AYUSH treatment in health insurance coverage: Check benefits and features

Traditional or alternative treatment has a long and rich history in India. While conventional medicine is popular, traditional treatment continues to be a prominent alternative medicine. The National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) survey states that people living in urban cities and areas have taken the lead over people in rural areas using traditional treatment.

In 2013, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) directed insurers to offer AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) as part of their health insurance coverage due to its wide acceptance across the country. In this article, we list AYUSH treatment benefits in health insurance and why we should consider buying a health insurance plan with AYUSH cover.

What is AYUSH treatment?

AYUSH treatment is another form of the healthcare system in which alternative medicine or treatment. Treatment through AYUSH medicine includes drug therapies for all kinds of diseases and maintaining an individual’s overall health.

The acronym AYUSH was derived when the government of India formed the AYUSH ministry to develop and promote alternative or traditional medicine in the country. After the directive from the IRDAI, several insurers such as ACKO now offer AYUSH treatment cover in health insurance (Arogya Sanjeevani Policy).

Why should I choose ACKO health insurance with AYUSH treatment cover?

While several insurance plans in the market cover AYUSH treatment, ACKO not only offers coverage for AYUSH medicine under the Arogya Sanjeevani Policy but ensures a hassle-free experience due to the robust digital infrastructure. From cashless claims to digital services, our online process is more straightforward and accessible than traditional insurance services.

Here are the main benefits of ACKO health insurance with AYUSH treatment cover.

• Cashless claim services in more than 7,000 network allopathic hospitals.

• Zero documentation and paperwork.

• Zero commission (no agent) since you buy directly from us.

• Support to address all your questions through our 24/7 customer care team.

• Superfast claim settlement process.

• Instant policy and hassle-free buying experience.

Importance of AYUSH treatment coverage in health insurance

Over the years, there has been a gradual shift from allopathy treatment to traditional medicines such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Yoga, Naturopathy, etc. To help this trend, health insurance companies offer to cover treatment as part of their health insurance policy.

If you are looking for insurance coverage for AYUSH treatment, the below section will help you understand how modern health insurance plans cover alternative medicine and therapy.

Key features and benefits of AYUSH treatment in health insurance

Here are the main features and benefits of AYUSH treatment in health insurance.

• Offers health insurance coverage for alternative medicine.

• Addresses gaps in conventional medicine and provides for an individual’s overall health.

• Lifestyle diseases such as drug abuse, tobacco addiction, etc., might mitigate the associated risks through these alternative medicines.

• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, etc., can be managed through treatment by alternative medicine.

• Apart from lesser side effects, it is more cost-effective than conventional medicine or treatment.

Disclaimer: The above section is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered as professional advice.

Eligibility criteria

Here are the eligibility criteria for insurance coverage for AYUSH treatment in health insurance.

• Medical expenses incurred for inpatient care treatment under AYUSH systems of medicine at a central or state government hospital. Also, hospitalisation expenses in AYUSH hospital accredited by the Quality Control of India or the National Accreditation Board.

• Inpatient hospitalisation should be for more than 24 hours.

Inclusions of AYUSH health insurance

Here are the inclusions of AYUSH health insurance.

• Medical expenses arising from inpatient treatment under Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.

• Treatment at AYUSH daycare centres registered with local authorities.

Exclusions of AYUSH health insurance

Here is what is not covered under the AYUSH health insurance.

• Hospitalisation or treatment undertaken outside the government-approved hospitals and centres.

• Does not cover evaluation or check-ups for the individual.

• Treatment at a healthcare facility that is not approved by the government.

• Pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses.

• Any preventive or rejuvenation treatments that are not medical treatment.

AYUSH Day Care Centers

You can avail of AYUSH treatment in Day Care Centers that includes.

• Community Health Center

• Primary Health Center

• Dispensary 

• Clinic

• Polyclinic

Note: The above centres should be registered with the local authorities and have facilities for carrying out treatment procedures and medical or surgical/para-surgical interventions or both under the supervision of a registered AYUSH medical practitioner.

Things to remember

Here are a few points to consider about AYUSH treatment in health insurance.

• While most insurers offer AYUSH treatments under their health insurance plans, not all of them provide insurance coverage for alternative medicine. Hence, choose the right insurer who offers health insurance plans covering AYUSH treatment.

• The terms and conditions are different for different insurance companies towards the coverage for AYUSH treatment. Ensure you verify the inclusions and exclusions before you select a plan.

• Check if the plan requires an extra premium while purchasing a health insurance policy, and then decide if you want to opt for the plan.

• Opt for insurers who offer a wide range of network hospitals offering AYUSH treatment so that you can avail yourself of quality healthcare facilities.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the common queries about AYUSH treatment in health insurance.

What is AYUSH cover?

A health insurance plan that covers treatment through alternative medicines such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy is known as AYUSH cover.

What is the limit under AYUSH benefit in health insurance?

The limit under AYUSH benefit in health insurance depends on the insurer and the type of health insurance plan. Please read the terms and conditions of the plan before you decide to buy the policy.

What are AYUSH hospitals?

AYUSH hospitals are government authorised hospitals to provide treatment through alternative medicine such as Ayurveda, Yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.

Is Ayurvedic medicine covered under health insurance?

Yes, Ayurveda medicine is covered under health insurance under the AYUSH treatment. But, check the inclusions and exclusions of the health insurance to know if Ayurvedic medicine is covered under the plan.

Can I opt for an AYUSH treatment cover if I am less than 60 years?

Yes, you can opt for an AYUSH cover if you are less than 60 years of age. But, do check the terms and conditions of the health insurance plan to understand the eligibility criteria since it can differ between insurance companies.

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