The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides cashless medical treatment to eligible families across India. However, in certain cases such as upfront payment, failed transactions, or reimbursements, beneficiaries may be eligible for refunds. To receive these refunds smoothly, it is essential to link your Ayushman card with a valid bank account.
Many beneficiaries are unaware of this requirement, which often leads to delayed or failed refunds. This article explains the complete process to link your bank account with the Ayushman card, the documents required, online and offline methods, and common mistakes to avoid.
Why Bank Account Linking Is Important for Ayushman Card
Although PM-JAY is primarily a cashless scheme, refunds may arise due to:
- Emergency treatment at non-empanelled hospitals
- Advance payments in special cases
- Technical failures during cashless approval
- Overpayment or claim adjustments
Without a linked bank account, refund processing becomes difficult or impossible.
Who Needs to Link Bank Account with Ayushman Card?
You should link your bank account if:
- You have paid out of pocket during treatment
- Your hospital raised a reimbursement request
- You were advised by hospital or district Ayushman office
- Your state follows partial reimbursement model
Linking is recommended even if you haven’t claimed a refund yet.
Method 1: Link Bank Account Online via Official PM-JAY Portal
Online linking is available for beneficiaries whose profiles are active in the PM-JAY database.
Steps:
- Visit the official PM-JAY beneficiary portal
- Log in using your registered mobile number
- Verify via OTP
- Access beneficiary profile details
- Select option to add or update bank account
- Enter bank name, account number, and IFSC code
- Submit for verification
Once approved, the bank account is linked to your Ayushman ID.
Method 2: Link Bank Account Through Common Service Center (CSC)
CSCs provide assisted services for beneficiaries who face issues online.
Process:
- Visit nearest CSC
- Carry Aadhaar card and bank passbook
- Complete biometric authentication
- Request bank account linking for Ayushman card
- CSC operator submits details in PM-JAY system
A nominal service charge may apply depending on location.
Method 3: Bank Account Linking at District Ayushman Office
In some cases, district health offices handle reimbursement-related updates.
When to choose this method:
- Refund pending for long duration
- Bank details rejected online
- Profile inactive or under review
Officials verify documents and manually link bank details.
Documents Required for Linking Bank Account
Keep the following documents ready:
- Aadhaar card
- Ayushman card or beneficiary ID
- Bank passbook or cancelled cheque
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
Details must match the beneficiary name to avoid rejection.
Overview Table: Ayushman Card Bank Account Linking Methods
| Method | Mode | Documents Needed | Verification | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM-JAY Online Portal | Online | Aadhaar, bank details | OTP | Quick self-linking |
| Common Service Center | Offline | Aadhaar, passbook | Biometric | Assisted support |
| District Ayushman Office | Offline | Full documents | Manual verification | Refund issues |
| Hospital Help Desk | Offline | Aadhaar, bank details | System check | Active claims |
| State Health Authority | Offline | Claim documents | Department review | Complex cases |
Common Reasons for Bank Linking Failure
Some beneficiaries face rejection due to avoidable errors.
- Name mismatch between Aadhaar and bank account
- Incorrect IFSC code or account number
- Inactive or closed bank account
- Multiple accounts linked to same beneficiary
Correcting these issues and reapplying usually resolves the problem.
How Long Does It Take to Process Refund After Linking?
- Bank account verification: 3–7 working days
- Refund processing: 7–15 working days
- Time may vary based on state and claim type
Refund status can be checked through hospital or district Ayushman office.
Important Tips for Hassle-Free Refunds
- Ensure bank account is active and in your name
- Link Aadhaar with bank account beforehand
- Keep copies of all hospital bills and receipts
- Avoid changing bank details frequently
Final Thoughts
Linking your bank account with your Ayushman card is a crucial step for receiving refunds without delays. While PM-JAY focuses on cashless healthcare, reimbursements are sometimes unavoidable, and a properly linked bank account ensures you don’t lose your rightful money.
Whether you choose the online portal, CSC assistance, or district office, completing this process in advance can save time and stress during medical emergencies.
One-Line FAQs
- Is bank account linking mandatory for Ayushman card?
It is mandatory only if you are eligible for refunds or reimbursements. - Can I link someone else’s bank account with my Ayushman card?
No, the bank account must be in the beneficiary’s name. - How can I check if my bank account is linked to Ayushman card?
You can check your profile details on the official PM-JAY portal or through CSC.