How Can NRIs Help Parents Obtain the PMJAY Benefit?

For many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), the well-being and health of their parents and elderly members in India are a major concern. While you may be living overseas, making sure that your family is well taken care of back home is crucial. It has become even more difficult now that the healthcare expenses continue to rise in India.

Fortunately, the Government of India offers a public health insurance scheme known as PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) under the Ayushman Bharat programme. It provides free healthcare coverage to economically weaker families. If your parents fall into this category, you can play an important role in helping them access this government benefit.

To learn more about what PMJAY is, its features, and how you can assist your parents in getting these benefits, keep reading this blog!

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and its Features

The PMJAY is one of the world’s largest government-sponsored health insurance schemes, launched in September 2018. It is made to provide financial protection to vulnerable families by covering their secondary and tertiary medical charges of up to ₹5 lakh per family. 

Here are the features of PMJAY:

• Treatment without cash or documentation at public as well as empanelled private hospitals
• Coverage for more than 1,500 medical procedures, including hospitalisation, intensive care and surgeries
• No set restriction on family size, gender or age
• Covers any pre-existing diseases from day one
• Free health benefit package with diagnostics, medication, and follow-ups

Who is Eligible for PMJAY?

The eligibility for PMJAY of an individual is checked based on their Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. Any family identified in this data is eligible for PMJAY and does not need to enrol separately.

In rural areas, families may be eligible if they:

• Don’t have any adult member (aged 16 to 59) who earns a living
• Only have female earners and no adult male members in the household
• Include a disabled family member and have no able-bodied adult
• Have no land and rely on daily-wage manual work to survive
• Live in a single-room house made of temporary materials (kutcha walls and roof)

In urban areas, eligibility is mainly based on the kind of work that people do. Families may be eligible if someone in the household works as a:

• Ragpicker
• Domestic helper
• Street vendor
• Construction labourer 
• Sanitation workers and other similar roles

To find out if your parents are eligible under this scheme, you can visit the official PMJAY website and check using their name, number, or ration card.

How NRIs can Help their Parents Obtain PMJAY Benefits

If you are living abroad and your parents are in India, you might be concerned about their access to healthcare. While you, as an NRI, aren't eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) yourself, your parents might be, and there are a few simple steps you can take to help them make the most of their government-backed health scheme.

1. Check If They’re Eligible

Start by checking whether your parents are included in the list of beneficiaries. You can do this remotely by:

• Visiting the official website of PMJAY
• Clicking on the “Am I Eligible” section
• Entering details like your parents’ ration card numbers, mobile number, or Aadhaar (if it’s linked)

If their name shows up in the results, it means they qualify for the scheme.

2. Help Them Collect the Right Documents

Even though there is no need to apply separately for PMJAY, your parents will need to show proper identification when they go to the hospital for treatment. You can help them by making sure they have these documents ready:

• A valid Aadhaar card linked to their mobile number
• Their ration card or family ID
• A copy of their PMJAY e-card (this can be downloaded once the eligibility is confirmed)

If they are unsure how to get the e-card, someone from the local hospital or a Common Service Centre (CSC) can help. They are usually called Ayushman Mitras and are trained to guide patients.

3. Find Nearby Hospitals That Accept PMJAY

The PMJAY website also has a search tool where you can look up hospitals in your parents’ area that are part of the scheme. This is especially helpful during emergencies, so your parents or caregivers know exactly where to go.

You could send them a list of these hospitals, save locations on their phone, or even speak to a relative nearby to keep this information handy.

4. Educate and Assist Them Remotely

Not all older adults are comfortable using the internet or figuring out government schemes. This is where you can support them from abroad by:

• Explaining what PMJAY covers and how it works
• Saving soft copies of their important documents
• Helping coordinate with the hospital or Ayushman Mitras over the phone if they get stuck

Your guidance, even from far away, can make a huge difference in helping them access healthcare confidently and without confusion.

Benefits of PMJAY for Parents of NRI Individuals

As an NRI, you may not qualify for PMJAY, but your parents might, especially if they belong to less privileged or vulnerable families. Some benefits of the policy include:

• Financial relief from hospital expenses
• Access to quality healthcare without depending on private insurance alone
• Cashless and hassle-free treatment for severe medical conditions
• Coverage for elderly parents who often face higher medical risks
• National coverage, which is helpful if your parents travel or live in different states

By ensuring your parents benefit from PMJAY, you not only protect their health but also reduce the financial burden on the family.

Combine PMJAY with Private NRI Health Insurance India

While PMJAY is a great starting point, it may not always cover everything your parents might need, especially if they prefer shorter wait times, access to specialist doctors, or treatment at well-known private hospitals. That is why many NRIs are opting for additional health insurance India plans for their parents along with PMJAY. 

Such a combination offers:

• Higher sum insured, which comes in handy during major medical treatments
• Access to a wider hospital network and experienced doctors
• Coverage for outpatient consultations, lab tests, and even daycare procedures

Plus, most private insurers let you manage everything from abroad, from paying premiums to tracking claims, so you don’t have to worry about being away.

Parting Words

If you are living abroad, your connection with home goes beyond phone calls and money transfers. One of the best ways you can support your parents is by helping them get the healthcare they deserve. Government schemes like PMJAY are incredibly useful, but pairing them with a private policy gives that extra layer of comfort and confidence.

At Niva Bupa, we understand the unique needs of Indian families, especially when loved ones live far apart. That’s why we offer specially designed NRI health insurance in India. Our plans cover over 14,000 network hospitals across India, including pre- and post-hospitalisation charges, and even provide global support for NRIs. You also get tax benefits and flexible coverage options to match your family’s needs. 

FAQs

1. Can NRIs apply for PMJAY benefits for themselves?

No, PMJAY is only available to Indian residents who meet the eligibility requirements. NRIs are not covered under this scheme.

2. Can I help my parents apply for PMJAY while living abroad?

Yes, you absolutely can. You can check their eligibility online, assist in downloading their PMJAY card, and even help them locate the nearest empanelled hospital. 

3. Is it possible to combine PMJAY with private health insurance?

Absolutely. Combining PMJAY with private insurance plans offers broader protection and increased access to a wider range of medical facilities.

4. How can I check if my parents are eligible for PMJAY?

Visit the PMJAY website and use their eligibility checker by entering their details like Aadhaar or ration card number.

5. What documents are needed for parents to use PMJAY benefits?

Generally, Aadhaar card, ration card, and the PMJAY e-card are sufficient for hospital admission under the scheme.