Learn all About Traditional and Non-allopathic Treatments Covered under Health Insurance

Unlike many other products on the insurance market, health insurance is constantly evolving. Numerous insurance-related factors are given a lot of attention these days. Not everyone agrees with the allopathic approach to illness treatment. Instead, many people favour conventional medical practices like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, or Homoeopathy. One of the earliest forms of medicine, Ayurveda, has a long history in India. While several other complementary medical systems, such as Unani and homoeopathy, have their roots outside of India, they are now an essential element of the Indian healthcare system. The Indian government has implemented several programmes to resurrect these complementary medical approaches. 

A group of insurance benefits known as AYUSH provides medical coverage for alternative treatment methods. AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. It operates under the tenet that the disease should be controlled, not simply its symptoms. AYUSH has established itself as a financially advantageous alternative to traditional medical practices by combining organic components for various therapies.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) gave the go-ahead for creating AYUSH in 2013. Additionally, the IRDAI instructed the policy insurers to include the coverage of AYUSH therapies in their healthcare plans to increase the accessibility of these complementary and alternative medical practices. As a result, many health insurance policies now pay for AYUSH treatments received by policyholders at any healthcare facility that has been approved. It also has several benefits over allopathy. In addition, patients can receive AYUSH treatment at more than 50 emergency clinics across the country.

Why Choose an AYUSH Treatment?

• Compared to the expense of any allopathic treatment, the cost associated with AYUSH treatment is relatively modest.
• Although AYUSH treatments take a long time, they are incredibly successful.
• Coverage for AYUSH therapy is widely accessible in all locales and settings.
• Since older people choose to receive AYUSH treatment, a senior citizen health insurance policy should also include AYUSH coverage.
• In certain places, alternative treatment might be the only option for patients.

Benefits of Having an AYUSH Cover

• AYUSH treatment costs are covered and reimbursed up to the maximum sum insured.
• Ideal for procedures that are not covered by the standard insurance.
• Beneficial for people with chronic ailments and diseases caused by a poor lifestyle.
• The best option for clients who are allergic to allopathic medications.
• Natural medicine with minimal expenses and side effects.
• Minimal premiums.
• Depending on the terms selected by the policyholder, the protection under this benefit may range from INR 2,500 to INR 50,000 and occasionally up to the base sum covered.

What are the Exclusions of an AYUSH Cover? 

• If treatment or hospitalisation is obtained outside government-approved hospitals and centres.
• Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses
• Health evaluations or check-ups
• Treatments for rejuvenation or prevention that are not categorised as medical care

Here is a Checklist while Considering AYUSH Treatment for Health Insurance

• Health insurance companies may have different policies regarding AYUSH coverage. Therefore, carefully examine the relevant features and exclusions before selecting the appropriate plan.
• Find out if adding AYUSH coverage to your health insurance requires an additional premium before deciding to buy the policy.
• Choose online insurance over traditional ones since they provide a hassle-free experience.
• To acquire the ideal medical facilities, pick an insurance provider that offers AYUSH treatments at a wide range of hospitals.
• There could be a cap on the amount you can claim when making claims for AYUSH therapy under the health insurance plan. Therefore, before selecting the plan, carefully examine the policy wording.

Which are the Popular Health Insurance Plans That Offer AYUSH Coverage

1. Apollo Munich's Easy Health

The Easy Health policy from Apollo Munich offers thorough protection at a reasonable price. Ayurvedic in-patient treatment expenses are covered by Easy Health by Apollo Munich's AYUSH benefit, in addition to benefits including pre- and post-hospitalisation coverage, daycare procedures, and countless others.

2. Star Health Medi Classic

Star Health's Medi Classic coverage is a fantastic choice for people wanting reimbursement of hospitalisation costs due to illness, accident, or disease. Star Health Medi Classic, available for individuals and families, provides coverage for pre- and post-hospitalisation charges, 101 day care procedures, pre-existing conditions, and other medical expenses. Additionally, the policy covers non-allopathic treatments as well.

3. ManipalCigna's ProHealth Select

People who depend on and prefer allopathic care can consider ProHealth Select by ManipalCigna. The plan pays for hospitalisation costs for non-allopathic therapies like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. The AUYSH coverage is up to the extent of the sum insured for the sum insured up to INR 25 lakh.

4. HDFC ERGO Health Suraksha

The HDFC ERGO Health Suraksha Insurance is a comprehensive plan that offers complete coverage and uninterruptible medical care. It pays for the costs of in-patient care provided by Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy practitioners, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. Health Suraksha's three variations, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, cover AYUSH benefits, whether purchased individually or on a family basis. The insured person's choice of a 10% or 20% co-pay is applied to all claims eligible for AYUSH benefits.

Conclusion

The use of alternative medicine has skyrocketed in recent years. Whether Ayurveda or yoga are your preferred treatment methods, make it a point to invest in health insurance policies with an AYUSH benefit so that you won't have to go above and beyond when the time comes. Please make the most of the natural treatments that several Indian health insurance carriers offer by utilising them to their full potential.