What is AYUSH treatment in health insurance?

In the context of health insurance, AYUSH treatment refers to medical care provided through traditional systems of medicine - Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. These systems of medicine are supported by the Government of India’s Ministry of AYUSH and provide a holistic system to prevent, treat and recover from various illnesses and ailments.

AYUSH treatment is important in health insurance because it provides additional coverage for treatments that are not exclusively allopathic. Many individuals in India rely on alternative treatments for chronic illnesses, long-term lifestyle diseases or wellness therapies. By adding AYUSH coverage to your health policy, you can obtain financial protection for hospitalisation and treatment costs related to these systems of medicine.

With rising healthcare expenses, having AYUSH treatment as part of your health plan gives policyholders more flexibility. Whether you choose Ayurveda for long-term care or Homeopathy for mild conditions, your insurer supports the expenses. It brings traditional healthcare within the framework of modern financial security.

Importance of AYUSH Health Insurance Services in India

India has a long tradition of treating conditions with alternative medicine systems influenced by culture and lifestyle. Due to the demand for AYUSH treatments, many of these treatments are becoming incorporated into mainstream health care.

This will pave the way for when health insurance companies become obliged to insure AYUSH treatment options, covering loved and supported alternatives to modern treatment and opening the way for achievable wellness. It is an objective put forth by the government in terms of integrated health care ownership.

What Are the Benefits of Availing AYUSH Treatment Coverage?

●      Wider choice of treatments beyond conventional allopathy

●      Coverage for chronic and lifestyle-related conditions through natural therapies

●      Holistic healing approach combining preventive and curative care

●      Financial protection for alternative medicine hospitalizations

●      Promotes wellness, preventive health and reduced dependence on chemical drugs

What Is Covered in an AYUSH Health Insurance Policy?

●      Inpatient treatment expenses under Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy

●      Hospitalization charges in government-recognized AYUSH hospitals and institutes

●      Medical practitioner fees for AYUSH treatments

●      Prescribed medicines and consumables required during treatment

●      Diagnostic tests and therapies linked to AYUSH hospitalization

Things Not Covered Under AYUSH Health Insurance Policies

●      Outpatient consultations without hospitalization

●      Treatments carried out in unregistered or unrecognized centers

●      Experimental therapies not approved by AYUSH ministry guidelines

●      Cosmetic or wellness therapies without medical need

●      Non-medical expenses such as food or personal comfort items

Features for Opting AYUSH Treatment Coverage in Health Insurance Plans

●      Available for both individuals and family floater plans

●      Coverage applies to all insured members under the policy

●      Some insurers may require hospitalization for at least 24 hours in recognized AYUSH centers

●      Minimum and maximum age limits follow general health insurance eligibility

●      Add-on or inbuilt benefit depending on the policy chosen

How to Claim AYUSH Treatment Under Health Insurance?

To file a claim for AYUSH treatment under your health insurance policy, follow these steps:

●      Get admitted to a government-recognized AYUSH hospital or accredited center

●      Inform your insurer or third-party administrator about hospitalization

●      Submit the claim form along with doctor prescriptions, medical reports and hospital bills

●      For cashless claims, treatment should be taken at a network AYUSH facility

●      For reimbursement, pay upfront and later provide original documents to your insurer

Government Initiatives for AYUSH Coverage in Health Insurance

The Indian government has actively promoted AYUSH through the Ministry of AYUSH. Several initiatives have been introduced:

●      Standard guidelines for AYUSH hospitals and institutes to ensure quality treatment

●      IRDAI guidelines that encourage insurers to include AYUSH hospitalization in health plans

●      AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres under Ayushman Bharat for better accessibility

●      Research and promotion of traditional medicine systems to make them part of mainstream healthcare

Tax Benefits of AYUSH Treatment in Health Insurance

Premiums paid for health insurance plans that include AYUSH treatment are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.

●      Up to ₹25,000 for individuals and families under 60 years

●      Up to ₹50,000 if the policy covers senior citizens

●      Preventive health check-ups, including AYUSH treatments, may also be included in the deduction limit

This makes AYUSH-inclusive health policies financially rewarding as well as health-focused.

Conclusion

The meaning of AYUSH treatment in health insurance extends beyond purely alternative care. AYUSH treatment is assurance for the financial protection of traditional systems of healing that Indian citizens are devoted to and rely on. There are benefits of AYUSH treatment such as, wider treatment options, government recognition, tax saving and so on, which altogether tighten up your existing health policy. When you choose a health plan with AYUSH inclusion you have choices, you have security, your holistic care in one policy.

FAQs on AYUSH Treatment in Health Insurance

1. What do you mean AYUSH treatment from health insurance?

AYUSH treatment, means coverage for treatment by Ayurvedic, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy systems of medicine. Health insurance that includes AYUSH, covers the hospitalisation of the patient in an AYUSH recognised hospital.

2. What are the advantages of the AYUSH scheme?

The AYUSH scheme is a plan designed to make alternative healthcare affordable, as it covers inpatient treatment costs of an inpatient admission in a hospital under the traditional medicine system. The scheme also allows health insurance policyholders access to integrated healthcare, especially where chronic conditions are being managed, without the fear of financial impacts from their treatment.

3. What are the differences between AYUSH and Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a branch of the AYUSH system, but AYUSH is an umbrella term that includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. Ayurveda deals with managing health by using natural roots, herb plants/diet and lifestyle.

4. What are the 7 AYUSH systems?

AYUSH includes the 7 systems of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homeopathy. Collectively, the AYUSH systems are part of India's recognised traditional healthcare systems.

5. Do AYUSH treatments work for Chronic diseases?

Yes, AYUSH treatments are used to help manage some chronic disease, such as arthritis, asthma and diabetes. The effectiveness will very much depend on the illness or condition, the response of the patient, and the duration of the treatment. However, treatments should always be given by an accredited practitioner.