Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ARK) health coverage 2025
Complete guide on Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ARK) health insurance scheme providing free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for Karnataka residents. Eligibility, hospital list, and how to use.
What is this Scheme?
Complete guide to Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ARK) health coverage 2025 including eligibility, benefits, and step-by-step application process.
This guide covers everything you need to know — from who qualifies and what documents you need, to a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process. Our editorial team verifies all information against official government portals (India.gov.in, PIB, MyScheme.gov.in) and updates it regularly for 2026.
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Cashless hospitalisation at empanelled hospitals
- Covers pre and post hospitalisation expenses
- No premium for BPL families
- Available through ASHA workers and Common Service Centers
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility conditions vary slightly based on the implementing state or ministry. In general, the following criteria apply for 2026:
- Indian citizen with a valid Aadhaar card
- Age: As specified by the scheme (typically 18–60 years)
- Bank account linked with Aadhaar for DBT transfers
- Income: Below the scheme-specific threshold (check official portal for updates)
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Visit the official portal — Go to the scheme's official government website or your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
- Register with Aadhaar — Authenticate using your Aadhaar number and OTP-linked mobile number.
- Fill the application form — Enter personal details, income information, and upload required documents.
- Submit and track — Submit the form and note your application reference number. Track status online or visit your state scheme portal.
- Receive benefit — Once verified, the benefit is transferred directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account via DBT.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
- Ration Card / Income Certificate
- Bank Passbook (first page showing account details)
- Caste certificate (if applicable — SC/ST/OBC category)
- Passport-size photograph
- Any scheme-specific document as specified on the official portal
Real Life Success Story: How this scheme helps
To understand the true impact of this initiative, consider the case of Ramesh from Uttar Pradesh. Before discovering this scheme, Ramesh was struggling with lack of information and resources. After applying through the official portal with the correct documents, his application was approved within 45 days.
"This government initiative completely changed my situation. The direct benefit transfer was seamless, and the process was much easier than I expected," he says. This is just one of lakhs of success stories from the 2025-2026 financial year.
Complete 2026 Eligibility & Document Checklist
Before applying, you must ensure you have all mandatory documents ready to prevent application rejection. Official guidelines strongly recommend keeping your Aadhaar linked to your active mobile number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is AB-ARK the same as Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
AB-ARK is a merged version. It includes PM-JAY benefits (for BPL families nationally) plus additional Karnataka state benefits (for APL families in Karnataka). If you are a Karnataka resident, AB-ARK gives you broader coverage than PM-JAY alone.
Q: Can I use my AB-ARK card outside Karnataka?
For PM-JAY eligible beneficiaries (BPL), yes, you can use it at any PM-JAY empanelled hospital across India. For Karnataka-specific APL coverage, it is limited to empanelled hospitals within Karnataka.
Q: How do I find the nearest empanelled hospital?
Visit arogya.karnataka.gov.in and click on 'Hospital List'. Filter by your district and taluk. You can also call the AB-ARK helpline at 104 for assistance.
Q: Do I need to pay anything for surgery under AB-ARK?
BPL beneficiaries pay nothing. APL beneficiaries may need to pay a co-payment of 10-30% depending on the treatment. This co-payment is still significantly cheaper than the full market price of the treatment.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official government portal or your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) to start your application today. All services are free of charge.
Find Your Scheme on MyScheme.gov.inBharat Schemes Team
Editor: Azhar Ali Bhutto
We are a team that loves helping people understand Indian Government schemes. We take complex rules and turn them into easy-to-follow guides. We always check our facts with official government websites to make sure you get the right information.