AYUSH Health Insurance - Coverage, Benefits And More

What's inside? 🧐

• Introduction
• What is AYUSH treatment in health insurance?
• The importance of AYUSH cover under health insurance in India
• Key features and benefits of AYUSH treatment in health insurance coverage
• Health insurance companies offering AYUSH treatment(2024 updated)
• Eligibility criteria - who can buy AYUSH health insurance?
• AYUSH health insurance - what is covered?
• AYUSH health insurance - what is not included?
• Reasons to choose a health insurance policy with AYUSH cover
• AYUSH treatment in today's healthcare landscape
• Conditions associated with AYUSH hospitals
• The significance of AYUSH treatment in health insurance
• How to purchase AYUSH cover in health insurance?
• Considerations when purchasing AYUSH health insurance

Introduction

Former Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, known for his smart cricket strategies, uses Ayurveda to treat his ongoing knee problems. At 40, Dhoni has been dealing with knee pain for several months and has tried many treatments without getting proper relief. Recently, he consulted an Ayurvedic doctor. And the most interesting part is that the doctor is treating the cricket start for just Rs 40!!!

Read the whole piece by Dainik Bhaskar.

This highlights the significance of having a health insurance policy that provides comprehensive coverage for all kinds of medical treatments. Yet, it is crucial to understand why only a handful of health insurance plans in India include coverage for alternative treatments like AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy). These traditional Indian healing methods prioritise natural remedies and holistic well-being, offering valuable options alongside conventional medicine. Having coverage for AYUSH treatments can be pivotal for those seeking diverse healing methods.

In this article, we will explore the advantages of AYUSH health insurance and discuss why health insurance is essential in these changing times -

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What Is AYUSH Treatment In Health Insurance?

AYUSH treatment is a form of alternative medicine that includes practices like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. These are traditional methods trusted by many people worldwide for maintaining health and well-being. They're popular because they are affordable and have minimal side effects.

These treatments use natural ingredients to make drugs and medicines, which are easily absorbed by the body with minimal or no side effects. Many individuals are choosing AYUSH treatment for their healthcare needs. As a result, the IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has updated its guidelines to allow health insurers to cover AYUSH treatments. Accordingly, insurers must have a Board-approved policy for providing AYUSH coverage. This policy should ensure that AYUSH treatments are given the same consideration as other medical treatments in health insurance plans, allowing you to choose your preferred treatment method.

The policy must also include quality standards and procedures for enrolling AYUSH hospitals and daycare centres as network providers so they can offer cashless facilities. Insurers must update their existing products to remove limitations on AYUSH treatments and comply with these new guidelines. This circular will be effective from April 1, 2024, and make accessing these beneficial alternative treatments people.

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The Importance Of AYUSH Cover Under Health Insurance In India

AYUSH treatments rely on methods and medicines rooted in ancient Ayurvedic wisdom developed by wise sages thousands of years ago. They have shown effectiveness even in addressing critical conditions. While these therapies are based on ancient Indian science, they can complement mainstream treatments like chemotherapy, dialysis, etc.

Combining AYUSH with conventional treatments often yields impressive results.

Understanding the importance of alternative healthcare, numerous health insurance companies now offer coverage for AYUSH treatments in their plans. This means people can benefit from these therapies without worrying about the cost.

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Key Features And Benefits Of AYUSH Treatment In Health Insurance Coverage

Here are some of the features and benefits you can enjoy under the AYUSH treatment coverage -

1️⃣Financial Coverage For AYUSH In-Patient Hospitalisation

AYUSH coverage includes in-patient hospitalisation expenses that are incurred for AYUSH treatments.

2️⃣Bridging Gaps In Allopathic Treatments

AYUSH coverage fills in the gaps left by allopathic treatments. If you opt for AYUSH therapies, your health insurance will cover the medical expenses, ensuring comprehensive healthcare support.

3️⃣Access To Dedicated AYUSH Care Facilities

Health insurance policies may grant access to dedicated AYUSH daycare centres or hospitals for in-patient treatments.

4️⃣Cost-Efficient Treatment

AYUSH treatments often cost less than their allopathic counterparts. With AYUSH coverage, your health insurance policy's sum insured amount may not exhaust quickly, offering financial relief.

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Health Insurance Companies Offering AYUSH Treatment (2024 Updated)

Insurer Name | Plan Name | Scope Of Cover Under AYUSH Aditya Birla Health Insurance | Active Assure Diamond Health Insurance | The coverage varies with the respective sum insured Bajaj Allianz General Insurance | Almost all the plans cover AYUSH treatment | The coverage provided depends on the plan Care Health Insurance | Care | Up to Rs. 30,000 (The coverage varies as per the plan purchased) HDFC ERGO General Insurance | Health Suraksha Plan | The coverage varies as per the plan you choose ICICI Lombard General Insurance | Aarogya Sanjeevani Policy | The coverage varies as per the plan you choose Manipal Cigna Health Insurance | ProHealth Plans

Super Top-Up Plans

Arogya Sanjeevani Policy | Covered up to the sum insured Niva Bupa Health Insurance | Health Companion | Covered up to the sum insured TATA AIG General Insurance | Aarogya Sanjeevani plan | The coverage varies as per the plan you choose

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Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Buy AYUSH Health Insurance?

You do not need any special qualifications to get AYUSH health insurance. This means that if you are eligible for regular medical insurance, you can also opt for AYUSH coverage. Just keep in mind that any pre-existing health conditions will not be covered under this policy.

However, you should ensure that you carefully read through the policy documents. This will help you understand precisely what AYUSH treatments are covered and how much you can benefit from them.

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AYUSH Health Insurance - What Is Covered?

AYUSH health insurance covers –

• Medical expenses incurred from treatments at AYUSH care centres registered with local authorities.
• Costs related to AYUSH treatments from government hospitals certified by the National Accreditation Board of Health (NABH) or the Quality Council of India (QCI).
• Expenses incurred for in-patient treatments at NABH and QCI-accredited facilities offering therapies like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

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AYUSH Health Insurance - What Is Not Included?

Here are the exclusions in AYUSH health insurance -

• Admission or treatment in hospitals not recognised by the government.
• Daycare treatments.
• Outpatient department (OPD) treatments.
• Rejuvenation treatments.
• Treatments that are not medically necessary.
• Domiciliary hospitalisation.
• Health check-ups or investigative procedures.

Note: Please be aware that these exclusions can vary across every insurance company.

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Reasons To Choose A Health Insurance Policy With AYUSH Cover

Here are a few reasons why you should choose health insurance with AYUSH coverage -

👉Effective for Non-Invasive Treatments

If you are dealing with minor or persistent health issues, AYUSH treatment could be a wise option. It is particularly effective for managing health without resorting to surgery or invasive procedures.

👉Cost-Effective Treatment

AYUSH treatments often have lower costs than mainstream medical options. One primary reason for this is the minimal licensing and patenting expenses involved.

👉Accessible in Remote Areas

Finding an AYUSH practitioner is relatively easy in remote areas where big hospitals may not be available. This accessibility ensures healthcare options for those in far-off regions.

👉Suitable For Elderly Individuals

With advancing age, the body's tolerance for rigorous medical treatments decreases. AYUSH offers a gentler approach, making it ideal for elderly individuals who may struggle with harsher mainstream treatments.

👉Effective For Lifestyle Diseases

AYUSH treatments are particularly effective for addressing lifestyle-related ailments such as back pain and obesity. Given the prevalence of these issues in today's sedentary lifestyle, AYUSH treatments pose a viable solution.

👉Diverse Treatment Options

AYUSH covers various treatment choices, offering flexibility and tailored approaches to individual health needs.

In essence, AYUSH provides straightforward yet potent treatments for mild health concerns. Additionally, in some cases, early-stage AYUSH interventions have shown promising outcomes in managing critical illnesses.

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AYUSH Treatment In Today's Healthcare Landscape

In 2014, the Indian government took a significant step forward in recognising traditional healing methods by establishing the Ministry of AYUSH. This ministry plays a crucial role in promoting and regulating various conventional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

To ensure that healthcare facilities offering AYUSH treatments meet high-quality standards, the government enlisted the NABH, known as the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers). NABH is responsible for developing and implementing strict quality standards tailored specifically to hospitals providing AYUSH services.

Currently, over 50 hospitals across India offer AYUSH treatments. This widespread availability highlights the increasing acceptance and demand for traditional and alternative forms of healthcare in the country. Thanks to government support and accreditation from bodies like NABH, these hospitals can deliver top-notch AYUSH treatments, contributing to India's holistic healthcare landscape.

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Conditions Associated With AYUSH Hospitals

It is essential to receive AYUSH treatments from registered AYUSH centres. Here are some conditions associated with AYUSH hospitals or daycare centres that you should be aware of –

• The AYUSH hospital must be either a State or Central Government institution.
• It should be a teaching hospital affiliated with AYUSH colleges recognised by governing bodies like the Central Council of Medicine, Central Government, or Central Council for Homeopathy.
• The facility must either be a standalone AYUSH hospital or be co-located with an in-patient treatment facility of any recognised medicine system. It should be registered with local authorities or supervised by a registered AYUSH medical practitioner.

Additional conditions include the following –

• Must have at least five in-patient beds.
• Dedicated AYUSH therapy sections and operation theatres for surgical procedures must be available.
• A qualified and registered AYUSH medical practitioner should be available around the clock.
• Patient records must be detailed and accessible to representatives from the insurance company.

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The Significance Of AYUSH Treatment In Health Insurance

Recently, more people have begun considering alternative treatments like Yoga, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, etc., alongside conventional medical care. Health insurance companies now include AYUSH treatment in their policies to accommodate this shift alongside conventional healthcare coverage.

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How To Purchase AYUSH Cover Health Insurance

If you already have health insurance, speak with your insurer to see if you are missing out on any features, including AYUSH coverage. If not, you can opt for a new health insurance policy with AYUSH benefits.

Looking for Expert advice on Health Insurance plans with AYUSH Coverage?  Schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our advisors.

Learn more about MyInsureBuddy here!

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Considerations When Purchasing AYUSH Health Insurance

There are various benefits of health insurance, but before you buy one that covers AYUSH treatments, keep these essential points in mind –

1. Understand the inclusions and exclusions of AYUSH treatments in the policy. Different AYUSH branches may have different coverage, so carefully review the policy details.
2. Check the list of approved medical facilities offering AYUSH treatments. Make sure these facilities are conveniently located for you.
3. Ensure that the practitioner and/or facility providing the AYUSH treatment are accredited by either the Quality Council of India or the National Accreditation Board on Health.
4. Clarify the claims procedure specific to AYUSH treatments.
5. Find out if there are any limits or sub-limits on AYUSH treatments within the policy.
6. Inquire about any waiting period for AYUSH coverage. Waiting periods are the specific timeframes during which the insurer does not provide coverage for certain medical conditions and illnesses.
7. Some insurers may require pre-approval or pre-authorization for AYUSH treatments. Follow the insurer's requirements accordingly.

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To Conclude,

AYUSH Health Insurance offers valuable coverage for alternative treatments like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. It ensures access to diverse healthcare options beyond conventional medicine. With the government's and insurance providers' support, AYUSH treatment is becoming increasingly accessible. However, it is essential to review policy details carefully to understand coverage limits and inclusions. AYUSH Health Insurance is vital in promoting holistic well-being and providing individuals with choices for their healthcare needs.

Do you have any queries about AYUSH coverage?

Feel free to ask them on the MyInsureBuddy Insurance Forum and get your answers immediately!