ABHA Card (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) 2026: Benefits and How to Apply Online
India is moving towards a digital-first healthcare system under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). At the center of this initiative is the ABHA Card (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) — a 14-digit unique health ID that helps you store, access, and share your medical records digitally across hospitals and states.
For a smooth application, your mobile number must be linked to Aadhaar. If not, refer to our step-by-step guide on Aadhaar mobile number update .
What is an ABHA Card?
ABHA stands for Ayushman Bharat Health Account. It is a digital health ID that uniquely identifies you within India’s healthcare ecosystem.
Your ABHA ID acts as a secure digital locker for medical records such as prescriptions, lab reports, discharge summaries, and vaccination history — reducing the need to carry physical documents.
Key Benefits of Having an ABHA ID
- Unified Health Records: All medical data available in one place, even across different hospitals and states.
- Faster OPD Registration: Many hospitals allow “Scan & Share” using ABHA QR to skip queues.
- Consent-Based Sharing: Your health data is shared only with your approval via OTP.
- Telemedicine Access: Seamless use of platforms like e-Sanjeevani.
How to Create ABHA Card Online (Step-by-Step)
- Visit Official Portal: Open the ABDM ABHA Portal.
- Select Option: Click “Create ABHA Number” and choose Using Aadhaar (recommended).
- Enter Aadhaar: Provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number and accept consent.
- OTP Verification: Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Create ABHA Address: Set a unique ID like yourname@abdm.
- Download Card: Your digital ABHA Card is generated instantly.
Documents Required for Registration
Creating an ABHA ID is simple and paperless. You need:
- Aadhaar Card or Driving License
- A mobile number linked to the selected document for OTP verification
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is ABHA Card mandatory?
No. ABHA creation is voluntary, but strongly encouraged for smoother healthcare access.
Q: Is ABHA the same as Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
No. ABHA is a digital health ID, while PM-JAY is a health insurance scheme. However, both can be linked.
Q: Can I delete my ABHA ID?
Yes. You can temporarily deactivate or permanently delete your ABHA account through the portal.
Privacy Tip: You control who can see your health data. Always review consent requests before sharing records with hospitals or apps.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the National Health Authority (NHA) or ABDM. For official updates, always refer to the official website: abdm.gov.in.
