WHAT IS AN ABHA CARD AND ITS BENEFITS WITH HEALTH INSURANCE

With the increasing number of government health schemes in India, the ABHA Health Card is often misunderstood as a public health insurance scheme. However, the ABHA Health Card serves a different purpose. It is not a health insurance policy that covers medical expenses; instead, it is a digital health ID that electronically stores a beneficiary's health records.

What is ABHA?

The full form of ABHA is Ayushman Bharat Health Account. It is a digital healthcare initiative that promotes treatments like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy in India. Launched by the Government of India on 27th September 2021, the ABHA Card aims to create and strengthen India’s digital healthcare infrastructure. 

What is ABHA ID?

ABHA ID is a unique 14-digit code created under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). It centralizes all your medical information digitally in one portal. Using the ABHA ID, you can link and access your health records from anywhere.

What is an ABHA Health Card?

The ABHA Health Card is a physical or digital card representing your ABHA ID. It allows beneficiaries to access and share their health records across multiple healthcare providers conveniently.

How to Create/Apply for an ABHA Health Card Online

Visit the official Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission website.

Choose option "Create ABHA Number".

Enter your Aadhaar number or license number.

Agree to the terms, complete the captcha, and click "Next."

Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and click "Submit."

Fill in the required details, submit the form, and your ABHA Health Account will be created successfully.

How to Apply for an ABHA Card Offline

1. Visit the nearest authorized enrollment center for ABHA Card registration.
2. Provide your Aadhaar card details and other documents if required (e.g., proof of address, income certificate).
3. Your details will be verified for eligibility.
4. Once verified, you will receive your ABHA Card containing essential personal information.
5. Activate the card by setting up a PIN or linking it to a mobile number.
6. Use the card to access healthcare services at authorized facilities.

Why Do You Need an ABHA Card?

• Access to a wide range of healthcare services.
• Affordability through subsidized or free healthcare services.
• Integration of traditional and modern medical practices.
• Streamlined digital healthcare processes.
• Support for universal healthcare coverage and improved health outcomes.

ABHA Card Benefits

1. Unique Identity Verification The ABHA Health Card provides a unique ID that consolidates all health data under one identity, reducing the chances of errors or duplicate records.
2. Centralized Health Record Repository With the ABHA ID, individuals can access their entire medical history digitally, eliminating the need for physical documents like reports or prescriptions.
3. Quality Treatment Healthcare providers can quickly access a patient’s medical history, ongoing treatments, and test results, ensuring informed decisions and quality care.
4. Support for Government Health Initiatives The ABHA system helps the government plan better health policies by analyzing health data trends and outcomes.
5. Financial Security ABHA ID holders can access various government health schemes, reducing out-of-pocket expenses, especially for low-income families.
6. Access to AYUSH Services The ABHA Card enables beneficiaries to utilize AYUSH healthcare services, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

Documents Required for ABHA Card Application

For online applications, you only need your Aadhaar or driving license number. No hard copies are required.

How to Download an ABHA Card Online

1. Visit https://abha.abdm.gov.in/abha/v3/login.
2. Log in using your mobile number or ABHA ID.
3. Complete captcha verification and confirm with the OTP.
4. Download your ABHA Card as a soft copy.

Eligibility Criteria for ABHA Card

• Indian Citizenship: Only Indian citizens are eligible.
• Aadhaar Card Holder: Aadhaar is mandatory as identity proof.
• No Caste Barrier: Individuals from all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST) are eligible.
• Annual Income: The family’s income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh annually.

Conclusion

The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) plays a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare access and promoting preventive measures. Although it is not a health insurance scheme, its integration with digital health records ensures improved health outcomes. Quickinsure is here to help you understand the significance of ABHA Card benefits in improving healthcare quality and accessibility 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.