In India, alternative treatment has been a preferred way to deal with ailments, both big and small, for many. This holistic approach to healthcare has been practised in the country for many generations. This being the case, some may be left wondering if health insurance companies cover a stream of medicine that is culturally unique and significant to the country in the modern era. Here are the answers you are looking for.
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It is widely believed that AYUSH treatments have fewer side effects when compared to allopathic treatments that use chemical compounds that may, with time, lead to side effects. Alternative treatments are nature-based and use natural remedies derived from oils, minerals, and herbs and are less intrusive when compared to allopathic treatment; hence, they are known to have fewer side effects.
The treatment doesn’t stop with just the body, as the patient’s mind and emotional well-being are taken into consideration as well. Yoga is an excellent way to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. This ultimately elevates the mental well-being of a patient, which has an impact on their physical well-being as well.
Allopathic treatments are costly. Doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and medicines alone can drain your savings. And surgical interventions, when required, cost a pretty penny too, whether big or small.
Alternative treatments, on the other hand, are more cost-effective and hence become a big source of comfort for those who can’t afford the expensive treatment when opting for Western medicine. Then there is the issue of accessibility as well, as people may often not have access to good hospitals where they live but may have access to holistic practitioners they trust instead.
Alternative treatment focuses on the mantra “prevention is better than cure.” It focuses on preventative steps such as clean eating habits, setting daily routines, and detoxification to avoid illnesses.
Holistic treatments fall under the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) umbrella in India. Health insurance companies have covered alternative treatments for policyholders since 2013 under the guidelines issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). It was in April 2024 that the IRDAI ensured that insurers covered alternative treatments for the entire sum insured. This was done so that insurers don’t discriminate against alternative treatment and to ensure that it is on par with allopathic treatment. The ultimate goal is for patients to have more treatment options at their disposal.
Remember the following things to avoid claim rejections for availing AYUSH treatments.
Alternative treatment has been an integral part of the Indian health system for aeons. A fair chunk of the population feels more at ease when opting for this course of treatment when compared to allopathic treatments. With the government also giving this method of treatment a greater push and creating more awareness about its benefits, it is only set to attract more takers in the days to come.
Hence, health insurance companies, along with the IRDAI, are ensuring that policyholders enjoy the benefits of AYUSH treatments alongside Western treatments. This will ensure that patients who want to opt for alternative treatments over Western medicine don’t end up opting for the latter just because they can’t claim the former under their insurance coverage, thus effectively denying them their preferred course of treatment.
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