What is an ABHA Card? Benefits, Uses & How to Get One

What is ABHA?

ABHA, or Ayushman Bharat Health Account, is like a digital locker for your health records. It’s a 14-digit unique ID that stores all your medical details, hospital visits, test reports, and prescriptions securely online.

Launched by the Indian government under the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM), it helps you access your health information anytime, anywhere, without worrying about carrying paper files.

What is an ABHA card?

The ABHA card works like a health ATM card, but instead of money, it stores your health data. It gives you easy access to all your medical history in one place.

With just your ABHA number, hospitals and doctors can check your past consultations, tests, and treatments instantly, saving time and reducing paperwork during emergencies or routine check-ups.

What is the ₹5 lakh ABHA health card?

Here’s where people often get confused.

• The ₹5 lakh health coverage comes under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme, provided via a Golden Card.
• The ABHA card does NOT give ₹5 lakh coverage by itself. It simply acts as a health record ID.
• If you are eligible for Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, your Golden Card can be linked to your ABHA ID to access free hospitalisation up to ₹5 lakh per year for your family.

What is the difference between the Ayushman card and ABHA card?

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What are ABHA card benefits?

Why should you bother creating an ABHA card? Here’s why it’s useful for employees and families:

• Access to all your health records on your phone without paperwork.
• Faster check-ins at hospitals, labs, and clinics.
• Share reports quickly with doctors for second opinions.
• Useful during emergencies when medical history is needed quickly.
• Can link to insurance benefits like Ayushman Golden Card.
• Easier access to public healthcare services and government health programs.

For HR teams, encouraging employees to get ABHA cards helps in smoother health benefit utilization and less paperwork.

Who should create an ABHA health card?

Everyone in India can create an ABHA ID. It’s especially useful for:

• People with chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart problems.
• Senior citizens who need frequent medical attention.
• Employees who travel or work in multiple cities.
• Families using government schemes like Ayushman Bharat.

Even employees with corporate insurance can benefit from ABHA by keeping all health records in one place.

How to get or make an ABHA card?

Creating your ABHA card takes just 5 minutes:

Step 1: Visit https://abha.abdm.gov.in
Step 2: Choose to register via Aadhaar or mobile number.
Step 3: Enter your basic details, verify OTP, and download your ABHA card.

You can also create it via apps like Aarogya Setu, Cowin, ABDM Health Records app, or via participating hospital portals.

Is the ABHA card useful in private hospitals?

Yes, but with some limitations.

• ABHA is accepted in hospitals that are part of the National Digital Health ecosystem.
• The ₹5 lakh hospitalisation benefit applies only if you have a Golden Card under PM-JAY.
• Private hospitals empanelled under PM-JAY accept Golden Card holders, while ABHA mainly simplifies your medical record access.

Is the golden card part of ABHA?

No, but they complement each other.

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Can you claim money from an ABHA card?

No, the ABHA card itself does not give you money or financial coverage.

• You can use it to link with schemes like Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY for free treatment.
• It helps streamline hospital processes and reduces the hassle of showing documents.
• Think of ABHA as your health ID, not a payment card