Quick Overview
- AYUSH Treatment is a traditional and alternative system of medicine in India, which includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.
- AYUSH treatment is increasingly being provided in health insurance policies by many Indian insurers to promote holistic and natural medical practices.
- AYUSH coverage offers a low-cost alternative to traditional allopathic medicine.
Introduction to AYUSH Treatment
Over the last few years, alternative and traditional systems of medicine have acquired renewed significance in India. As more people have become aware of the concept of holistic healthcare and natural healing therapies, health insurers are now extending health insurance policies to cover AYUSH Treatment. Learning about the functioning of AYUSH treatment in health insurance enables policyholders to make wise healthcare and financial choices.
What Is AYUSH Treatment?
AYUSH Treatment is a medical system used in India that is concerned with natural, traditional and holistic medicine. The acronym AYUSH stands for:
- Ayurveda
- Yoga
- Unani
- Siddha
- Homeopathy
These systems are focused on prevention, balance of mind and body and long-term wellness, as opposed to symptom-based treatment.
AYUSH Treatment Meaning in Simple Terms
The meaning of AYUSH as a treatment in simple terms entails the use of traditional Indian and alternative medicine to diagnose, treat and prevent illnesses through natural therapies, herbs, lifestyle changes and non-invasive methods.
What Is AYUSH Treatment in Health Insurance?
AYUSH treatment in health insurance is the insurance coverage given to medical treatments that are undertaken under Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, or Homoeopathy. In the past, the health insurance policies mainly covered allopathic treatments, but the regulatory policies are prompting insurers to consider including AYUSH treatments in the normal coverage.
The AYUSH treatment is covered by most modern health insurance plans in India, subject to certain conditions, limits, and policy terms.
Why Insurers Include AYUSH Treatment Coverage
- The reason why insurers cover AYUSH treatment in health insurance is:
- It is in line with government healthcare programmes.
- It encourages preventive and comprehensive healthcare.
- AYUSH treatments can be relatively inexpensive.
- Consumer demand for alternative medicine is on the increase.
Types of AYUSH Treatments Covered
Health insurance policies may cover one or more of the following AYUSH treatments:
Ayurveda Treatment Coverage
Ayurveda is concerned with the harmonisation of body energies with the help of herbal drugs, changes in diets and treatment methods such as Panchakarma. Ayurvedic treatment in inpatient form, which is undertaken in recognised hospitals, is normally covered.
Yoga Therapy Coverage
Yoga therapy is only covered when it is prescribed as a part of a medical treatment and requires hospitalisation. Wellness yoga or fitness programmes are typically not included.
Unani Treatment Coverage
Unani medicine involves the use of natural elements such as minerals and herbs to bring back a balance of health. Unani treatments, which are offered in hospitals, can be included in AYUSH treatment in health insurance.
Siddha Treatment Coverage
Siddha medicine is a medical practice mostly practised in South India, which has an emphasis on lifestyle disorders and chronic illnesses. Coverage would be provided in case there are approved Siddha hospitals in which treatment is available.
Homoeopathy Treatment Coverage
Homoeopathy involves the stimulation of natural healing by using highly diluted substances. Many health insurance policies cover inpatient homoeopathic treatment.
How AYUSH Treatment Coverage Works in Health Insurance
Hospitalisation Requirements for AYUSH Treatment
To claim AYUSH treatment under health insurance, hospitalisation is usually mandatory. Most insurers require:
- A minimum hospital stay of 24 hours
- Admission to a recognised AYUSH hospital
Daycare AYUSH procedures may be covered if specifically mentioned in the policy.
AYUSH Treatment Coverage Limits and Sub-limits
Many policies apply sub-limits to AYUSH Treatment. For example:
- A fixed percentage of the sum insured
- A maximum annual cap (e.g., ₹50,000 per policy year)
These limits vary across insurers and plans.
Cashless vs Reimbursement for AYUSH Treatment
- Cashless claims are available if treatment is taken at a network AYUSH hospital.
- Reimbursement claims apply when treatment is taken at non-network but recognised hospitals, subject to document submission.
Conditions for AYUSH Treatment Coverage
Treatment at Government-Recognised or NABH-Accredited AYUSH Hospitals
AYUSH treatment will be covered when taken at:
- AYUSH hospitals are recognised by the government.
- Authorised hospitals that are accredited by NABH or other bodies.
Claims cannot be made when treatment is done in unrecognised centres.
Doctor’s Prescription and Medical Necessity
The prescription must be made by a qualified AYUSH doctor. The treatment should be medically necessary and not in the form of an elective or preventive treatment.
Waiting Periods and Policy Terms
Some policies impose:
- Preliminary waiting times (30-90 days)
- Waiting times in disease-specific cases.
AYUSH treatment coverage is only applicable after completion of these waiting periods.
What Is Covered Under AYUSH Treatment in Health Insurance
In-patient Hospitalisation Expenses
Coverage includes expenses incurred during hospitalisation for AYUSH treatment, such as:
- Room charges
- Nursing expenses
- Medical procedures
Room Rent, Doctor Fees, and Medicine Costs
Health insurance typically covers:
- Room rent (as per policy limits)
- Doctor consultation fees
- Prescribed medicines used during hospitalisation
Pre- and Post-Hospitalisation Expenses
Some comprehensive policies also cover:
- Pre-hospitalisation expenses (30–60 days)
- Post-hospitalisation expenses (60–90 days)
This applies only if explicitly mentioned in the policy wording.
What Is Not Covered Under AYUSH Treatment
OPD Treatments (Unless Specified)
Outpatient AYUSH treatments, consultations, or medicines are generally not covered unless the policy includes OPD benefits.
Non-recognised AYUSH Centres
Treatment taken at:
- Wellness centres
- Spas
- Unauthorised clinics
is excluded from AYUSH treatment in health insurance coverage.
Wellness and Preventive Therapies
Therapies taken purely for relaxation, rejuvenation, stress relief, or preventive care- such as spa therapies or general yoga retreats- are not covered.
Benefits of AYUSH Treatment Coverage
Access to Alternative Healthcare
Gives policyholders the freedom to select conventional and holistic treatment options like Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani.
Holistic Healing Approach
Concentrates on the prevention of the underlying cause of disease through a balance between mind, body and lifestyle as opposed to symptoms.
Lower Treatment Costs
The cost of AYUSH treatments is usually less than a range of allopathic treatments, which means less money out-of-pocket.
Natural and Non-Invasive Therapies
Uses herbal drugs, natural preparations, and non-operative treatments with minimal side effects.
Support for Chronic and Lifestyle Diseases
Helps in the long-term treatment of conditions like arthritis, diabetes, stress disorders and digestive problems.
Increased Treatment Choice
Allows the policyholders the freedom of choice by having AYUSH treatment as an alternative to allopathy, where such a treatment is medically appropriate.
Government-Recognised Medical Systems
The Ministry of AYUSH supports the use of AYUSH treatments and is recognised by the health regulators in India.
Things to Check Before Buying AYUSH Treatment Coverage
Sum Insured and Sub-limits
Check:
- AYUSH treatment is subject to maximum coverage.
- Sharing of the sum insured with allopathy.
Network AYUSH Hospitals
Ensure that:
- Your city has AYUSH network hospitals
- Cashless treatment is available nearby
Policy Inclusions and Exclusions
Read the policy document carefully to understand:
- Covered treatments
- Excluded therapies
- Claim conditions
AYUSH Treatment vs Allopathy Coverage
Key Differences in Coverage and Claims
Aspect |
AYUSH Treatment |
Allopathy |
Treatment approach |
Holistic & traditional |
Modern medicine |
Coverage limits |
Often sub-limited |
Usually, the full sum insured |
Hospital requirement |
Recognised AYUSH hospitals |
Network hospitals |
When AYUSH Treatment May Be a Better Option
AYUSH treatment may be preferable for:
- Chronic illnesses
- Lifestyle disorders
- Patients seeking natural healing
Conclusion
Treatment coverage of AYUSH is also worth consideration, particularly among those who believe in traditional and alternative medicine. As regulatory support increases and the acceptance of AYUSH treatment grows, healthcare flexibility, affordability, and inclusivity improve with the AYUSH treatment in health insurance. Nevertheless, AYUSH treatment benefits should never be counted on by policyholders unless they verify coverage limits, eligibility of the hospital, and exclusions.
FAQs
What is AYUSH treatment?
AYUSH Treatment refers to Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy systems used for natural and holistic healthcare.
Is AYUSH treatment covered in all health insurance policies?
Not all, but most modern health insurance policies in India include AYUSH treatment coverage, subject to terms and limits.
Are AYUSH treatments cashless under health insurance?
Yes, cashless AYUSH treatment is available if taken at a network or recognised AYUSH hospital.
Is there a sub-limit for AYUSH treatment coverage?
Many policies apply sub-limits on AYUSH treatment, which may be a percentage of the sum insured or a fixed amount.
Can AYUSH and allopathic treatments be claimed together?
Yes, both can be claimed under the same policy, provided each treatment meets the policy conditions and coverage limits.
