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Why Opt for Health Insurance with AYUSH Benefits ?

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Published on Jul 30 2020. EST READ TIME: 3 MIN

AYUSH is the acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy, which are different medical systems or philosophies practised in our country. They not only treat a particular ailment, but also promote a healthy way of living, to prevent many common diseases and lifestyle disorders. In 1995, the Department of Indian Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM & H) was set up by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. And it was renamed as Department of AYUSH in 2003.

The popularity of AYUSH

There is no denying the fact that Indians opt for Western medicines and allopathic treatments widely, to ensure quick remedy for many illnesses. However, lately, people have started opting for AYUSH treatments as well, or a combination of both, as AYUSH is cost-effective and holistic. Also, these treatments have a lower risk of side effects, as the medicines mostly comprise of natural ingredients. This alternative branch of medical science focuses on treating the cause rather than the symptoms, and has witnessed institutional support as well as innovation and research in recent years.

So, based on its increasing relevance and popularity, the AYUSH ministry recommended Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in 2013 to direct insurers for providing cover for AYUSH treatments, this was further revised in 2019. A year later, the Department of AYUSH was elevated as Ministry of AYUSH, aiming to promote further research and development in this field. The National Board for Hospitals began implementing quality healthcare standards for hospitals and health centres providing AYUSH treatments too. These measures further boosted the demand for AYUSH cover under health insurance.

Why take the AYUSH cover?

So, if you are looking to get this additional cover, here are some of its advantages:

• It covers in-patient hospitalisation expenses i.e. any cost incurred due to treatment taken under Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha or Homeopathy branch of medicine.

• It is believed to be one of the best alternative treatments available for elderly people who usually have pre-existing diseases. So, if you have senior citizens in your family, you can add the AYUSH cover to their health plans.

• This treatment is recommended for lifestyle ailments like diabetes and hypertension and also for life-threatening illnesses like cancer. So, the AYUSH cover can come in handy if the policyholder is diagnosed with such an ailment.

What's excluded?

• This policy does not cover expenses incurred due to evaluation or investigation.

• Any treatment that takes place at a healthcare facility which is not a government one or a government-recognized one will not be covered.

• Any preventive or rejuvenation treatment that is not medically mandated is not covered.

Conclusion

The AYUSH cover in a health insurance policy is a relatively new concept and many insurance companies are still mulling over what must be included and what should be excluded. A major discussion in this regard revolves around if the policy should cover pre and post-hospitalization expenses too, as most traditional treatments are done for outpatients. If a consensus is reached, the customer demand for AYUSH treatments will certainly get a boost and more government-approved hospitals will cater to the same. However, for the time being, you should read your policy document carefully to understand what all expenses are covered. Buy HDFC ERGO health insurance with AYUSH benefits if you are looking for an affordable and robust option.   

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.  *T&C apply. my:health Suraksha HDFHLIP20049V041920. D2HI755

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