Overview
Getting the right treatment in Ladakh can involve more than finding a suitable hospital, as hospitalization costs can also strain a family's finances. Under the scheme, eligible families can receive up to ₹5 lakh per year on a floater basis for covered hospitalization expenses, with the benefit available at empaneled hospitals across India.
In the next few minutes, you will learn who qualifies for AB-PMJAY Ladakh, what it covers, how to get an Ayushman card, where you can use it, and whether the scheme alone is enough to protect your family's healthcare finances.
What Is AB-PMJAY in Ladakh?
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a government-funded health insurance scheme that provides financial protection against the cost of eligible hospitalization for covered beneficiaries. In Ladakh, the scheme is implemented as AB-PMJAY Ladakh through the Union Territory (UT)'s State Health Agency.
According to the AB-PMJAY dashboard, around 2,00,000 Ayushman cards have been created in Ladakh, reflecting the scheme's reach across the Union Territory.
Don't Confuse the Two Schemes

Eligibility Criteria for AB-PMJAY in Ladakh
SECC 2011 Beneficiaries
The original PM-JAY beneficiary base was identified using the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011. The Ladakh administration has stated that families not covered under the earlier PM-JAY database were subsequently brought under the UT's Universal Health Coverage Scheme.
ASHA and Anganwadi Workers
ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers, Anganwadi Helpers, and their families were included under AB-PMJAY through a national expansion announced by the Government of India. This expansion also applies to eligible beneficiaries in Ladakh.
Citizens Aged 70 Years and Above
Since the 2024 expansion, all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for AB-PMJAY, regardless of socioeconomic status. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare states that eligible senior citizens can receive up to ₹5 lakh in free treatment benefits per year under the scheme.
Benefits and Treatments Covered Under AB-PMJAY in Ladakh
How to Check AB-PMJAY Beneficiary Status?
You can check whether your name is included in the AB-PMJAY beneficiary database through the official AB-PMJAY beneficiary portal.
- Visit the Official Beneficiary Portal: Open the AB-PMJAY beneficiary portal.
- Log In: Enter your mobile number and complete the OTP verification.
- Select Ladakh: Choose Ladakh as your Union Territory.
- Enter Your Details: Provide the requested beneficiary details to search the database.
- Check Your Status: The portal will display your beneficiary record and relevant eligibility details.
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How to Apply for an AB-PMJAY Card in Ladakh and Documents Required
Eligible beneficiaries can complete their AB-PMJAY registration through the following options:
- Online: Use the official AB-PMJAY beneficiary portal or the Ayushman App to complete beneficiary verification and card-related services.
- At an Empaneled Hospital: Visit an AB-PMJAY empaneled hospital and approach the designated PM-JAY staff for assistance with beneficiary verification and card generation.
- Through a Common Service Centre (CSC): Beneficiaries can also visit a CSC for assistance with enrollment and Ayushman card services.
- Through Local Enrollment Drives: The Ladakh Administration has been providing PM-JAY enrollment and card-related services through outreach camps in different parts of the UT.
Steps to Apply Online for an AB-PMJAY Card
- Visit the official AB-PMJAY beneficiary portal.
- Log in using your mobile number and complete the required verification.
- Search for your beneficiary record.
- Complete the required e-KYC and submit the necessary details.
- Once verification and approval are complete, access or download your Ayushman card.
The Ayushman App also supports self-verification for eligible beneficiaries and offers multiple authentication methods for card creation.
Documents Required for an AB-PMJAY Card
Required documents can vary by beneficiary category and verification method. Keep the following available where applicable:
- Aadhaar Card: Used for identity verification and e-KYC.
- Ration Card or Other Family Identification Details: These may be used to establish or verify the beneficiary's family record.
- Mobile Number: May be required for OTP-based verification.
- Other Supporting Documents: If required for your beneficiary category or verification.
AB-PMJAY Empaneled Hospitals in Leh and Kargil
In Ladakh, AB-PMJAY treatment is primarily delivered through empaneled public health facilities, including district hospitals in Leh and Kargil and several community and primary health centers. Examples include SNM Hospital Leh, DH Kargil, CHC Khaltse, CHC Nubra, and CHC Sankoo.
Ladakh has a limited private hospital network, so access to empaneled private hospitals is more relevant when beneficiaries seek treatment outside the Union Territory. AB-PMJAY's nationwide portability allows eligible beneficiaries to receive covered cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals across India.
You can check the latest list of AB-PMJAY empaneled hospitals through the National Health Authority's Hospital Empanelment Module. Select Ladakh as the state or union territory, then choose the relevant district to view the available facilities and their empaneled services.
AB-PMJAY vs. Private Health Insurance in Ladakh: Do You Still Need Cover?
AB-PMJAY in Ladakh can cover a significant part of your hospitalization costs if you are eligible. However, it is not a complete substitute for private health insurance if you want a higher sum insured or more flexibility in choosing where you receive treatment.
- Higher Financial Protection: AB-PMJAY provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, but does not include cumulative bonus or restoration of cover. A private policy can provide a higher sum insured with these features, based on the policy terms.
- More Choice for Treatment Outside Ladakh: Ladakh has limited tertiary healthcare facilities, so patients requiring specialized treatment are referred to Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, or Delhi. AB-PMJAY is portable for treatment at empaneled hospitals outside Ladakh. Private insurance can provide a wider hospital network and cover eligible road or air ambulance expenses, based on the policy terms.
- Extra Protection Beyond Government Schemes: Ladakh residents can have government health coverage through AB-PMJAY or the Universal Healthcare Scheme. Private health insurance can provide extra protection through a higher sum insured and additional benefits beyond the government coverage.
- Medical Inflation: Medical inflation can gradually reduce what ₹5 lakh can cover. As hospital and treatment costs increase, this amount covers a smaller share of expensive procedures or prolonged hospitalization.
Our Recommendation: If you are eligible for AB-PMJAY in Ladakh, use it for the treatments it covers. If you can afford it, a private health insurance policy can work alongside the scheme and provide an additional financial cushion.
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Conclusion
AB-PMJAY in Ladakh 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 Ladakh 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
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