, the beneficiary gets coverage for various medical procedures and treatments, pre and post-hospitalisation costs, hospitalisation expenses, diagnostics as well as medication under PMJAY.
• ~ The digital ABHA card allows the beneficiary the advantage of keeping all their medical record on one digital platform.
• ~ ABHA card allows beneficiaries to get treatment and medical services all across the country so that they get the required treatment even when they are not at their place of residence.
• ~ The ABHA digital card is valid across all empanelled hospitals and healthcare providers in India.
• ~ The ABHA card is secured and encrypted through a strong encryption system. Therefore, the beneficiaries can stay assured that their data is safe and secure without any fear of leakage.

 

Eligibility Criteria for an ABHA Card

There are some basic eligibility criteria for Indian citizens to apply for and get the ABHA card. If you meet the below given rules set by the government, you can get your ABHA card and enjoy the benefits provided by the government.

• ~ Indian Citizenship: The first and the most important criterion is that you must be a citizen of India. The card is not available for foreign nationals
• ~ Aadhar card: To prove your identity, you must have your Aadhar card when you apply for an ABHA card.

With simple eligibility requirements, ABHA card is available to every citizen of India, irrespective of economic status or caste. All the categories – General, OBC, SC, or ST can apply and receive the numerous health benefits offered through the ABHA digital health card.

Conclusion

The ABHA card along with medical insurance can open up and improve your access to a range of healthcare services, while also providing financial security, ensuring affordability and inclusivity in the delivery of healthcare.

If you are looking for the best Medical Insurance plans for yourself and your family in 2024, ACKO is here to help you and offers you a range of health insurance products.