Is an ABHA Card and an Ayushman Card the Same?

ABHA Card vs Ayushman Card: Features, Benefits & Differences

The ABHA health card and the Ayushman Bharat health card are two different initiatives taken by the Government of India to address the healthcare needs of every citizen. Both cards aim to deliver healthcare in an organized way. However, they differ in purpose and benefits.

Keep reading to learn their differences, features, and more!

What is an ABHA Card?

The ABDM (Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission) has taken the initiative of an ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) card to organize all your health-related data in one place. Cardholders will receive a unique 14-digit ID number to access their ABHA account. 

It links the health insurance scheme, medical benefits, and public health programs with your Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID. With this card, you can access the top healthcare facilities as per your medical needs. You can effortlessly register for Personal Health Records (PHR) through ABDM and for a digital ABHA card.

What is an Ayushman Card?

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) initiative to provide quality healthcare facilities to the weaker sections has led to the initiation of the Ayushman Card. Eligible candidates can apply for the Ayushman Card under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana or PMJAY to avail of annual coverage of ₹5 Lakh for their family's treatment. 

This facility is available only when you get treatment from empanelled hospitals.

Differences Between an ABHA Card and an Ayushman Card

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana includes both the Ayushman and ABHA cards, but here are a few differences between the two that one must understand:

Coverage

An Ayushman cardholder can claim coverage for their hospitalization costs or medical expenses during times of need. However, the ABHA card does not provide any financial coverage. It just stores your healthcare details digitally and updates them whenever required.

Function

The primary function of the Ayushman Bharat Card is to provide cost-efficient healthcare services to cardholders during emergencies. It acts as a health insurance scheme. However, the ABHA card is a digital health card that allows you to access your health information.

Eligibility

Economically weaker sections of society (EWS) can only apply for the Ayushman Bharat Card. However, any Indian citizen can apply for an ABHA card regardless of financial status.

Purpose

The Ayushman Bharat Card provides eligible individuals access to health insurance. However, the ABHA card stores the entire health history of the cardholder and provides seamless access to health-related information.

What are the Key Features of the ABHA Card?

Check out the key features of an ABHA card:

• It comes with a 14-digit unique identification number to help access and retrieve your health records seamlessly.
• With an ABHA card, you can easily book hospital appointments during medical needs.
• This card stores all your health-related data: personal health information, medical history, etc., which you can share with your preferred healthcare provider when needed.
• The ABHA card provides a consolidated medical history view, aiding in accurate diagnoses by offering a comprehensive patient data overview.

What are the Key Features of Ayushman Card?

Here are the key features of the Ayushman Bharat Card:

• Ayushman cardholders can get coverage for pre-hospitalization costs for 3 days and post-hospitalization costs for 15 days from the Government of India.
• One can receive medical and healthcare services of up to ₹5 Lakhs free of cost with an Ayushman card. However, the treatment should be done in private and state government network hospitals.
• This scheme also covers the cost of follow-up treatment.
• Insured individuals and beneficiaries can access cashless facilities under Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
• Ayushman card provides financial coverage for nearly 1,949 treatments and medical procedures.

Although both cards aim to improve India's healthcare facilities, the ABHA card is not the same as the Ayushman card. The ABHA card is a digital record of your health information. In contrast, the Ayushman card covers your healthcare expenses if you fall within the eligibility criteria.

Why is Ayushman Card necessary?

The Ayushman Bharat card, issued below the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), acts as an important tool to ensure that economically disadvantaged families can get quality healthcare without the need to face financial stress.

Why is an Abha card needed?

The ABHA card provides you with a unique 14-digit identification number that consolidates your health information into a single digital account, making it easier to handle and access your health records across various healthcare providers. 

Also Read:

→ Does ABHA Card Provide Free Treatment

→ Guide to Claiming ABHA Health Insurance

→ How Does the ABHA Card Work