Can Ayushman Card Be Used for COVID-19 Treatment? What to Do If No Hospitals Are Available in Your State

As COVID-19 begins to resurface across India, especially in Delhi-NCR, many are wondering whether the Ayushman Bharat Health Card will cover treatment for this new wave. With the emergence of two new variants—NB 1.8.1 and LF.7—cases are once again rising, prompting people to reassess their healthcare preparedness.

But in the midst of this resurgence, a crucial question emerges:
Can you use your Ayushman Card for COVID-19 treatment, and what should you do if your state lacks empanelled hospitals?

🏥 Does Ayushman Card Cover COVID-19 Treatment?

Yes, Ayushman Bharat—under the National Health Benefit Package (HBP) 2.2—covers around 1,900 types of medical treatments, and COVID-19 is one of them. The central government had already clarified in 2021 that free COVID-19 treatment is available at all Ayushman empanelled hospitals.

During the pandemic, over 8 lakh patients received treatment under this scheme. The National Health Authority (NHA) continues to coordinate with state governments to ensure availability and access to COVID-related care for Ayushman cardholders.

🛏️ What Kind of Facilities Can You Avail?

With an Ayushman Card, eligible individuals can access cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh annually, and in some areas like Delhi, this limit extends to ₹10 lakh. The scheme covers hospital room charges, diagnostics, surgeries, and even post-discharge care, depending on the package.

📍 What If Your State Has Few or No Empanelled Hospitals?

Although Delhi has now officially implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme, a shortage of empanelled hospitals remains a challenge. As of now, the number of participating hospitals in Delhi hasn’t crossed 100, due to major private hospitals opting out over reimbursement rates.

However, this should not worry beneficiaries, because:

🔹 Ayushman Card is valid pan-India.
🔹 You can receive treatment in any empanelled hospital across India, regardless of your home state.

India has over 31,000 Ayushman-empanelled hospitals, including 14,500 private hospitals. So, if you can’t find a hospital in your city or state, you can seek treatment in a nearby state where the scheme is more widely implemented.

🧾 Important Tips for Ayushman Cardholders During COVID Resurgence

• Prepare a hospital list in advance where the Ayushman scheme is accepted.

• Check your card status and ensure it is active and updated.

• If you’re over 70, you may also be eligible for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, offering enhanced support for seniors.

• Visit the official portal at to check nearby empanelled hospitals.

• Always carry a physical or digital copy of your Ayushman Card during emergencies.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The return of COVID-19 variants reminds us that health preparedness is non-negotiable. Thankfully, schemes like Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY provide vital financial support to millions of families in times of health crisis. Even if your state has limited facilities, your Ayushman Card remains a powerful tool—use it wisely and stay informed.