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India is known for its rich culture, traditions and ancient healing practices. Practices like Ayurveda and Yoga, classified under AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga , Unani, and Homeopathy) have been a part of our daily lives since time immemorial. However, these healing practices are not a part of modern medicine and are considered Alternate Treatments. Not just in India, with growing interest in holistic and natural solutions to health issues, alternative healing practices are gaining popularity worldwide.
Realising the potential of natural treatments, India has formalised alternate treatments under the AYUSH (Ayurveda Yoga Unani Siddha Homeopathy) ministry. To promote these treatments, IRDAI issued guidelines in 2013 for health insurance companies to provide coverage for AYUSH treatments.
Today, through this article, we shall educate you about Alternative treatments and how you can utilise them under your Care Supreme Health Insurance plan. First, let’s start with the definition of Alternate treatments.
What is an Alternate Treatment?
Any treatment or in-patient hospitalisation under the traditional Indian system of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (jointly called AYUSH) represent the Alternate Treatments, also known as AYUSH Treatments. These treatments have been proven effective in curing many medical conditions without any harmful side effects. These treatments support allopathic treatments in the following ways.
- It focuses on eliminating the disease's root cause and improving the patient's overall well-being using traditional medicines.
- It helps prevent imbalances, detoxifies the body and builds immunity.
- Bridges any gaps in the conventional treatments.
Benefits of Alternate Treatments
People have started recognising alternate treatments because of the multiple benefits they foster:
- No Side effects: These treatments are highly safe and have no side effects because most medicines are made naturally without harmful chemicals.
- Non-invasive: These treatments are non-invasive and cost-effective. Any minor health issue can be treated without any surgery using AYUSH treatments.
- Easily Available: These treatments are available even in the remotest areas as these are a part of our culture. Hence, everyone has easy access to the AYUSH treatments.
- Suitable for High-risk Patients: These treatments help treat high-risk patients such as senior citizens and young kids who cannot undergo complicated modern treatments. The medicines used are mild and natural, therefore safer for high-risk patients.
- Cure Lifestyle Diseases: If followed properly, AYUSH treatments can cure lifestyle diseases. These treatments aim to build immunity and help prevent many diseases.
- Cure Critical Illnesses: These treatments have proven effective in curing critical illnesses like cancer along with conventional treatments.
Conditions to Claim AYUSH Coverage in Health Insurance Plans
You must meet certain conditions to claim alternate treatments in a health insurance plan.
- Coverage is available for medically necessary treatment only, which a certified AYUSH practitioner advises.
- Coverage is available only if the treatment is taken at a government-recognised AYUSH hospital or daycare centre.
- Coverage is available only when there is a minimum 24-hour inpatient hospitalisation for taking AYUSH treatment.
- Coverage is available if the treatment is fairly priced and the costs are not inflated.
AYUSH Coverage in Care Supreme Health Insurance Plan
Care Supreme health insurance plan is a comprehensive health insurance plan offered by Care Health Insurance which provides coverage for AYUSH treatments. Treatments related to the disciplines of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy are covered under the plan. The following table explains the details of the plan.
| Sum Insured | 7 L, 10 L, 15 L, 25 L, 50 L and 1 Cr |
| Entry Age |
Adult - 18 years to 99 years Child - 90 days to 24 years |
| Renewability | Lifelong |
| Coverage Type |
Individual – Up to 6 individuals Floater - 2 Adults 2 Children |
| Tenure | 1 year, 2 years and 3 years |
| Alternate Treatment Coverage | Up to Sum Insured |
Inclusions of AYUSH Coverage in Care Supreme Health Insurance Plan
Inclusions of AYUSH coverage under the Care Supreme plan are
- Inpatient care expenses for AYUSH treatments are covered up to the sum insured.
- Any medically necessary treatment prescribed by a licensed AYUSH practitioner, taken at a recognised AYUSH hospital, is covered.
- Treatments taken under Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy disciplines are covered.
Exclusions of AYUSH Coverage in Care Supreme Health Insurance Plan
There are certain exclusions for which AYUSH coverage is not available under the Care Supreme plan.
- Daycare AYUSH treatments
- OPD treatments
- Treatments availed at an unrecognised AYUSH facility
- Treatments done by an uncertified practitioner
- Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses
- Rejuvenation treatments
- Medically unnecessary treatments
Claim Process for AYUSH Treatment under Care Supreme Plan
A policyholder can file a cashless or reimbursement claim for AYUSH treatment under the Care Supreme plan. You should inform the insurer before hospitalisation per the specified timelines for planned hospitalisation. In case of emergency hospitalisation, you must inform the insurer within the time specified by the insurance company after hospitalisation. Mentioned below is the process to claim for Alternate treatment in the Care Supreme health insurance plan:
Cashless Claim
You may reach out to the TPA desk of the AYUSH Certified network hospital where the patient is being treated. The third-party administrator may ask you for your policy details. Once you provide them with the policy number and other asked details, the hospital may connect with your insurer and directly settle the cost at the time of patient discharge.
Reimbursement Claim
If the patient is admitted to a non-network hospital, he/she can file for reimbursement after the discharge within the period specified by the insurer. A duly filled claim form with all the required documents must be submitted to the insurer to file a claim. Once approved, the claim amount is reimbursed into the insured's bank account.
Concluding Lines
As the popularity of alternate treatments grows and more people switch to these cost-effective and safer treatments, there is also an increase in the coverage options available. Care health insurance provides full coverage for AYUSH treatments through its Care Supreme plan. Check the health insurance benefits the plan offers and the list of network hospitals that cover AYUSH treatments to get the best AYUSH coverage.
>> Also Read: AYUSH Benefits with Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
