What is Abha Number

ABHA number is the unique health identification number assigned to individuals registered for an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) account under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.

ABHA allows individuals to digitally store and access their medical records, including reports, prescriptions and health insurance details. To use ABHA services, Indian citizens receive a 14-digit unique identification number, known as the ABHA number, which is linked to their Aadhaar or mobile number. This number serves as a digital health ID, making it easier to manage healthcare information.

With ABHA, hospitals and doctors across the country can securely access a patient’s medical history anytime, anywhere, ensuring faster and more efficient treatment without the need for physical documents.

To obtain an ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) number, individuals must meet the following eligibility requirements set by the Government of India:

• Indian Citizenship: Only legal citizens of India are eligible.
• Aadhaar Requirement: Applicants must have a valid Aadhaar card for authentication.
• No Caste Restrictions: The ABHA number is available to individuals from all caste categories, including General, SC, ST and OBC.

Since ABHA is designed to create a universal digital health ecosystem, it is accessible to all eligible individuals regardless of their background.

The ABHA scheme was launched to strengthen healthcare services. The approach is designed to offer customer-centric medical care using technology to individuals based on their health records.

Some of the different purposes of ABHA number are:

• Creating a centralised digital location for all medical data.
• Making accessing and sharing medical files and records easy.
• Offering top-quality health services to individuals.
• Preventing loss of medical data and information.

• Digital Health Records

One of the prominent benefits of ABHA registration is you can easily create an online directory for all your health care records. It will eliminate the need to maintain hard copies. With a distinct ABHA number, health professionals can access your medical records for treatment.

• Private & Secure Platform

With the widespread use of technology, individuals are often concerned about their privacy and security. ABHA is created with an individual's data security in mind. The platform offers robust security with encryption mechanisms. Further, access is granted to healthcare facilities or professionals after your consent only. Individuals can revoke their consent anytime without any difficulty.

• Wide Network of Doctors

Another benefit of using an ABHA account is access to various health professionals. You can easily interact with verified and reputed doctors who are registered under ABDM. You can also compare their prices and what kind of treatment they offer before taking their services.

• Healthcare Services

ABHA accounts will help individuals to take benefit of healthcare services from the comfort of their home. Individuals can take online consultations from any part of India. Also, the test results, prescriptions, etc., will be available on the ABHA application.

• Unique Healthcare Identity

An ABHA number serves as a digital health ID, allowing seamless access to healthcare services, insurance programs and public health initiatives. It ensures a centralised and secure way to manage medical records.

• Affordable Medical Treatment

ABHA holders can receive medical treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh at registered government and private hospitals. The scheme also includes pre-hospitalisation benefits for 3 days and post-hospitalisation coverage for 15 days, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

• Cashless Healthcare Services

With an ABHA number, beneficiaries and insured individuals can avail of cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals. Coverage includes various medical procedures, including chemotherapy for cancer, ensuring hassle-free medical care without financial stress.

Also Read: 10 Major Benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana

Getting an ABHA number is a straightforward process. One can easily apply for an ABHA card online and offline. If you prefer an online process, you must register on the ABHA official website or mobile application.

To register offline, you need to visit the healthcare centre. To access the ABHA account benefits, you must have an Aadhar card, PAN card, driving licence and mobile number.

Let us discover the step-by-step process to create ABHA number:

• Step 1: Open the official website of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission or download the ABHA application.
• Step 2: Once the website is loaded, click "Create ABHA Number".
• Step 3: Further, you will get two options to create an ABHA account using a driving licence or Aadhar card.
• Step 4: After choosing the option and checking the consent form, click the "Next" button.
• Step 5: Enter all your personal information and mobile number to create an ABHA account.
• Step 6: After completing the details, click on the "Submit" button. You will get the ABHA ID, which you can download easily from the account.

Also, you can quickly log in to your ABHA account using credentials to avail of various other benefits. There is no fee for creating an ABHA account. It is free for all Indian nationals.

Further, creating an ABHA address for the ABHA number is also necessary for exchanging healthcare records after the consent. It is a self-declared username. To create an ABHA address, you need to follow these steps:

• Step 1: Click the "Register for ABHA address" option on the official website.
• Step 2: It will take you to the registration page with three options: mobile number, ABHA number and email ID.
• Step 3: Select the option you like and click the "Next" button.
• Step 4: Enter your mobile number, answer the captcha, and click the "Next" button.
• Step 5: Further, an OTP will be sent; click the "Next" button after entering it.
• Step 6: Enter all the information and click the "Submit" button. Your personalised ABHA address will be ready to use.

The Government of India has mandated that all Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries link their CGHS Beneficiary ID with their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID. This requirement became effective on April 1, 2024, with an initial deadline of 30 days for completion.

The purpose of this mandate is to streamline healthcare services for government employees and pensioners. By linking ABHA with CGHS, beneficiaries can digitally access their medical records, receive cashless treatment and simplify health insurance claims. This integration ensures a centralised healthcare database, reducing paperwork and improving efficiency in treatment and reimbursements.

Also Read: Digital Health ID Card

The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) is a transformative initiative by the Government of India, revolutionising healthcare accessibility through digital health records. By providing a centralised platform for storing medical history, prescriptions and reports, ABHA ensures seamless and efficient healthcare management for individuals and medical professionals alike.

One of the significant advantages of ABHA integration is its impact on health insurance. Medical emergencies can lead to substantial financial strain, making a comprehensive health insurance plan essential. With ABHA, individuals can link their medical insurance policies to their digital health records, ensuring hassle-free claims processing.

There is no longer a need to submit physical documents like medical bills or reports—insurance providers can directly access required records using the ABHA number, simplifying and expediting the claims process.

At TATA AIG, we understand the importance of a seamless healthcare experience, especially for your parents. Our tailored parents health insurance plans provide financial security during medical emergencies and integrate effortlessly with ABHA accounts. This integration allows policyholders to enjoy cashless claims, quicker approvals and added benefits such as tax savings, ambulance coverage and pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses.

As the Indian healthcare system moves towards a more digital and patient-friendly approach, the ABHA number is set to become an essential tool for managing medical records and insurance claims. By adopting an ABHA-linked health insurance plan, individuals can enhance their healthcare experience, reduce paperwork, and ensure faster access to quality medical care.