It is not easy to get health insurance after 70 years. Premiums are high, coverage may be limited, and in some cases, insurance companies will not even offer new policies. This is where the government’s Ayushman Bharat framework comes in handy. Through what is being called ‘Vaya Vandan Card’, senior citizens aged 70 years and above can get health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh every year. It sounds simple, but before assuming that you are covered, it is important to understand a few things.
So, who actually gets this benefit?
This scheme is for people aged 70 years and above, but it is not available automatically. It is linked to the Ayushman Bharat database, which is based on some socioeconomic parameters. The first step is to check if you are already eligible in this system. If your name is in the database, you can go ahead and enroll. If not, you may need to see if you qualify under those criteria.
What kind of coverage are we talking about?
This cover is up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year and is mainly for hospitalization. It covers a wide range of treatments across empaneled hospitals, and in most cases, it works on a cashless basis. So, instead of paying the huge hospital bill from your own pocket and running around to get the money back later, the hospital usually settles the bill directly under this scheme. In many cases, depending on the treatment, pre- and post-hospitalization expenses are also included.
How do you actually enroll?
The process is quite straightforward, especially if you are already part of the system. You can start by checking your eligibility online, or simply visit a Common Service Center (CSC) or empaneled hospital near you. From there, most of the work is verifying your information. You’ll verify your identity, check your name in the database, complete a short biometric step, and that’s it. Once your card is issued, you can start using it.
Where can you use it?
This scheme is connected to a large network of hospitals across the country. You can use this card in those government and private hospitals which are part of the Ayushman Bharat network. This is very useful, especially if you need a specific treatment that is not available near you.
What is not included
Although this program is beneficial, it is not for everyday medical treatment. It is mainly used when hospitalization or any special treatment is required. Generally, regular checkups, medicines and doctor visits are not included in it. Therefore, instead of considering it as something to be used daily, it is better to consider it as a protective shield against the rising burden of medical expenses.
Why is this important?
In later years of life, medical expenses can become a burden for many families. This type of coverage can reduce that stress to a great extent, especially in situations where private insurance is either very expensive or difficult to get. It may give you some relief to know that you won’t be completely caught off guard by a big hospital bill.