WHAT IS AN ABHA CARD AND ITS BENEFITS WITH HEALTH INSURANCE

Due to availability of so many government health schemes in India, ABHA health card is often misunderstood as one of the public health insurance schemes. The ABHA health card altogether serves a different purpose. It's not a health insurance policy that covers medical expenses, instead it's a digital health ID that holds beneficiary's health records electronically.

 

 

What is ABHA?

Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA Card) is a digital healthcare initiative that facilitates treatments like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy in India. ABHA Card was launched by the Government of India on 27th September 2021 aiming to create, develop, and strengthen India’s digital healthcare infrastructure.

What is ABHA ID?

ABHA ID is a 14 digit unique code created under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission that can be used to centralize all your medical information digitally at one portal. Using ABHA ID you can  link and access your health records anywhere. 

What is an ABHA Health Card?

The full form of ABHA-Ayushyman Bharat Health Account is a digital or physical card that serves a portable version of your ABHA ID allowing beneficiaries to access and share their health records across multiple health care providers. 

 

How to Create/Apply for ABHA Health Card Online?

Step 1: Visit official website of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission at https://abha.abdm.gov.in/abha/v3/register

 

Step 2: Choose to create an ABHA Number either using Aadhaar number or driving license.

 

Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number or license number.

 

Step 4: Check the “I agree” checkbox, enter captcha  and click next.

 

Step 5: Please enter OTP receive on your aadhaar linked mobile number and click “Submit”

 

Step 6: Enter details in the form and submit, this will successfully create your ABHA health account.

 

How to Apply for an ABHA Card Offline?

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria between 16 to 59 years old for the ABHA program.

Step 1: Go to the nearest enrollment center authorized for ABHA Card registration.

Step 2: Submit your Aadhaar card details, including your Aadhaar number, at the enrollment center.

Step 3: If required, submit other documents like proof of address, income certificate, etc.

Step 4: Your Aadhaar details and documents will be verified for eligibility.

Step 5: Once verified, you'll receive your ABHA Card containing essential personal information.

Step 6: Activate your ABHA Card as instructed, usually by setting up a PIN or linking it to a mobile number.

Step 7: Begin using your ABHA Card to access healthcare services at authorized facilities. Remember to renew your ABHA Card registration before its expiration date to continue enjoying its benefits.

 

Why do you need an ABHA CARD?

• Access to a wide range of healthcare services.
• Affordability through subsidized or free healthcare services.
• Combination of traditional curing practices with prevailing medicine.
• Digital healthcare identity for streamlined processes.
• Aim for universal healthcare coverage and improved health outcomes.

 

Benefits of ABHA Health Card

1. Unique Identity Verification

The digital id associated with ABHA health card provides a unique identification number as it prevents the creation of duplicate records. The ABHA ID ensures all health data is consolidated under one identity and reduces the likelihood of errors caused by mixing up records.

2. Central Health Record Repository

Central digital repository of individual’s health records under ABHA Id eliminates the hassle of carrying physical medical documents like reports, prescriptions, test results, etc. Healthcare providers and patients can access their complete health history from their mobile devices or computers. This centralized approach streamlines the management of personal health information.

3. Quality Treatment

Centralized health records allow healthcare providers a quick access of patient medical history, ongoing treatments, allergies, and previous test results. This accessibility enables practitioners to make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment, ensuring quality treatment.

4. Help Government Health Initiatives

The ABHA system offers the government access to health data, which can be utilized for better health policy planning and resource allocation. By analyzing this data, policymakers can identify trends, monitor health outcomes, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing health schemes.

5. Financial Security

Individuals with an ABHA ID can access various government health schemes, which offer financial support for medical expenses. This financial safety net is particularly important for low-income families, as it reduces the burden of out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

6. Access AYUSH Services

Along with conventional health services ABHA allows you to access AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) healthcare services. 
 

Documents Required for ABHA Card Application?

For online application of ABHA card you don’t need any hard copies of documents. You process applying for ABHA health card online with just Aadhhar or driving license number.
 

How to Download an ABHA Card Online?

Step 1: Visit the official website of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission website at https://abha.abdm.gov.in/abha/v3/login

 

Step 2: You can proceed by downloading an ABHA card online by entering your mobile number or ABHA number.

 

Step 3: Complete captcha verification and click “Next”

 

Step 4: Confirm with OTP sent on your mobile number and click “Next”

 

Step 5: You will be displayed with your soft copy of ABHA card

 

Step 6: Click on “Download ABHA Card” to download a soft copy of your ABHA health card.

 

Eligibility Criteria and Required Documents for ABHA Card

Indian Citizenship:

You must hold Indian citizenship to apply for ABHA health card, NRI can not apply for ABHA health scheme.

Adhaar Card Holder:

Applicants must have their Aadhaar card as identity proof during the application process.

No Caste Barrier:

There is no caste barrier for the ABHA health card application, applicants from all the categories like general, OBC, SC, ST are eligible to apply.

Annual Income:

As ABHA scheme is designed specially for economically backward class, ABHA applicants family income should not exceed 2.5 Lakh annually.   
 

Conclusion

Ayushman Bharat Health Account along with Health Insurance coverage, plays a vital role in enhancing access to comprehensive healthcare, promoting preventive measures, providing financial protection, ensuring affordability, and fostering inclusivity in healthcare delivery. 

By leveraging the benefits of health insurance, Quickinsure is here to help you; make you understand the ABHA Cards benefits and its significance to improving health outcomes and quality of life for individuals across India.

FAQs on ABHA Health Card

Is having an ABHA Card Mandatory?

No, an ABHA health card is not mandatory, and application for the same depends on your personal needs and preference.

 

What is the ABHA Number in ABHA Health Card?

ABHA number is a 14 digit unique ID created under ABDM which acts as personal health ID and can be used to link, store, and access your digital health records from anywhere.

 

Does ABHA Card Provide Health Insurance?

No, it does not provide any type of health insurance, ABHA card is a part of ABDM and serves as the digital health identity of individuals.   

 

Is the ABHA Card Different from the Ayushman Card?

Yes, both are different, but are part of Ayushman Bharat initiative. Ayushman card is a health insurance scheme aimed to provide free healthcare services to economically backward families. Whereas ABHA card is a digital health account used to manage and access individuals health records.

 

Does an ABHA Card Provide Free Treatment?

No, an ABHA card or id does not provide free treatment as it is not an insurance scheme, it helps to manage and access health records electronically.

 

Does Obtaining an ABHA Card Involve Any Fees?

No, obtaining an ABHA card is completely free of charge. There are no costs associated with registering for or receiving your ABHA card.