Posted on: Dec 16, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How Does Abha Card Work?

How Does Abha Card Work?

Imagine if someone has weak immunity or a slower metabolism. He/she may suffer from different ailments, which means that the person may have to visit a hospital multiple times throughout the year. For someone like that, managing health records can be quite stressful. Collating and stacking paper documents from multiple visits to a healthcare centre can only make a person wish for an easier way. Well, here it is. The Ayushman Bharat Health Account Card, more commonly known as the ABHA card, offers a digital solution for the prevalent problem. But how does it work? Well, let’s learn more about this unified platform.

What is an ABHA Card?

ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) Card is a digital health ID under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), an initiative by the Government of India. The ABHA Card has a unique 14-digit identification number which stores all your medical records, such as doctor consultations, prescriptions, lab reports, discharge summaries, etc., securely and digitally in a single repository. With ABHA ID, you can easily access your medical records anytime and from anywhere, share them with healthcare providers when needed, and also link and manage your personal medical records digitally.

How does the ABHA Card Work?

First, you have to apply for the ABHA Card by providing the necessary documents. Once the documents are verified and approved, your 14-digit ABHA ID will be created. Once the ID is created, you can store all your health information, and it becomes a one-stop repository for your health records.

Here’s how the ABHA Card works —

1. It provides secure access to medical records — anytime, anywhere you want.

2. You can bank on it to provide you with accurate medical information.

3. It also provides healthcare services via teleconsultation.

4. It ensures health providers, whether private or public, follow the rules and are transparent about the costs.

5. It helps doctors know your medical history so they can give you the best treatment available.

6. When it comes to health insurance, it removes hassles in claim settlements and expedites reimbursements.

7. The information gathered can help make healthcare better and safer for everyone, as it can help policymakers launch programs to improve the quality of healthcare services.

8. It makes everyone involved, like doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies, more responsible and accountable.

Conclusion

When you know how does ABHA Card work, you will be aware of its many benefits. Although it is not compulsory, it is still recommended as it saves you from the hassles of maintaining your records in paper format and carrying it with you for every doctor visit. With ABHA ID, you can easily access it anywhere and share it with your healthcare provider. Having a health insurance plan for yourself and your family and parents health insurance for parents is also crucial for financial security during medical emergencies or planned treatments.

FAQs on Working of ABHA Card

1. How do I apply for the ABHA Card?

You can apply for the ABHA Card both online and offline, whichever way is convenient for you. For the online application process, you have to do it from the official website of ABHA, https://abha.abdm.gov.in/abha/v3/ or the app. For offline application, you must visit the nearest ABDM facility with your Aadhaar Card and other necessary documents. The ABHA card will be created once the application is verified and approved.

2. Is there any cost involved in registering for the ABHA card?

No, there is no charge for registration. It is provided free of cost. After creating your ID, you can download it from the official ABHA website without any additional charges.

3. Can I use the ABHA card to get cashless treatment in hospitals?

No, ABHA is a digital health ID which stores your health records digitally in one place. It helps you manage health records and share them with healthcare providers when needed. It doesn't provide free or cashless treatment.

4. Are Ayushman and ABHA Cards the same?

No, Ayushman and ABHA Cards are not the same. The Ayushman Card helps you avail of cashless treatments at any empanelled hospital, while the ABHA Card is a repository of your health records, which includes lab reports, doctor consultations, prescriptions, discharge summary, etc.

5. Is the ABHA card compulsory?

No, the ABHA card is not compulsory.


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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