Ayurveda has been an integral part of India’s healthcare system for centuries. With the rising preference for natural and alternative treatments, many individuals now seek health insurance policies that cover Ayurvedic treatments.
Coverage for such treatments depends on the specific terms and conditions outlined in your health insurance plan. It is important to review these details carefully to understand the extent of protection offered.
Ayurvedic treatment is a traditional healing system that uses natural methods. It includes herbal medicines, massage therapies, dietary advice, and yoga practices. These aim to treat your body, mind, and soul together.
Ayurveda focuses more on root causes rather than just symptoms. Treatments are usually slow but aim to give long-term relief.
Some health insurance plans in India cover Ayurvedic treatments under a provision called AYUSH benefits. AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. It refers to traditional and alternative systems of medicine that are officially recognised and promoted by the Government of India.
Under AYUSH coverage, insurers may reimburse expenses for treatments taken at government-approved hospitals or AYUSH-recognised centres. However, not all health insurance policies offer AYUSH benefits by default. In some cases, it may be an optional cover that you must select separately.
It is important to check your policy documents carefully to understand whether AYUSH treatments are covered, the approved treatment centres, and any limits on claims.
Most insurance companies have certain rules before they pay for Ayurvedic treatments:
Treatment must be taken at a hospital recognised by the government or accredited by NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals)
You must be admitted to the hospital for at least 24 hours for the claim to be valid
Some insurers may offer cover only if the treatment is advised by a registered medical practitioner
Always read the terms before starting the treatment to avoid claim rejection.
Generally, the following costs are covered if you have Ayurvedic insurance:
Hospital room charges
Doctor consultation fees
Ayurvedic medicines prescribed by the doctor
Treatment procedures like Panchakarma, massages, or detox therapies, if medically needed
Note: Remember, expenses for wellness therapies or general rejuvenation are usually not covered.
You must also know the limits. Health insurance covering ayurvedic treatment usually exclude the following:
Spa treatments or massages taken for relaxation only
Dietary supplements not prescribed by a doctor
Home-based treatments without hospitalisation
Treatments at non-recognised centres
Here are a few important things you should always check before buying a policy that covers Ayurvedic treatments:
Confirm which hospitals are accepted under the policy.
Many policies have a cap on AYUSH claims. It could be ₹20,000, ₹50,000, or a percentage of your sum insured.
Some plans have a waiting period before you can claim AYUSH benefits.
Cashless claims may not be available for Ayurvedic treatments everywhere.
If you prefer natural healing methods or are planning future treatments in Ayurveda, it is wise to choose a plan with AYUSH cover. It gives you more treatment options if you ever fall sick. You also get a chance to combine modern and traditional healing if needed.
However, if you hardly ever use Ayurveda, it may not be a priority for you. Choose based on what fits your lifestyle and health goals best.
Health insurance in India is slowly becoming more inclusive of Ayurvedic treatments through AYUSH benefits. However, every policy has different terms. You must check the policy details, understand the hospital requirements, and be clear about the coverage limits.
By doing this, you can make the best use of your insurance while keeping your treatment options open. If you prefer Ayurveda, it makes sense to choose a policy that supports it. Always read the fine print carefully before deciding.
Yes, many health insurance policies in India offer cover for Ayurvedic treatments under AYUSH benefits. However, it depends on your policy. You must check whether your plan includes AYUSH cover. You should also confirm if there are any conditions, such as treatment at approved hospitals or a minimum hospital stay.
To claim Ayurvedic treatment, you must first get admitted to a recognised hospital for at least 24 hours. After discharge, submit your hospital bills, doctor's prescriptions, and other necessary documents to your insurer. If your insurer allows cashless claims for AYUSH treatments, you may not need to pay first.
The cost of Ayurvedic treatment depends on the type of illness, hospital, and duration of treatment. Some basic treatments are affordable, while specialised therapies like Panchakarma may cost more. Having AYUSH cover in your insurance plan can help you manage these expenses better.
You can get AYUSH cover if your health insurance policy includes it. Usually, anyone who buys a plan that offers AYUSH benefits can use it. However, you must take treatment at an approved hospital and follow the claim conditions set by the insurer.
Patanjali treatments can be covered if taken at a government-recognised or NABH-accredited centre. You must check with your insurer whether they accept claims from that specific centre. Always confirm with the hospital and your insurer before starting treatment.