AB-PMJAY Lakshadweep Eligibility, Benefits & Hospitals

Overview

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in Lakshadweep provides eligible beneficiaries with cashless hospitalization coverage. The scheme covers eligible secondary and tertiary care treatments at empaneled hospitals.

Key Details of AB-PMJAY in Lakshadweep

Financial Cover: Up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year for covered hospitalization expenses.
Eligibility: Covers families identified under the applicable AB-PMJAY beneficiary database, eligible ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, Anganwadi helpers and their families, and all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above.
Key Hospitals: Empaneled facilities include Government Indira Gandhi Hospital in Kavaratti and hospitals and health centers across other islands.
Portability: Eligible beneficiaries can receive cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals across India.
Helpline: Beneficiaries can contact the PM-JAY helpline at 14555 for assistance.

A serious illness can be difficult to manage when specialized treatment may require traveling beyond the islands. For eligible families in Lakshadweep, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) can reduce the financial burden by providing cashless hospitalization coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.

However, Lakshadweep has a smaller healthcare network than many other parts of India. This makes knowing the local empaneled hospitals and understanding AB-PMJAY portability especially important for residents who may need treatment on the mainland.

This guide covers AB-PMJAY Lakshadweep eligibility, benefits, empaneled hospitals, portability to mainland hospitals, registration, Ayushman card steps, and whether you still need private health insurance.

What Is AB-PMJAY in Lakshadweep?

AB-PMJAY is a government-funded health insurance scheme that provides eligible families with up to ₹5 lakh in coverage per year on a family floater basis. The cover is intended for secondary and tertiary hospitalization at empaneled public and private hospitals.

Want to understand how AB-PMJAY works and what it covers? Watch our detailed video on the Ayushman Bharat scheme for a clearer overview before exploring Lakshadweep-specific details.

Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Everything You Need to Know About India's Largest Healthcare Program | PMJAY

Lakshadweep implemented AB-PMJAY in July 2021. The scheme was introduced in convergence with the Dweep Suraksha Yojana (DSY), extending access to cashless healthcare for eligible beneficiaries.

According to the AB-PMJAY dashboard, around 40,000 Ayushman cards have been created in Lakshadweep, reflecting the scheme's reach across the union territory.

Who Is Eligible for AB-PMJAY in Lakshadweep?

AB-PMJAY eligibility in Lakshadweep has expanded over time, starting with families identified through the original beneficiary database and later extending to specific groups under national expansions.

SECC 2011 Beneficiaries

The original AB-PMJAY beneficiary base was identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011, which covered 1,425 families in Lakshadweep. When the scheme was launched in July 2021, it was implemented in convergence with the Dweep Suraksha Yojana, extending coverage to another 10,895 non-SECC families at the Lakshadweep administration’s own cost. This brought the total coverage to 12,320 families, making AB-PMJAY coverage in Lakshadweep considerably broader than the original SECC beneficiary list alone.

ASHA and Anganwadi Workers and Helpers

In March 2024, AB-PMJAY was expanded to include Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), and their families. This national expansion also applies to eligible beneficiaries in Lakshadweep.

Citizens Aged 70 Years and Above

Since October 2024, all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for AB-PMJAY regardless of their socio-economic status. Eligible senior citizens receive an Ayushman Vay Vandana Card and can access up to ₹5 lakh in free treatment benefits per year.

If a senior citizen aged 70 years or above already belongs to a family covered under AB-PMJAY, they receive an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year for themselves.

Who Can Qualify Today?

In Lakshadweep, eligibility can therefore come through different beneficiary categories, including:

Families included in the applicable AB-PMJAY beneficiary database.
Eligible ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers, Anganwadi Helpers, and their families.
All Indian citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Living in Lakshadweep alone does not automatically make a person eligible under the original family-based AB-PMJAY coverage. Therefore, it is important to check your beneficiary status before relying on the scheme for treatment.

Did You Know?

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Lakshadweep received the award for achieving the highest number of Vay Vandana Scheme (VVS) Cards per lakh population among Union Territories at the National Review Meeting on AB-PMJAY and ABDM held in July 2026.

AB-PMJAY Benefits and Treatments Covered for Island Residents

Benefit	What AB-PMJAY Covers
Coverage Amount	Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year (shared by all members).
Hospitalization Coverage	Eligible secondary and tertiary care hospitalization at empaneled hospitals.
Treatment Packages	The health benefit package covers 1,961 procedures across 27 medical specialties, including general medicine, general surgery, orthopedics, cardiology, and oncology.
Pre-Existing Diseases	Eligible pre-existing diseases are covered from day one, with no waiting period.
Pre- and Post-Hospitalization	Covers eligible expenses incurred up to 3 days before and 15 days after hospitalization.
Room Entitlement	General ward accommodation is covered, subject to the applicable package terms.
Family Size	No restriction on the number of family members covered under an eligible family.
Age and Gender	No age or gender restriction for beneficiaries who meet the scheme's eligibility criteria.
Day-Care Treatment	Covers eligible day-care procedures included under the scheme's treatment packages.

What Is Not Covered Under AB-PMJAY?

Routine Out-Patient Department (OPD) Treatment

Regular outpatient consultations and treatment are not covered under the PM-JAY hospitalization benefit.

Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic or aesthetic treatments that are not medically necessary are generally excluded.

Routine Dental Treatment

Dental procedures that do not require hospitalization are generally not covered.

Infertility Treatment

Fertility and assisted reproductive treatments are generally excluded.

Non-Medical Expenses

Expenses that are not part of the covered treatment package may not be payable under PM-JAY.

Treatments Outside the Package

Procedures or treatments not included in the applicable health benefit package are not covered.

Empaneled Hospitals in Lakshadweep and How PM-JAY Portability Works

Lakshadweep has a limited network of hospitals empaneled under AB-PMJAY. The available facilities include government hospitals and community health centers across the islands.

Empaneled Hospital	Location
Government Indira Gandhi Hospital	Kavaratti
Government Hospital	Minicoy
Community Health Center	Amini
Community Health Center	Androth
RGSH	Agatti

Since the hospital network can change, check the latest list before seeking treatment. You can find the current list of AB-PMJAY empaneled hospitals through the National Health Authority's Hospital Empanelment Module (HEM). Select “By District” from the top menu and choose “Lakshadweep” under the State field to view the empaneled hospitals in the union territory.

National Portability Under PM-JAY

National portability is one of PM-JAY's most important benefits for beneficiaries in Lakshadweep. Eligible beneficiaries are not restricted to hospitals within the union territory. Beneficiaries can use PM-JAY benefits at any eligible empaneled hospital across India, subject to the applicable package and authorization rules. The National Health Authority confirms that beneficiaries can receive cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals outside their home state or union territory.

This is particularly relevant for Lakshadweep beneficiaries who may need specialized treatment that is not available through the union territory’s relatively small hospital network. They can seek covered treatment at an empaneled hospital elsewhere in India without losing their PM-JAY benefits.

The scale of this nationwide network also highlights its portability. As of February 28, 2026, 36,229 hospitals were empaneled under AB-PMJAY across India, including 19,483 public and 16,746 private hospitals, according to the Press Information Bureau.

How to Apply for AB-PMJAY Lakshadweep Online and Download Your Ayushman Card

Eligible beneficiaries can complete AB-PMJAY registration and get their Ayushman card online or offline. The available options include:

Online Registration: Use the official AB-PMJAY beneficiary portal or the Ayushman App, available on the Google Play Store (Android) and the Apple App Store (iOS). You can complete the beneficiary verification and e-KYC process online.
In-Person Assistance: Visit an AB-PMJAY empaneled hospital, where designated staff can assist with beneficiary verification and Ayushman Card generation. This option is useful if you prefer to complete the process offline.
Common Service Centres (CSCs): You can also visit a designated Common Service Centre for assistance with beneficiary verification and Ayushman card generation. CSC staff can help eligible beneficiaries complete the process offline.

Steps to Apply Online and Download Your Card

Visit the official AB-PMJAY beneficiary portal.
Log in using your mobile number and complete the required verification.
Search for your beneficiary record and complete the required e-KYC.
Submit the card-generation request after your details are verified.
Once the card is generated, download your digital Ayushman card.

Documents Required for an AB-PMJAY Card

Keep the following documents available during the verification process:

Aadhaar Card: For identity verification and e-KYC.
Ration Card or Family Identification Details: Used to establish or verify the beneficiary's family record.
Mobile Number: For OTP-based verification.
Other Supporting Documents: If required for your beneficiary category or verification.

AB-PMJAY Lakshadweep vs. Private Health Insurance: Do You Still Need Cover?

AB-PMJAY can significantly reduce hospitalization costs for eligible Lakshadweep beneficiaries. However, having AB-PMJAY does not necessarily mean you do not need private health insurance. Private insurance can provide higher financial protection and additional coverage.

Higher Financial Protection: AB-PMJAY provides up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year. However, the cover is not designed to increase through features such as cumulative bonuses or automatic restoration. A private health insurance policy can offer a higher sum insured and may include these features, depending on the policy terms.
More Options for Treatment Outside Lakshadweep: Lakshadweep has a relatively small healthcare network, which can make access to specialized treatment more challenging. AB-PMJAY's national portability allows eligible beneficiaries to seek covered treatment at empaneled hospitals outside the union territory. Private health insurance can complement this by providing access to a wider network and may cover eligible ambulance expenses, subject to the policy terms.
Protection Beyond AB-PMJAY: AB-PMJAY covers only eligible hospitalization included under its health benefit packages. A private policy can provide additional financial protection for covered treatments and expenses that may not fall within the government scheme, depending on the policy's terms, exclusions, and limits.
Medical Inflation: Medical inflation can increase the cost of hospitalization and specialized treatment over time. As healthcare costs rise, a ₹5 lakh government cover may cover a smaller portion of an expensive treatment than it does today. A higher private sum insured can provide an additional financial cushion against these rising costs.

Our Recommendation: If you are eligible for AB-PMJAY, use the scheme for eligible treatments and take advantage of its cashless and portability benefits. However, AB-PMJAY alone may not be sufficient if you want higher financial protection, greater choice of hospitals, or broader coverage. If your budget allows, a suitable private health insurance policy can work alongside AB-PMJAY rather than replacing it.

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Conclusion

AB-PMJAY in Lakshadweep provides eligible beneficiaries with cashless coverage for a range of hospitalization expenses, along with nationwide portability at empaneled hospitals. However, the scheme has defined eligibility criteria, treatment packages, and a ₹5 lakh annual family coverage limit.

If you are eligible, use AB-PMJAY in Lakshadweep for covered treatments, but consider whether the coverage meets your family’s healthcare needs. If you need broader financial protection, comparing the best health insurance plans in India can help you choose an additional policy based on your coverage requirements and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AB-PMJAY enough health cover on its own for a family living in Lakshadweep?

AB-PMJAY provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible hospitalization expenses. However, the coverage is limited to eligible treatments under the scheme's health benefit packages. A private health insurance policy can provide a higher sum insured and additional coverage, helping families manage healthcare expenses that fall outside AB-PMJAY's coverage.

Can a Lakshadweep resident use their Ayushman card at a hospital in Kochi or Mangaluru?

Yes. PM-JAY offers national portability, allowing eligible beneficiaries to receive cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals across India. A Lakshadweep resident can use an Ayushman card at an eligible empaneled hospital in Kochi, Mangaluru, or another city. The treatment must be covered under the applicable PM-JAY package and follow the required authorization process.

How many hospitals in Lakshadweep are empaneled under AB-PMJAY?

The current list includes five empaneled facilities in Lakshadweep: Government Indira Gandhi Hospital in Kavaratti, Government Hospital in Minicoy, Community Health Center in Amini, Community Health Center in Androth, and RGSH in Agatti. Since empanelment can change, beneficiaries should verify the latest hospital list through the National Health Authority's Hospital Empanelment Module before seeking treatment.

What does AB-PMJAY stand for and which authority runs the scheme?

The AB-PMJAY full form is Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. It is a government-funded health insurance scheme administered nationally by the National Health Authority. The scheme provides eligible beneficiaries with cashless hospitalization coverage at empaneled public and private hospitals, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria, treatment packages, and authorization requirements.

Does AB-PMJAY cover the cost of traveling from the islands to a mainland hospital?

AB-PMJAY covers eligible hospitalization expenses, but travel from Lakshadweep to a mainland hospital is not included in the standard hospitalization benefit. National portability allows beneficiaries to receive covered treatment at empaneled hospitals outside the union territory. Beneficiaries should check the applicable package and policy rules before arranging treatment on the mainland.

How does a non-SECC family in Lakshadweep check whether they are on the AB-PMJAY beneficiary list?

A family that was not identified through the original SECC 2011 database can still qualify through other eligible categories introduced under AB-PMJAY. Beneficiaries can check their eligibility and beneficiary record through the official AB-PMJAY beneficiary portal. Eligible ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers, Anganwadi Helpers, their families, and citizens aged 70 years and above have additional eligibility pathways.

Is there any premium or annual fee to pay for AB-PMJAY in Lakshadweep?

No. Eligible beneficiaries do not pay a premium to receive AB-PMJAY coverage. The government funds the scheme, which provides up to ₹5 lakh per eligible family per year for covered hospitalization. Beneficiaries must still meet the applicable eligibility criteria and use an empaneled hospital for treatment covered under the scheme's health benefit packages.

I am over 70 and already have other health cover. Can I still get an Ayushman card?

Yes, you can get an Ayushman card even if you already have other health cover. If you have the Central Government Health Scheme, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, or Ayushman CAPF coverage, you must choose between the schemes. If you have private health insurance or Employees’ State Insurance Corporation coverage, you can use AB-PMJAY alongside it. If your family already has AB-PMJAY, your ₹5 lakh senior citizen cover is an additional benefit.

Last updated on: 22 Aug, 2026

AB-PMJAY Lakshadweep: Cover, Hospitals & Card