New Rule: Download Covid Vaccine Certificate by Aadhaar or Risk Travel Ban

Even though most domestic restrictions around COVID-19 have eased in India, the vaccination certificate remains one of the most important health records in 2025. It continues to be essential for international travel, insurance documentation, and even in some workplaces where proof of vaccination is still required.

The government has made the process easier by allowing covid vaccine certificate download by Aadhaar number through official platforms such as CoWIN, DigiLocker, UMANG, and Aarogya Setu. Yet, many people are unaware of the new emphasis being placed on linking certificates with Aadhaar and how failure to do so could affect travel plans or claim settlements under a mediclaim policy.

Why the Covid vaccine certificate still matters in 2025

• International travel: Many countries require verified proof of vaccination before entry. Without a valid certificate linked to Aadhaar, passengers may be denied boarding.
  
• Insurance documentation: Health and mediclaim policies increasingly rely on digital health records. A vaccination certificate linked to Aadhaar ensures seamless claim approvals.
  
• Employment and education: Some organisations and foreign universities still require COVID-19 vaccination proof for compliance.
  
• Future vaccinations: Booster doses or new vaccines may need prior records for validation, making a digital certificate indispensable.
  

What information does the certificate carry?

When you complete your covid vaccine certificate download by Aadhaar number, the document contains:

• Name of the individual
  
• Age and gender
  
• Aadhaar number (partially masked)
  
• Reference or beneficiary ID
  
• Name of vaccine received
  
• Number of doses taken (including precautionary dose)
  
• Name of vaccination centre
  
• A secure QR code for verification
  

This ensures authenticity and prevents misuse.

Step-by-step guide to download using Aadhaar

Through the CoWIN portal

1. Visit the official CoWIN website.
   
2. Click on the ‘Download Your Vaccine Certificate’ option.
   
3. Enter your registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
   
4. Enter the OTP sent to your phone.
   
5. Select the completed vaccination dose record.
   
6. Click the ‘Certificate’ tab to download your digital copy.
   

Through the Aarogya Setu app

1. Install and open the Aarogya Setu app.
   
2. Log in with your mobile number and OTP.
   
3. Navigate to the CoWIN section.
   
4. Enter your beneficiary ID.
   
5. Tap on ‘Get Certificate’ to download.
   

Through the UMANG app

1. Download the UMANG app and log in using your mobile number.
   
2. Go to the CoWIN services tab.
   
3. Select ‘Download Vaccination Certificate’.
   
4. Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and OTP.
   
5. Verify beneficiary details and download the certificate.
   

Through the DigiLocker app

1. Install DigiLocker and register with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
   
2. Search for ‘Covid Vaccine Certificate’ in the document section.
   
3. Enter your beneficiary reference ID.
   
4. Download and save your certificate for future use.
   

Link between vaccination certificate and mediclaim policy

Many people are unaware that vaccination status can directly affect a mediclaim policy. Here is how:

• Claim approvals: Some insurers may require vaccination proof for claims linked to COVID-19 or related complications.
  
• Cashless treatment: A certificate linked to Aadhaar makes digital verification faster at network hospitals.
  
• Premium stability: Maintaining verified health records, including vaccination, can influence underwriting decisions in long-term policies.
  

Failing to maintain an updated certificate could cause unnecessary delays in settlement or documentation.

The new push for Aadhaar-linked certificates

Government updates now encourage citizens to keep vaccination records linked with Aadhaar to ensure identity verification. This has several benefits:

• Authenticity: Prevents duplicate or fraudulent certificates.
  
• Convenience: Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers make OTP-based downloads simple.
  
• Universal use: One record can be used across government, travel, and insurance platforms.
  

In some cases, failure to show an Aadhaar-linked certificate for travel may result in a ban from boarding international flights.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Unlinked mobile numbers: Ensure your Aadhaar and mobile number are linked to receive OTPs.
   
2. Lost reference ID: Save or note down your beneficiary ID to simplify downloads.
   
3. Expired apps: Use updated versions of DigiLocker, UMANG, or Aarogya Setu for smooth access.
   
4. Not saving copies: Keep both digital and printed versions to avoid last-minute issues.
   

Future relevance of the vaccine certificate

Even if COVID-19 risks appear lower today, the vaccination certificate will remain part of your official health records. Much like birth certificates or medical test reports, it may be required for:

• Enrolling in government health schemes.
  
• Renewing or upgrading insurance policies.
  
• Applying for visas or scholarships.
  
• Accessing institutional healthcare in India or abroad.
  

Conclusion

The importance of maintaining a verified COVID vaccine certificate has not diminished in 2025. With international travel and health insurance policies increasingly tied to vaccination records, the ability to complete a covid vaccine certificate download by Aadhaar number is essential.

For families, this document not only ensures smoother travel and medical access but also strengthens compliance with a mediclaim policy. By downloading and safely storing both digital and physical copies, individuals protect themselves from unexpected disruptions in healthcare or travel.

In the coming years, health documentation will only become more digital and Aadhaar-linked. Acting today to secure your COVID vaccine certificate is the simplest way to stay future-ready.