What is the difference between ABHA card and Ayushman card?

Read on to know what is ABHA and Ayushman cards and how are they different from each other.
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3 min
10-July-2025

Healthcare is one of the most essential aspects of human life, and it becomes more significant, particularly for those who struggle to afford it. The government of India has launched various initiatives to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare to citizens, regardless of their economic status. Among these programs, ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) and Ayushman Bharat card are two significant initiatives taken by the Government.

However, understanding the differences between the ABHA card and the Ayushman Bharat card is crucial for individuals seeking healthcare support. In this article, we will discuss the benefits, coverage, and key points of difference between an Ayushman Bharat Card and ABHA health ID card.

What is an ABHA Card?

Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) is an initiative under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. Under this, a 14-digit health ID number is created for every individual which links all healthcare benefits, be it public health programmes or health insurance schemes with your ABHA ID. Given below are the key features of Ayushman Bharat Health Account:

Launched in 2021 under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the ABHA health card aims to digitise and simplify healthcare record management in India. It features a unique 14-digit identification number linked to the individual’s Aadhaar, providing a secure, centralised, and easily accessible way to store and share personal health records with authorised healthcare providers.

  • Establishing a singular identity across various healthcare providers within the healthcare network.
  • Connect all healthcare perks, spanning from public health initiatives to insurance plans, to your unique ABHA health ID number.
  • Hassle-free online registration process for healthcare facilities across the country.
  • Effortlessly register for PHR (Personal Health Records) applications like ABDM for streamlined health data sharing.

Key features of the ABHA Card

  • Unique 14-digit ABHA number
    Every individual is assigned a unique 14-digit ABHA number, serving as their digital health identity for easy access and management of personal medical records.
  • Secure health data storage
    Users can digitally store and retrieve their complete medical history—including prescriptions, lab reports, and past treatments—anytime, anywhere.
  • Interoperability across health networks
    The ABHA system facilitates seamless exchange of health data across hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers, ensuring coordinated and efficient care delivery.
  • Voluntary and inclusive registration
    Anyone can create an ABHA ID, regardless of age, income, or health condition, making it universally accessible and inclusive.
  • Access to integrated digital health services
    Users can link their health records with verified healthcare professionals, enabling smoother communication and better treatment outcomes.

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What is Ayushman Bharat Card?

Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, aims to extend healthcare benefits to economically weaker families in India. Ayushman card is given to beneficiaries enrolled under Ayushman Bharat Yojana or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). This card facilitates free medical treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year at hospitals enlisted under Ayushman Bharat for the scheme's participants.

Read more: PMJAY Registration Process in 2024

Key differences between ABHA Health Card and Ayushman Card

Here’s a quick overview highlighting the difference between ABHA card and Ayushman card in terms of purpose, access, and benefits.

Parameters ABHA health ID Ayushman card
Purpose ABHA card serves as a digital repository for all health records, ensuring easy accessibility and sharing. Ayushman card is issued to beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, enabling cashless treatment at network hospitals.
Eligibility Available to all Indian nationals Designed for economically weaker sections of society, registered under PMJAY. Exclusively for the underprivileged individuals identified by the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC).
Benefits Offers a unique 14-digit identification number for accessing medical records digitally. Provides cashless hospitalisation benefits.
Coverage Facilitates access to health records from any location. Every family is entitled to up to Rs. 5 lakh per year.
Enrolment Voluntary Mandatory for eligible individuals
Income group All citizens of India from all income groups can register for ABHA heath ID number. Ayushman cards are for the low- income group

 

Which one should you select: ABHA Card or Ayushman Card?

Choosing between the two depends on your needs. If you want to digitise and access your health records securely, go for the ABHA Card. But if you're looking for free hospitalisation benefits under a government scheme, the Ayushman Card is ideal. Understanding the difference between ABHA and Ayushman Card can help you make an informed healthcare decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the ABHA health ID card and the Ayushman Bharat card are integral components of India's evolving healthcare landscape, understanding their differences is essential for individuals seeking healthcare support. By leveraging the benefits offered by these cards, individuals can navigate the complexities of healthcare financing more effectively, ensuring timely access to quality medical treatment when needed.Initiatives like ABHA emphasize on the importance of healthcare in the country and significance of health insurance in India.

Also Read

Abha Card Download

Pmjay Gov in Registration

Ayushman Card Benefits

Frequently asked questions

Can I have both an ABHA Card and an Ayushman Bharat Card?

Yes, absolutely. You can have both cards. The Ayushman Bharat Card helps you access cashless healthcare services under PM-JAY, while the ABHA Card allows you to manage and share your health records digitally across hospitals and clinics.

Is the ABHA card mandatory for using the Ayushman Bharat Card?

As of now, the ABHA Card is not mandatory to use the Ayushman Bharat Card. However, linking both cards can simplify your healthcare experience by enabling smoother digital access to medical records and treatment history.

Are the Ayushman Card and ABHA Card the same?

No, the Ayushman Card and ABHA Card are not the same.

  • The Ayushman Card (under PM-JAY) provides free health insurance benefits for eligible individuals.
  • The ABHA Card is a digital health ID that stores and manages your medical records online.
    Both serve different purposes but are part of India’s digital healthcare ecosystem.

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