Part of the same group
Government schemes
Government insurance schemes, explained.
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY for hospital care, and two low-cost schemes for life and accident cover — what each pays, who can join, and where.
Reviewed
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
- Cashless hospital cover up to ₹5 lakh a family each year, at empanelled government and private hospitals.
- For families who meet the scheme’s eligibility, and for everybody aged 70 or over, whatever their income.
- No premium for those eligible. Check eligibility and get the card through the official PM-JAY portal.
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
- ₹2 lakh of life cover, for ₹436 a year, debited from your bank or post office savings account.
- Join between 18 and 50; cover can continue to 55 while the premium is paid.
- Join through your bank or post office, or its app.
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
- Accident cover: ₹2 lakh for death or total permanent disability, ₹1 lakh for partial permanent disability.
- For ₹20 a year, for anyone aged 18 to 70 with a savings account.
- Join through your bank or post office, or its app.
In West Bengal
West Bengal joined Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY in 2026, and the scheme launched in the state on 16 August 2026. The state’s own scheme, Swasthya Sathi, is being phased out in stages. If you hold a Swasthya Sathi card, check what it covers now with the state health department, or on the PM-JAY portal, before a planned admission.
Alongside your own cover
These schemes are a floor, not a ceiling. ₹2 lakh of life cover replaces only a few months of most family incomes, and PM-JAY covers hospital care at empanelled hospitals within its limits. A personal policy adds cover where these stop, at hospitals and limits you choose.
General information as at 11 October 2026. The schemes are run by the government and its partner insurers and banks; their terms, premiums and eligibility are set and changed by them. Check the official sources before you rely on any detail.
Questions about the schemes
Is PM-JAY available in West Bengal?
Yes. West Bengal joined in 2026 and the scheme launched in the state on 16 August 2026. Swasthya Sathi is being phased out in stages; if you hold its card, check what it covers now with the state health department before a planned admission.
Is ₹2 lakh of life cover enough?
For most families, no: it is a useful start, but a family that depends on an income usually needs many times that. Our life cover calculator gives a starting range.
Can you enrol me in these schemes?
No. PM-JAY is through the official portal and empanelled hospitals; PMJJBY and PMSBY are through your bank or post office. We can explain how they sit alongside other cover.