Does Health Insurance cover alternative treatments in India?
With the increasing trend in awareness because of its benefits, coverage for holistic treatments like Ayurveda, Ayush, Unani, etc are now widely offered by many health insurance companies. Many lifestyle illnesses and also chronic diseases have been cured with the help of alternative treatments. Because of the increase in demand for alternate treatments, popularly known as AYUSH treatment, many health insurance companies now offer coverage for the same.
In this article let us talk about the following:
- What are alternative health treatments in India?
- Scope of coverage
- Plans that offer Ayush coverage
- What benefits of Ayush coverage?
- Frequently asked questions
What are alternative treatments in India?
In 2013, The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) issued new guidelines which advised health insurance companies to provide plans that cover alternative treatments. Alternative or AYUSH includes treatment like Ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, Unani, and Siddha, in India.
Scope of Coverage
Although AYUSH cover is available under a health plan, the same is bundled with a comprehensive health plan. Health insurance companies solely do not offer AYUSH coverage.
Companies that offer coverage for alternative treatments
Company Name | Plan Name |
Care Health Insurance | Care Plus Plan |
TATA AIG Health Insurance | Medicare Policy |
HDFC Ergo Health Insurance | My-health Suraksha Plan Optima Secure Plan |
Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance | Covers AYUSH in most plans |
Kotak Mahindra Health Insurance | Group Smart Cash Plan Group HealthCare Plan |
Chola MS Health Insurance | Health Line Plan Individual HealthLine Plan |
Future Generali Health Insurance | Health Total Plan |
Oriental Insurance Company | Super Top Up Plan |
Star Health Insurance | MediClassic Insurance Plan |
Bharati AXA Health Insurance | Smart Health Insurance Smart Super Health Assure Plan Health Advantage Plan |
IIFCO Tokio Health Insurance | Individual Medishied Plan |
ManipalCigna Health Insurance | Pro Health Plan Super Top-Up Pan |
New India Assurance | New India Mediclaim Policy |
SBI Health Insurance | Arogya Premier Health Arogya Plus Plan |
Digit Health Insurance | Digit Health Care Plus |
Universal Sampoo | Healthcare Plus Plan |
Niva Bupa Health Insurance | Health Companion Plan |
Apollo Munich Health Insurance | Easy Health Exclusive Plan |
Relaince Health Insurance | Health Infinity Policy |
What are the benefits of AYUSH cover?
Now let us discuss the advantages that you will gain from opting for an AYUSH cover.
1.) Covers different treatments
Along with covering allopathy, your plan will also pay for treatments like Ayurveda, homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, and so on, giving more options to the policyholder while deciding the line of treatment.
2.) Affordable treatment
AYUSH treatment is highly affordable compared to allopathy treatment hence it is advisable to buy a plan that provides coverage for the same.
3.) Treatment for cancer
According to proven studies, alternative treatments like Ayurveda, Siddha, etc have proved to be beneficial in the cure of cancer.
4.) Widely available
As opposed to allopathy, AYUSH treatment is easily accessible in remote areas across the country, especially in villages and small towns.
5.) Inpatient hospitalization
Expenses incurred from inpatient hospitalization under AYUSH will also be covered as per the terms and conditions of the policy.
