AYUSH Treatment in Health Insurance – Benefits, Coverage And Eligibility

India's ancient traditions in healthcare, rooted in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, are now finding a dedicated space in modern medical coverage. In a significant move, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) mandated that insurance providers offer AYUSH facilities in health insurance plans. This has helped lakhs of Indians receive alternative treatments with the financial security of insurance.

Read on to explore how AYUSH health insurance coverage enhances your overall healthcare protection and why you should include it in your health insurance plans.

What is AYUSH Treatment?

AYUSH is an acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. These are time-tested alternative medical systems that focus on treating the root causes of illnesses using natural therapies and holistic methods.

With increasing global interest in preventive and side-effect-free treatments, AYUSH therapies have gained a significant following.

Many insurance providers, including Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, now offer AYUSH in health insurance plans, ensuring policyholders receive in-patient care through approved AYUSH hospitals and centers.

Why Choose Health Insurance Plans with AYUSH Treatment Cover?

Adding AYUSH health insurance coverage to your Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company’s policy opens doors to traditional treatments backed by modern medical infrastructure. Here's why you should consider Bajaj Allianz General Insurance policy for AYUSH cover:

• Paperless process: Easy digital purchase and renewal options.
• Quick claims: Fast and simple claim settlement processes.
• 24x7 support: Round-the-clock customer service.
• Instant policy issuance.
• Cashless family health insurance for AYUSH treatments in network hospitals.

Importance of AYUSH Treatment Coverage in Health Insurance

Let’s take a look at the importance of AYUSH treatment in your coverage below:

1. Holistic Healing: Combines herbs, therapies, yoga, and diet to promote overall wellness.
2. Cost-Effective Care: AYUSH treatments are generally more affordable than allopathy.
3. Wider Reach: Accessible even in rural and remote areas where conventional hospitals may be lacking.
4. Ideal for Seniors: Gentle therapies make it suitable for elderly patients.
5. Manages Chronic Illnesses: Effective for diabetes, arthritis, obesity, and more.
6. Preventive & Curative: Useful in preventing illnesses and aiding recovery post-treatment.
7. Diverse Options: From Ayurveda to Homeopathy, choose the approach best suited to your health.
8. Tax Savings: Premiums paid for such coverage qualify for tax benefits under Section 80D.

Key Features and Benefits of AYUSH in Health Insurance

AYUSH treatment coverage in health insurance acknowledges the growing acceptance of traditional medicine, offering policyholders a wider range of healthcare options. Below are some features you should know:

• Covers in-patient hospitalisation under AYUSH.
• Supplements conventional care with effective alternative treatments.
• Services at recognised AYUSH hospitals and daycare centres.
• Low-cost treatment reduces the risk of exhausting your insured sum.
• It can be availed via cashless family health insurance.

Eligibility Criteria

To avail of AYUSH benefits under your health insurance plans, ensure the following:

• Hospitalisation must be for at least 24 hours.
• Treatment must be taken in a government-recognised AYUSH hospital or one accredited by NABH or QCI.
• The hospital must be registered and follow AYUSH ministry guidelines.

AYUSH Daycare Centres

Here are the registered centres where AYUSH treatments can be availed:

• Primary Health Centres
• Community Health Centres
• Clinics
• Dispensaries
• Polyclinics

Note: The centre must be authorised and equipped to offer treatment under the supervision of a registered AYUSH practitioner.

How to File a Claim for AYUSH Treatment?

To claim AYUSH treatment coverage, hospitalisation for a minimum of 24 hours in a government-recognized AYUSH hospital is mandatory. Ensure all hospital records and bills are meticulously documented. Claims for mere medical evaluations are typically denied. Rejuvenation therapies, a core aspect of Ayurveda, are commonly excluded, requiring out-of-pocket payment. Confirm your policy details regarding specific AYUSH treatments and eligible hospitals. Promptly submit all required documents to your insurer. Understanding these limitations and requirements is crucial for a successful claim. Contact your insurer directly for specific claim procedures.

Things to Remember Before Opting for AYUSH Health Insurance

• Always check the policy’s AYUSH coverage inclusions and exclusions.
• Verify the list of network hospitals offering AYUSH treatments for cashless family health insurance. 
• Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company covers the expenses of the entire treatment until the insurance sum limit is reached.
• Rejuvenation and wellness therapies are generally not covered under AYUSH treatment offered by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company.

What is Not Covered in an AYUSH Health Insurance Policy?

While AYUSH coverage extends the benefits of traditional treatments, there are exclusions. Typically, outpatient treatments (OPD) are not covered unless specified in the policy. Treatments must be undertaken at recognised institutions either accredited by the Quality Council of India or the National Accreditation Board on Health. Furthermore, experimental treatments and those not supported by substantive documentation of efficacy may also be excluded from the coverage.

How Does AYUSH Health Insurance Compare to Traditional Allopathy-Based Plans?

More people are exploring alternatives to conventional treatments. While allopathy remains the most widely used and scientifically validated system, the growing demand for holistic, side-effect-free therapies has elevated the importance of AYUSH health insurance. Understanding how AYUSH coverage compares to standard health insurance plans helps you make an informed decision for your and your family’s health needs.

1. Treatment Approach

Allopathy focuses on diagnosing and treating symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs and surgery. It’s ideal for emergencies, infectious diseases, and acute conditions. In contrast, AYUSH treatments emphasise root-cause treatment through natural remedies, lifestyle changes, herbal medicine, detoxification, and therapies like yoga, panchakarma, and homeopathy. They offer gentler, long-term healing, especially for lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis.

2. Coverage Differences

Traditional health insurance plans typically offer broader hospitalisation and treatment coverage in private and public hospitals for surgeries, diagnostics, ICU stays, and doctor consultations. On the other hand, AYUSH in health insurance covers only in-patient treatment through accredited AYUSH hospitals. It’s essential to check whether the AYUSH benefit is included as part of your base plan or requires an add-on premium while purchasing health insurance plans for Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company.

3. Cost Efficiency

AYUSH treatments are often more affordable than allopathic procedures. For example, herbal remedies and lifestyle therapies are affordable than long-term prescription medications or surgeries. This makes AYUSH coverage an economical choice, particularly for those seeking alternative treatments for chronic conditions or managing elderly healthcare.

4. Accessibility and Reach

While allopathy hospitals are mainly found in urban centres, AYUSH treatments are often more accessible in rural and semi-urban areas. Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy centres are well-established in India’s remote regions, making AYUSH health insurance a valuable resource for individuals in those locations.

5. Complementary Use

You don’t have to choose between the two. Many families today opt for Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company’s cashless family health insurance that combines allopathy and AYUSH benefits. This hybrid approach ensures broader healthcare access, whether it's surgery for an emergency or Ayurvedic therapy for recovery and wellness.

Conclusion

AYUSH health insurance offers a well-rounded approach to healthcare. It is cost-effective, accessible, and ideal for treating both chronic and lifestyle-related illnesses. As India re-embraces its traditional healing practices, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company is stepping up to provide comprehensive health insurance solutions that include AYUSH coverage.

Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or your loved ones, make sure to check for AYUSH in health insurance benefits as part of your plan. It adds another dimension to your healthcare access. The one rooted in centuries of healing wisdom.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is AYUSH cover in health insurance?

AYUSH cover in health insurance refers to the financial protection provided for treatments through traditional and alternative medicine systems like Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. These treatments are covered under specified plans when provided at recognised hospitals or centres offering holistic healing without conventional allopathic intervention.

Q2: What is the coverage limit under AYUSH?

The coverage limit for AYUSH treatment from Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company’s AROGYA SANJEEVANI POLICY is limited to a maximum of INR 25,00,000. If you are looking at AYUSH benefits offered by other health insurance plans offered by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, it might cover all expenses under this category till the sum insured is entirely exhausted.

Q3: Are AYUSH hospitals government-approved?

Yes, to ensure authenticity and quality, AYUSH treatments are only covered when taken at hospitals recognised by the central or state government or those accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) or Quality Council of India (QCI). These facilities must follow specific standards to be eligible for insurance coverage.

Q4: Is Ayurvedic medicine covered under health insurance?

Yes, Ayurvedic treatment is covered under AYUSH health insurance when it's part of in-patient care at a recognised AYUSH hospital. However, outpatient consultations or wellness therapies are usually not included. Ensure the treatment is medically necessary and meets the policy's 24-hour hospitalisation requirement for reimbursement or cashless claim approval.

Q5: Can I opt for AYUSH cover if I’m under 60?

Absolutely! AYUSH coverage is available to policyholders of all age groups, not just senior citizens. It’s a great option for anyone seeking holistic care or managing chronic illnesses through natural therapies. Whether buying individual or cashless family health insurance, you can include AYUSH coverage for comprehensive treatment flexibility.

Q6: Can I make cashless claims for AYUSH treatments?

Yes, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company offer cashless claim facilities for AYUSH treatments, provided the treatment is availed at one of their network hospitals. It is essential to check whether the selected hospital offers cashless services and if AYUSH treatments are included in that network for seamless, upfront-free hospitalisation and treatment access.

Q7: Is Homeopathy covered in AYUSH treatment?

Yes, homeopathy is one of the key systems covered under AYUSH. The expenses can be claimed under your health insurance if you are hospitalised in a recognised AYUSH facility for homeopathic treatment. However, ensure the treatment is in-patient and aligns with policy conditions to qualify for reimbursement or a cashless claim.  

Q8: Are rejuvenation or wellness treatments covered under AYUSH?

No, AYUSH health insurance typically excludes wellness, detoxification, or rejuvenation treatments, even if they are part of Ayurveda or other AYUSH systems. These procedures are considered elective or preventive rather than curative. Only medically necessary in-patient treatments prescribed by a qualified practitioner are eligible for insurance coverage under AYUSH plans.

*Standard T&C apply.

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