Karnataka AB-ArK Hospital List 2026 | Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka

District-Wise Hospital Directory (Karnataka)

Click on your specific district below to verify active empanelled hospitals, view their contact details, and check their AB-ArK empanelment status for 2026.

Understanding Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) Coverage

Managed by the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST), the AB-ArK scheme categorizes the population into two main brackets to ensure healthcare equity without bankrupting the state. This system allows high-end premium medical care at renowned centers like NIMHANS and Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences for all citizens.

1. Eligible / Entitled Category (BPL Families)

This category includes families holding a BPL card, Antyodaya card, or those listed in the SECC 2011 PMJAY database.

Benefit: 100% free and cashless treatment.
Coverage Limit: Up to ₹5,00,000 per family per year.
Hospital Access: Can access care in both government and empanelled private hospitals (subject to the referral system).

2. General Category (APL Families)

This category includes families holding an APL card or residents who do not fall into the BPL/SECC category.

Benefit: Co-payment model. The government covers 30% of the treatment cost (package rate), and the patient pays the remaining 70%.
Coverage Limit: Government contribution is capped at ₹1.5 Lakhs per family per year.
Hospital Access: Greatly subsidizes major surgeries in private hospitals that would otherwise cost lakhs of rupees.

The Mandatory Referral System

A unique feature of the AB-ArK scheme is the referral protocol to prevent the overburdening of private hospitals:

First Stop (Public Hospital): A patient must first visit a Government Hospital / Public Health Institute (PHI).
Referral Generation: If the government hospital lacks the capacity, specialists, or equipment to treat the patient, they will generate an official online referral using the SAST portal.
Private Hospital Admission: The patient can then take this referral to any empanelled private hospital listed in our directory for cashless/subsidized care.
Note: In cases of absolute medical emergencies (like accidents or heart attacks), patients can go directly to an empanelled private hospital without a referral.

State Grievance Helpline: If an empanelled hospital in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, or anywhere in Karnataka denies you admission during an emergency or violates the SAST pricing guidelines, dial the toll-free state helpline 104 or the national PMJAY helpline 14555 immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (Karnataka AB-ArK)

1. What is the Ayushman Bharat - Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) scheme?

AB-ArK is the integrated health insurance scheme of Karnataka, combining the central PMJAY with the state's Arogya Karnataka scheme. It provides health coverage to ALL residents of the state through a tiered benefit model.

2. I am not a BPL card holder in Karnataka. Am I still eligible?

Yes, absolutely. As a 'General' (APL) category beneficiary, you are entitled to treatment at government-subsidized rates at empanelled private hospitals. The government pays 30% of the package rate, making private healthcare highly affordable.

3. What is the referral system in the AB-ArK scheme?

To use the card at a private hospital, you must first visit a government hospital. If they cannot treat you, they will issue an official online referral to an empanelled private hospital. However, in life-threatening emergencies, no referral is required.

4. Is treatment at major hospitals like NIMHANS Bengaluru covered?

Yes, premier government institutions like the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, and Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences are actively empanelled under the AB-ArK scheme.

5. How do I get an AB-ArK Health Card?

You can get your co-branded AB-ArK card generated at the Arogya Mitra kiosk of any empanelled public hospital or Bapuji Seva Kendra by providing your Aadhaar card and your BPL/APL ration card.