Alternative Therapies & AYUSH Coverage in Senior Health Insurance

More and more elderly people in India resort to old age therapies, in search of safer and side-effect-free healthcare options. Ranging anywhere between Ayurveda and Homoeopathy, AYUSH medical systems are becoming popular among the elderly because they are holistic in their treatment. There is a trend of health insurers adopting AYUSH health care as part of their insurance cover. AYUSH health insurance is generally a part of comprehensive health insurance plans or offered as an add-on. The sum insured for AYUSH treatments may either be distinct or included within the total coverage limit.

More and more elderly people in India resort to old age therapies, in search of safer and side-effect-free healthcare options. Ranging anywhere between Ayurveda and Homoeopathy, AYUSH medical systems are becoming popular among the elderly because...
More and more elderly people in India resort to old age therapies, in...
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What is AYUSH Treatment?

AYUSH is comprised of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, and this is a local system of medicine which has not lost its shine in Indian society yet.

Ayurveda takes interest in balancing the systems of human bodies with the herbal treatment and particular methods of breathing. Naturopathy and Yoga enhance physical and mental health using natural therapies and body movements. The Unani system relies on Greco-Arabic healing. Siddha arose in the South of India and dwells on alchemy, herbs, and spirituality. Homoeopathic treatment is a school of medicine that uses a lot of diluted substances to trigger the natural healing ability of the body.

These health systems are just being absorbed into the mainstream Indian health sector. The efforts being put in by the Indian government, as well as the collaboration of the private insurance providers, are assisting with this integration. These traditions encourage prevention, the use of natural cures, and the treatment of the cause rather than merely the effects.

AYUSH treatment means the old forms of holistic restorative practices that are time-tested and seek to bring balance and heal the cause of the problem.

Why Alternative Therapies Are Gaining Popularity Among Seniors

A cultural resurgence is prompting many seniors to return to the traditional healing methods they trusted in their youth. Here is why:

Distrust of Overmedication

Most older adults are skeptical of the effects of overmedication.

Doctor-Patient Bonding

AYUSH practitioners spend more time in consultations and offer a more personalised approach that is preferred by many seniors.

Cultural Affinity

The familiarity and comfort of traditional systems exist among the people, especially those who have depended on the systems or watched their older persons do so.

Government Initiatives

As the Ministry of AYUSH has been integrating it, people are getting to know its authenticity and benefit more.

Health Crises

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed many toward immune-boosting and preventive care. AYUSH medical systems promote these strategies.

Insurance Coverage for AYUSH Treatments

Taking note of the growing demand, many health insurers now offer AYUSH coverage. Under this coverage, policyholders can claim expenses incurred on alternative therapies. However, the treatments should be taken at government-approved or NABH-accredited AYUSH facilities. Arogya Sanjeevani Policy and mandatory coverage of AYUSH are available through the Arogya Sanjeevani Policy regulated under IRDAI, which depicts institutional acknowledgement of traditional care.

However, not all policies cover AYUSH treatments as a norm. In other programs, AYUSH coverage is provided as a benefit option or is sub-limited. One should read the fine print in order to gain clarity.

Insurance Rules for AYUSH Treatments

AYUSH treatments are covered under some specific conditions:

  • The AYUSH treatment has to be procured at the registered AYUSH hospitals or centres, accredited by Quality Council of India (QCI) or NABH.
  • The applicability of AYUSH coverage is limited to inpatient hospitalisation (i.e. Admission of not less than 24 Hrs).
  • There also might be caps or sub-limits in some health insurance policies, where the benefits of AYUSH are limited to a specified proportion of the respective total sum insured.
  • Insurance coverage under AYUSH does not cover treatments availed in spas, wellness resorts/centres, or unacknowledged clinics.

Application Process for AYUSH Treatment in Health Insurance

Insurers increasingly offer cashless AYUSH treatment, especially in their network AYUSH hospitals. The process for claiming AYUSH treatment costs is similar to that of other general treatments, though it may vary slightly between insurers.

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Prior Authorisation

In cases of planned admissions, it is better to give prior information to the insurer.

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Documentation

Have a complete record such as treatment prescription, hospital registration, release report, and bills.

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Recognised Hospital

Ensure the insurer acknowledges the health facility.

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Claim Submission

Upload the documents in the online portal or together with the physical claim form.

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Claim Clearance

The insurer clears the claim once verified. It normally takes about 7-15 working days.

Importance of Choosing the Right AYUSH Plan

The right health insurance plans offer a good level of AYUSH support. Seniors and their care-providers should ensure the following things:

Ensuring AYUSH Coverage

The awareness of a holistic health approach is on the rise, with AYUSH being a common option followed by many for health prevention and cure. Because several plans leave AYUSH out as the default, one can avoid high out-of-pocket expenses by deciding on a plan that covers AYUSH comprehensively. Ensure that you have health cover that will cover AYUSH therapies.

Maximum Coverage

The right AYUSH insurance plan ensures your financial protection. Your health policy should feature the maximum percentage of the sum insured.

Alignment with Therapy Choices

The right AYUSH insurance plan allows policyholders to select treatments according to their therapy choices.

Cashless Options

The right AYUSH insurance plan offers cashless treatment options. This option simplifies the claims process.

Network Hospitals

Your scheme must include sufficient accredited AYUSH hospitals around the area.

Conclusion

As the growth of the senior population in India can be observed, the need for AYUSH healthcare is becoming increasingly applicable. AYUSH medical systems could play a central role in elderly wellness. They offer an alternative to the allopathic system and a trustworthy path to healing.

The encouraging fact is that insurance companies are falling in line with this trend. It is possible to use the advantages of AYUSH to achieve long-term wellness through informed decisions and appropriate health plans among seniors.

Frequently Asked Questions

The health policy usually excludes treatments taken in unregistered clinics or unaccredited centres under its AYUSH component

Sure, most insurers carry out cashless AYUSH treatment, but that is limited to their NABH or government-accredited network hospitals..

Members covered under a ‘health insurance policy with AYUSH benefits’ are eligible.

Yes, the insurance companies usually impose limitations (such as a specific portion of the amount insured), and claims must be made at a certified AYUSH hospital.

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Written by Roocha Kanade

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Reviewed by Dr. Harshita Dahiya Author info Icon

Health Insurance content enthusiast who turns complex topics into easy, binge-worthy reads—fueled by SEO, creativity, and way too much chai! Loves juggling multiple projects, cracking impossible deadlines, and sprinkling humor into the mix. When not geeking out over digital trends, you'll find her lurking on Quora and Reddit, planning the next getaway, or passionately decoding all things health and insurance!

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