Are Alternate Treatments Covered Under Health Insurance?

Are Alternate Treatments Covered Under Health Insurance?

A few months back, Rishika’s mother fell unwell. While Rishika was concerned about her mother, she was more worried as her mother never agreed to take allopathic medicines. Despite having a comprehensive health insurance policy of INR 10 lakhs, Rishika was disheartened as she was under the impression that her policy would not cover the homoeopathic treatment that her mother wanted to take. To Rishika’s surprise, her insurance provider told her that, just like other treatments, alternate treatments were covered under health insurance plans. Rishika was now very optimistic about the treatment and was not anxious about the coverage anymore.

Just like Rishika, a lot of us have health insurance, but there are often many inclusions and exclusions that we are totally unaware of. While in Rishika’s case, the inclusion was a pleasant surprise, more often than not, exclusions can come as a shocker. Therefore, knowing your policy is probably as important as having one.

Are Alternate Treatments Covered Under Health Insurance?

This blog explains the coverage of AYUSH treatments in health insurance, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Sidha, and Homoeopathy. It highlights the benefits of opting for a separate health plan for parents and the tax benefits under Section 80D. AYUSH treatments are increasingly popular for their holistic approach and cost-effectiveness. However, one should consider the limitations and conditions for availing coverage. Understanding these aspects will help make an informed decision and ensure comprehensive health insurance protection.

Alternate Treatments

In our country, despite the remarkable advancements in medical sciences, there are many votaries who still prefer the ancient and traditional systems of medicine and treatment. Easily accessible to people in rural areas, these courses of treatment are often far more economical than the allopathic ones. And why not, popular all over the world, alternate treatments like Yoga, and Ayurveda are typically non-invasive, they do not have any side effects and can work well for many. With allopathy, there is a growing concern among people about the harm and side effects it may carry.

Based on natural ingredients, AYUSH treatments include medicines for the curing of specific diseases. Rather than focusing only on one specific issue, such treatments offer a more holistic approach. While addressing the medical issue, they offer care that promotes a person’s overall health. These treatments come with no or very few side effects. Other than this, in most cases, they are more cost-effective as compared to allopathic treatments.

Alternate Treatments in Health Insurance

It is the popularity of such treatments that health insurance companies now cover them. In health insurance, alternative treatments, better known as AYUSH treatments, cover:

• Ayurveda
• Yoga
• Unani
• Sidha
• Homoeopathy

While the IRDAI states that AYUSH treatments are to be covered by health insurance providers, there are certain terms and conditions that you need to be careful about. Being aware of the inclusions, exclusions, and other aspects of the coverage of AYUSH treatments will help you make the most of your health insurance plan.

1. You are eligible for AYUSH coverage only when these treatments are taken in government-recognised and/or government-accredited hospitals, that too by a certified medical professional.
2. If the hospitalisation is for less than 24 hours, you might not be able to raise a claim.
3. You may not be able to opt for AYUSH coverage as a standalone feature. It can be covered only under a regular health insurance policy.
4. In some health insurance plans, AYUSH treatments can be covered under an add-on.
5. If the hospital that you are seeking treatment in is a network hospital, you can claim the benefit of cashless treatment. When you make a cashless claim, the insurance company settles your medical bills directly with the hospital. You only end up paying the uncovered expenses, if any.

Should You Invest in a Health Insurance Plan with AYUSH Coverage?

In recent years, there seems to be a major change in conventional medicine. There has been a growing trend to opt for AYUSH treatments. Almost all health insurance companies now offer AYUSH treatments under their plans. If you are considering buying a health insurance plan, opting for the AYUSH treatment coverage can be a smart choice for the