Learn how India’s unorganised workers can get free health insurance under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, covering ₹5 lakh per family yearly. Know eligibility, documents, registration process, and real-life stories of gig and informal sector workers benefitting from this scheme.
Real-Life Story:
In Mumbai’s crowded lanes, 39-year-old Manoj Tiwari, a Swiggy delivery partner, often ignored minor illnesses—fearing costly hospital bills. When one accident put him out of work, he learned about the Ayushman Bharat PM-Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) for unorganised sector workers. A local CSC officer helped register his e-Shram ID and link it to PM-JAY. Today, Manoj’s family enjoys ₹5 lakh free hospital insurance coverage and cashless medical care under this government plan. “This card is not just plastic—it’s protection for my family,” he says, holding up his Ayushman card proudly.
Free Health Insurance Scheme for Unorganised Sector – India 2025
India’s informal workforce forms the backbone of the economy—these are daily wage earners, delivery partners, domestic helpers, construction workers, drivers, and artisans. In 2025, the government expanded Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to include unorganised and gig sector workers, ensuring cashless health insurance up to ₹5 lakh per family each year across approved hospitals.
The scheme aims to end the devastating financial impact of sudden illness among low-income and unregistered workers, especially those without employer-provided insurance.
What is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the world’s largest government-funded healthcare scheme launched in 2018. By 2025, it covers over 55 crore citizens from 12 crore poor and vulnerable families.
The scheme provides cashless and paperless hospitalisation for all eligible beneficiaries in any empanelled public or private hospital across India.
Coverage Limit: ₹5 lakh per family per year.
Premium Cost: Entirely borne by the Central and State Governments.
New Expansion in 2025
According to the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that:
- Gig workers (drivers, food delivery staff, beauticians, etc.) and unorganised sector workers registered under e-Shram portal are now automatically enrolled under PM-JAY.
- Nearly 1 crore workers from platforms like Ola, Zomato, Blinkit, and Urban Company benefit from this move.
- Workers get Ayushman Bharat Health Cards with their Universal Account Number (UAN).
- Registration and claims are linked directly through the e-Shram database.
Key Features
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY |
| Coverage Amount | ₹5 lakh per family per year |
| Beneficiaries | Unorganised, gig, and BPL families |
| Premium | Free of cost |
| Hospitalisation | Cashless, paperless at empanelled hospitals |
| Illness Coverage | Over 1,900 serious procedures including surgery, cancer, and heart care |
| Scheme Mode | Central & State shared responsibility |
Who is Eligible in 2025
Eligibility is determined through SECC 2011 data and e-Shram registration records.
Urban Occupations Covered:
- Street vendors, delivery staff, construction workers
- Ragpickers, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and domestic helpers
- Artisans, tailors, sanitation and beauty professionals
- Rickshaw and cab drivers, watchmen, waste collectors
Rural Categories Covered:
- Small and marginal farmers
- Agricultural labourers
- Fishermen, weavers, and artisans
- Landless workers
In September 2024, the government also included all citizens above 70 years for automatic coverage.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card or BPL certification
- e-Shram ID (for gig/unorganised sector)
- Income verification (if available)
- Passport-size photo
Registration Process
Online Method:
- Visit the official portal beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
- Select your state and verify using Aadhaar or mobile number.
- Fill in family details and upload required documents.
- Once verified, download the Ayushman Bharat Card.
Offline at CSC / Hospital Helpdesk:
- Visit the nearest Common Service Centre or Ayushman Helpdesk.
- Provide your Aadhaar, ration card, or e-Shram ID.
- The operator will verify eligibility.
- On approval, you’ll receive a printed Ayushman Card on the spot or SMS confirmation.
For Gig Workers:
- Existing e-Shram users do not need a separate application.
- Government auto-links Ayushman benefits via UAN ID.
- SMS-based confirmation is sent once activated.
Real-Life Impact
Case 1: Savitri Devi – Construction Labourer (Patna)
After enrolling through her local CSC center, Savitri received free treatment worth ₹1.2 lakh for gallbladder surgery at a private hospital. “Earlier, I would delay hospital visits due to money. Now, we go without fear,” she said.
Case 2: Arun Sharma – App Driver (Delhi)
An Ola driver injured in an accident used his new Ayushman-linked e-Shram card for a ₹2.8 lakh surgery with zero out-of-pocket cost.
These stories underline how this free health insurance scheme is reshaping India’s informal economy by giving security and dignity to its hardest-working citizens.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Free Secondary & Tertiary Care: Covers major surgeries, cancer, and critical illness.
- Nationwide Portability: Use your card in any empanelled hospital across India.
- Zero Paperwork: Cashless transactions through digital verification.
- Covers Entire Family: One card covers all family members.
- Inclusive Access: Unorganised, self-employed, and gig workers included.
Comparison Table – Popular Health Schemes
| Scheme Name | Coverage | Beneficiaries | Yearly Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY | Free treatment | BPL + Unorganised workers | ₹5,00,000 |
| ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance) | Insured workers | Organised sector employees | ₹3,00,000 |
| PM-SYM + PM-JAY Combo | Unorganised workers | Health + pension benefits | ₹5,00,000 + ₹3,000 monthly pension |
Integration with e-Shram Portal
The e-Shram platform now acts as a unified gateway for:
- Health Insurance (PM-JAY)
- Pension (PM-SYM)
- Accidental & Life Insurance (PMJJBY & PMSBY)
The government aims to create a single interface for all unorganised sector social benefits by mid-2026.
Challenges
Despite its reach, awareness and documentation remain weak among rural and migrant workers. To resolve this, the Labour Ministry has planned state-level “Ayushman Camps” where CSC agents visit local markets to help register unorganised workers directly.
Call to Action
Are you a delivery partner, street vendor, housemaid, or self-employed worker without health insurance? The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY 2025 gives you a ₹5 lakh annual health cover absolutely free of cost.
Visit your nearest Common Service Centre or verify your eligibility online at beneficiary.nha.gov.in by using your Aadhaar or e-Shram ID.
Protect your family today — because health care should never depend on income. Register now and secure your right to free, quality medical treatment.
(At SaveWithRupee, we believe in empowering every Indian worker with practical, real-life financial knowledge. Spread the word — one registration can save a life.)
Disclaimer: This article is based on personal experience and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Readers are advised to do their own research or consult a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.
