A Comprehensive Guide to Health Insurance and AYUSH Benefits

Posted on: Sep 18, 2020 | | Written by:

A Comprehensive Guide to Health Insurance and AYUSH Benefits

Published on Sept 15, 2020. EST READ TIME: 5 MIN

What is AYUSH healthcare?

AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy systems of healthcare. The medicines or drugs used for AYUSH treatments are usually made ofnatural ingredients so that the body can accept and absorb them easily with minimal or no side effects. As a result, many patients are turning to alternative therapy for their ailments, making AYUSH benefits an important part of their overall medical care regime.

Note: At HDFC ERGO, under AYUSH Benefits HDFC ERGO covers Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unaani and Siddha.

What is AYUSH Benefit in Health Insurance?

For many years, alternative therapy was not coveredunder health insurance. Today, AYUSH is considered for therapies and treatments to cure many diseases and to enhance the quality of life.

Many health insurance providers like HDFC ERGO are now offering plans with AYUSH benefits. It covers treatments, therapies and medicines.

Note: At HDFC ERGO, under AYUSH Benefits HDFC ERGO covers Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unaani and Siddha only.

Significance of AYUSH Healthcare

The bio-medicines and procedures used in AYUSH treatment are obtained after vigorous research on the Ayurvedic foundation laid by the Rishis thousands of years ago. The medicines used in these kinds of treatments are known for their minimal side-effects and high effectiveness for some of the most critical conditions as well.

Backed by ancient science, AYUSH is often used as a supportive treatment along with many mainstream treatments like chemotherapy and others. When they are combined, patients are likely to get remarkable results and experience relief.They might get completely cured too, leading to a healthier mind and body.

Today, more than 35 AYUSH accredited hospitals across India are offering authentic and reliable treatments.

AYUSH Health Services in India

Given the growing number of lifestyle diseases, multidrug-resistant diseases and many more ailments, the Department of Indian Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM & H) was created by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 1995, which was later renamed as Department of AYUSH in 2003.

Since then, the department has been working on bringing Indian alternative treatments to the medical forefront, combining them with new practices to find answers to medical queries that have remained unanswered for a very long time.

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Why Should You Try AYUSH Treatment?

There are several benefits of integrating AYUSH treatment with your healthcare plan. Here are some reasons why you should consider this alternative therapy.

It is a natural form of medicine with a more holistic approach to healing. It is focused on the in-depth resolution of the ailment and overall wellbeing, rather than short-term relief.
It has negligible to no side effects, as the body can easily absorb the ingredients.
AYUSH is a great treatment option for the elderly who cannot bear the side effects of traditional medicines or treatments.
Alternative therapy is comparatively more cost-efficient than the conventional line of treatment. However, one should not switch the line of treatment without consulting medical professionals.

FAQs about AYUSH Treatments for Health Insurance

Who can avail AYUSH benefits?
All you have to do is talk to your insurance provider and integrate it with your existing plan. On the other hand, you can also buy a separate Senior Citizen Plan that offers coverage for AYUSH related treatments.
What does AYUSH benefit cover?
Suppose you have added the AYUSH benefit clause to your health plan.In that case, your insurance provider will cover all the expenses incurred during alternative therapy treatments - namely Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. However, the healthcare provider must be accredited by the Quality Council of India of National Accreditation, to be eligible for the claim.
What is not covered in your AYUSH benefits?
You are not eligible for claims if you have not been hospitalised for at least 24 hours. Or have been getting your treatment under a non-certified medical institute. The healthcare provider needs to be accredited by the Quality Council of India of National Accreditation or Quality Council of India.

Your AYUSH benefit does not cover claims for daycare procedures, pre and post hospitalisation charges or outpatient expenses while you are undergoing alternative treatment.
Can homeopathy treatment be availed as a part of the claim?
Yes, homeopathy also comes under the alternative treatment category and can be claimed under AYUSH benefits. However, your homeopathic medicines cannot be claimed in the process. Also, you need to be admitted for more than 24 hours, for your claim to be approved.
Is naturopathy treatment covered under AYUSH benefit?
No, naturopathy is a part of the alternative treatment family and cannot be claimed under AYUSH benefits with HDFC ERGO.
Can AYUSH benefits be availed under cashless claims?

If the hospital is a part of the network mentioned by the insurance provider, then the treatment can be availed in the cashless form by the patient. You need to talk to your insurance provider about the same and get a list of hospitals where you can get this service.

Conclusion

AYUSH treatment has now caught the attention of medical institutes as well as patients around the world who are looking for more diverse and holistic measures of treatment. With HDFC ERGO AYUSH benefits, you can now utilise the power of Ayurveda and alternative therapies without worrying about the fees. However, make sure to go through all inclusions, exclusions and terms and conditions before finalising the policy.

This blog is written by Dr. Kavita Ganesh
Asst. Vice President, Health & Accident Product Underwriting

About The Expert : Dr. Kavita Ganesh holds over 15 years of work experience in health insurance industry. She highly recommends buying health insurance for securing finances in case of a medical emergency. Looking at the current pandemic situation, she enforces the idea of having a higher sum insured for covering the entire family.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales. UIN my:health Suraksha HDFHLIP21473V052021, UID no: D2HI895

Sources

https://www.nhp.gov.in/nabh-accredited-ayush-hospitals_mtl

https://nabh.co/AyushHospitals.aspx

https://www.ayush.gov.in/