AYUSH Health Insurance
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 30/05/2024
In recent years, many people have started preferring natural treatments over chemical-based allopathic ones as they have fewer side effects. Also, the body tends to absorb them faster. Collectively known as alternative treatments or AYUSH, these include Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
With the increasing costs of medical treatments and healthcare, an increasing number of people have been looking for health insurance plans with comprehensive coverage. These plans allow them to manage the high costs of medical care and get the best treatments for their loved ones.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) identified the increasing trend of people opting for AYUSH treatments and modified its regulations to ensure that insurers provided AYUSH health insurance, too.
In this article, we will discuss AYUSH medical insurance plans and look at some important aspects of buying one.
AYUSH Benefit in Health Insurance
If you are planning to buy or renew your health insurance policy, then here are some AYUSH benefits you should consider:
Even if you are taking allopathic medicines, AYUSH treatments can help. Many people have started realising the holistic treatment approach of AYUSH and its impact on their overall well-being.
With coverage for AYUSH treatment in health insurance, you can get the best treatment regardless of the field of medicine.
Being made from natural resources, AYUSH medicines are getting costlier by the day. Also, the treatments usually last for months or even years. In many cases, the costs of treatments can rise drastically. With an AYUSH mediclaim policy, these costs are covered by the insurer.
If you live in a rural area or frequently travel to places where hospital facilities are not available, the only way to get treated is via AYUSH. With the right insurance policy, you can get coverage for these mandatory costs.
These treatments are effective with senior citizens. This is because, as we age, our bodies cannot withstand the sudden influx of medicines.
AYUSH also fights lifestyle-related diseases well. This is the biggest problem of the twenty-first century and includes problems like a perennially sore back, undue weight increase, etc.
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Buy AYUSH Insurance Scheme?
There are no specific AYUSH health insurance eligibility criteria. Anyone who can buy a regular medical insurance plan can buy AUSH insurance, too.
Usually, insurance companies do not offer plans to people above the age of 60 years.
Any pre-existing illness will also not be covered under the policy.
It is important to remember to check the policy documents carefully to understand the scope and extent of the coverage offered for AYUSH treatments.
What is Covered Under AYUSH Health Insurance?
AYUSH health insurance covers the treatments of different types of alternative treatments. If your health insurance policy offers coverage for AYUSH treatments, then you can get treated through a doctor from any field of medicine like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
However, it is important to remember that most insurers settle the claim about the expenses incurred due to AYUSH treatments only if you get treated at a recognised hospital or clinic.
How Can I Buy AYUSH Health Insurance?
If you already have a health insurance plan, then talk to your insurer and try to understand if you have missed some features.
If not, then you can buy a new health insurance policy that includes AYUSH coverage. Here are the steps to buy AYUSH health insurance:
AYUSH Health Insurance Registration Process
Visit the website of the insurer.
Go through the policy details to understand the coverage offered for AYUSH treatments.
Provide your details and documents as requested by the insurer.
Complete any other steps specified.
Receive the policy documents.
Things to keep in mind while buying AYUSH Cover Health Insurance
Here are some important points to remember before buying a health insurance plan with coverage for AYUSH treatments:
Make sure that you understand the specific treatments that are covered and not covered under the policy. AYUSH has many branches, and some plans might not cover certain treatments. Ensure that you go through the details carefully.
Go through the list of accepted medical facilities where you can get your AYUSH treatment. Assess if you can visit them or if they are way out of reach.
Before getting your treatment, remember to check that the practitioner and/or centre is accredited by the Quality Council of India or the National Accreditation Board on Health.
Understand the claims process for AYUSh treatments.
Check if there are any limits or sub-limits on these treatments.
Ask the insurer about any waiting period for AYUSH coverage.
Some insurers might insist on a pre-approval or pre-authorisation for AYUSH. Make sure to follow the terms.
Conclusion
AYUSH, or alternative treatments, have gained immense popularity among people in the last few years. Considering this, these alternative treatments have become a part of health insurance plans in India.
With TATA AIG health insurance plan for family and individuals, you can get coverage for the expenses of in-patient treatment available under AYUSH, not only for Ayurveda but other courses of treatments under AYUSH too. This way, you can have comfortable access and complete freedom to choose the line of treatment, traditional or modern, that you prefer.
FAQS
Can I avail of the AYUSH benefit under cashless claim settlement?
Insurers can offer cashless claim settlement only through their network hospitals. Hence, if your insurer has the hospital in its network and you are getting treated by an accredited AYUSH practitioner. Talk to your insurer before getting treated, if possible.
I have spent a reasonable sum on consultation and testing to identify the illness by an AYUSH practitioner. Can I claim it?
Typically, insurers do not cover the expenses incurred for testing or consulting an AYUSH practitioner. Claims will be accepted only if you are hospitalised for at least 24 hours.
Do all health insurance plans come with AYUSH treatment coverage?
No. While most insurers have started including AYUSH treatments as a part of the coverage, there are still many who do not offer it. Hence, make sure to go through the policy documents before signing the dotted line.
Can I use my entire sum assured for AYUSH treatment?
This, again, depends on the policy you are buying. If the insurer has not kept any limits, then you would be able to use the entire sum assured. However, if the insurer has set a maximum limit, then you will be able to withdraw only up to that amount.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.