Do Ayurveda treatment or alternative medicine Covered by Health Insurance?

Unlike many other static products in the insurance market, health insurance is evolving. A typical health insurance covers hospitalization expenses incurred during the treatment procedure. However health insurers have acknowledged the necessity of traditional and alternative medicine like Ayurveda, homeopathy, Unani etc and included them in health insurance coverage.

In India, people prefer Ayurvedic medicines which are based on plant based medicine and are not keen on western medicine. Since Ayurvedic treatments have their foundation in natural treatments, it becomes alluring to Indian masses. Ayurvedic, homeopathy treatments usually were covered by few health insurers under group health insurance scheme but unavailable for individual customers.

By including traditional medicines in individual plans, health insurers are covering a niche segment. One has to be hospitalized for more than 24 hrs in a recognized hospital to claim for the treatment taken. Also treatment has having some positive remedial effect is also requirement by some insurers for accepting the claim.

Ayurveda is most readily covered by new health insurance policies but the same is not true for other traditional medicines like naturopathy, Unani etc. Naturopathy is not covered under any health insurance policy.

Standalone traditional medicine cover is not available presently but only available with standard health insurance policies.

But there is limited coverage:

The coverage of alternative medicines is dependent on the particular insurer. Some health insurers cover only Ayurvedic treatments while some cover all of them. There is also a cap on the amount covered which usually ranges from 7.5% to 25% of Sum Assured.

Ayurveda has many treatments which are for rejuvenation of the body which are not covered by the health insurer to avoid any misuse by the insured. The Ayurvedic treatments covered by health insurer are dependent on the health insurer.

Health Insurance Covering Ayurvedic Health Care

Chola MS Advanced Individual Healthline plan covers Ayurvedic therapy treatments up to 7.5% of Sum Insurer and also has 20% co-payment clause.

Star Health Medi Classic plan covers non-allopathic treatment up to 25% of Sum Insured subject to maximum of INR 25,000 per policy period.

Apollo Munich Insure health plan covers alternate medicines under Ayush benefit which includes Ayurveda, Unani, Sidha and homeopathy for amount up to 10% of Sum Insured.

HDFC Ergo Health Suraksha plan also covers Ayush benefits up to 20% of Sum Assured.

Though traditional medicines are being covered by the new health insurance plans, there are still few exclusions. One should verify the treatments covered before buying a particular health insurance policy

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