What is the Use of an ABHA Health Card?

Posted on: Dec 14, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

What is the Use of an ABHA Health Card?

In 2021, the Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) to strengthen the country's digital healthcare infrastructure. The scheme has several components, and the ABHA number is one of them. Every ABHA account holder is given a unique 14-digit number that identifies and authenticates them. Users can use their ABHA number to access their accounts online and digitally receive, store, and share their lab reports, prescriptions, and other healthcare records.

The scheme removes geographical barriers as it helps users consult experienced healthcare professionals from any part of the country. Let’s look at the uses of the ABHA card and the steps to apply for this unique account number.

What is the use of an ABHA health card?

The ABHA health card is an ID card with a unique 14-digit identification number. If you are an Indian citizen with an Aadhaar Card or Driving License, you can register under ABDM and generate your ABHA card online with a few clicks. This will save you from the hassles of maintaining physical copies of your medical reports and carrying them to the hospital or doctor’s clinic every time.

Once you get your ABHA card, you can use it for the following:

1. To store and access your healthcare records, such as doctor’s prescriptions, diagnostic test results, etc., in one place

2. To consult experienced healthcare professionals registered under ABDM and avail of quality treatment from the comfort of your home

3. To share your healthcare records with doctors digitally

4. To settle your health insurance claims, both cashless and reimbursement, with minimum paperwork

How to apply for an ABHA card?

You can apply for the ABHA card online/offline. The following are the steps to apply for an ABHA card online:

1. Visit the official website of ABDM and click on the "Create ABHA Number" option.

2. You will be asked if you want to create the ABHA number using your Aadhaar Card or Driver’s License. Click on a suitable option to go to the next screen.

3. On the "Consent Collection" page, enter your Aadhaar Number or mobile number and click "Next".

4. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the same on the authentication page and click on the "Next" option.

5. If you select "Aadhaar Authentication" and your mobile number is linked with your Aadhaar card, you will instantly get your ABHA card number.

6. If you select the "Mobile Authentication" option, you must fill out an online form and submit it. This will complete the authentication process, and you will get your ABHA ID and ABHA address.

7. You can download the ABHA card and take a printout of it.

If you want to get your ABHA ID offline, you can visit a nearby authorised centre offering this service.

Conclusion

Keeping the uses of the ABHA card in mind, it is wise to register yourself and your loved ones under ABDM to avail of timely and quality healthcare. Also, having this digital health ID will help you keep all your medical records in one place, so you will not have to worry about misplacing them. When consulting a doctor registered under ADBM, all you must do is share your ABHA card number to help them access your medical records. Moreover, you can also link your ABHA card number to your health insurance policy for easy claim settlement.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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