Using Ayushman Bharat Card at Private Hospitals
Yes, your Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY card works at private hospitals — not just government hospitals. Thousands of private hospitals across India are empanelled under PM-JAY, offering cashless treatment to eligible beneficiaries. This includes large corporate hospital chains, multispecialty hospitals, and smaller private nursing homes.
How to Find Private PMJAY Hospitals
On PMJAYHospitals.com, every hospital is tagged as “Public” (government) or “Private (For Profit)” or “Private (Not For Profit)”. When you search for hospitals in your district, you can see the mix of government and private options available for your required treatment.
Government vs Private — What Is Different?
Treatment quality: The PM-JAY package rates are the same whether you go to a government or private hospital. The scheme mandates minimum quality standards for all empanelled hospitals. However, private hospitals often offer better infrastructure, shorter waiting times, and more personalised attention.
Waiting time: Government hospitals may have longer waiting lists for elective surgeries like joint replacement or cataract. Private hospitals typically have shorter wait times.
Room type: PM-JAY covers general ward accommodation. Some private hospitals may offer semi-private rooms under the scheme, while others strictly provide general ward. You cannot upgrade to a private room under PM-JAY — that would require out-of-pocket payment.
Specialty availability: Large private hospitals are more likely to offer advanced specialties like cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, organ transplant, and cancer treatment. Smaller government hospitals (CHCs, PHCs) typically offer only basic surgical and medical care.
Common Concerns
Will the private hospital provide good treatment under PM-JAY? Empanelled private hospitals are contractually obligated to provide the same quality of treatment to PM-JAY patients as they do to paying patients. If you feel the treatment quality is compromised, report it to 14555.
Can the private hospital charge extra? No. The treatment is 100% cashless under PM-JAY. The hospital cannot charge for room, surgery, medicines, implants, or any other component covered under the PM-JAY package. Any demand for extra payment is a violation.
Can I choose which hospital to go to? Yes. You are free to choose any empanelled hospital — government or private. There is no mandatory referral system for most treatments. Go directly to the hospital of your choice.
Disclaimer: PMJAYHospitals.com is an independent directory. For official PM-JAY information, visit pmjay.gov.in or call 14555.