What is AYUSH Cover in Health Insurance Policy, Its Benefits & Coverages in 2025
In today’s world, where wellness and natural healing are gaining attention, the inclusion of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) in health insurance has become a game-changer.
Recognizing their growing popularity, many insurance providers now offer Ayush cover in health insurance, making it easier for individuals to access these safe and effective treatments without financial strain.
With AYUSH coverage in your health insurance, you’re not just protecting your health but embracing the power of natural healing. 😇
What is AYUSH Benefit in Health Insurance?
AYUSH is also known as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy systems of healthcare. While AYUSH treatments are essentially based on the notion of natural ailments, they do include drug therapies to cure specific diseases and maintain overall health.
However, these drugs are usually comprised of natural ingredients, making them easier for the body to absorb and benefit from, with minimal side effects.
Post the modification in IRDAI rules, many health insurance companies now cover for AYUSH treatments, especially for insured family members who are 60 and above.
Importance of AYUSH Cover in Health Insurance
In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift from conventional medicines to alternate treatments like Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Yoga. To support this trend, health insurers like us have started offering ayurvedic treatment covers as part of their health insurance policy.
So, if you believe in the power of alternative treatments, here’s everything you need to know about AYUSH cover in health insurance:
AYUSH treatments combine herbal remedies, massages, and dietary and lifestyle modifications to promote holistic wellness. This method effectively treats chronic lifestyle diseases.
Compared to allopathic hospitalization and the cost of ayurveda, homoeopathic, or unani treatment is substantially lower. Therefore, obtaining AYUSH coverage lowers your overall medical costs.
Rather than using potent allopathic medications, AYUSH therapies use gentle medications and techniques that are ideal for the elderly.
AYUSH practices such as yoga, meditation, and panchakarma can be used to cure lifestyle conditions like obesity, diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, etc.
You are covered for Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani, and Siddha, and you have the freedom to select the treatment that best suits your needs.
AYUSH treatments can help treat illnesses early on and prevent them from getting worse. They can also help patients recover after hospitalization.
What is Covered Under AYUSH Benefit in Health Insurance?
The AYUSH treatment cover allows you to submit a claim for the following costs:
- AYUSH treatment at government hospitals approved by the Quality Council of India (QCI) or the National Accreditation Board of Health (NABH).
- Costs associated with receiving inpatient care at facilities accredited by NABH and QCI that provide therapies such as Homoeopathy, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Ayurveda.
- Costs associated with the medical care received in AYUSH daycare facilities (registered with the local authorities).
What is Not Covered Under AYUSH Benefit in Health Insurance?
The AYUSH treatment cover allows you to submit a claim for the following costs:
- Any hospitalization taken for less than 24 hours is not covered.
- Pre and post-hospitalization expenses, daycare procedures and treatment, and outpatient medical expenses under alternative treatment are not covered.
- All Preventive and Rejuvenation Treatments and treatments that are not Medically Necessary are not covered.
Significance of AYUSH in Healthcare Services in India
With the objective of bringing more light to AYUSH-related treatments, the government of India formed the Ministry for AYUSH in 2014 and consequently brought in the National Board for Hospitals (NABH) to start implementing quality healthcare standards for hospitals providing AYUSH treatments as well.
Today, more than 50 hospitals across India are accredited to provide reliable and authentic AYUSH-related treatments.
Some of the significance of AYUSH in healthcare services in India includes
- AYUSH is deeply rooted in Indian culture and traditions, with practices like Ayurveda and Yoga that have been followed for thousands of years.
- It focuses on the prevention of diseases through lifestyle modification, diet and natural therapy.
- In recent years, Yoga has gained worldwide popularity and is practised by a large population.
- It emphasizes the use of natural resources & eco-friendly practices, focusing more on sustainability.
- Dedicated AYUSH hospital dispensaries and research centres are being established across the country.
Who Can Avail AYUSH Coverage in Health Insurance?
There are no particular requirements to be eligible for AYUSH coverage health insurance. AYUSH insurance is available to anyone who can purchase a standard medical insurance plan.
However, it is highly recommended that people aged 60 and above must have AYUSH cover. You can include them in your plan or buy a separate Senior Citizen Health Insurance plan for them. While anyone can opt for AYUSH coverage under their health insurance, the age criteria differ across different insurers.
#Remember, reviewing the policy documents is crucial to comprehend the breadth and depth of the coverage provided for AYUSH therapies.
Reasons to Choose Health Insurance with AYUSH Benefit
It has a more holistic approach to healthcare, addressing gaps in medical services and providing complete health protection and well-being.
It is one of the best alternative treatments available for elderly people.
Lifestyle issues such as Tobacco Addiction and Drug Abuse can be dealt with effectively with some specific AYUSH treatments.
Lifestyle diseases have been on the rise in India. However, many of them, like Diabetes and Hypertension, can also be tackled with the use of alternate treatments present within the AYUSH system.
Overall, AYUSH treatments are said to have fewer side effects and are also much more cost-effective than modern medicine.
Things to Remember for Choosing a Health Insurance Policy with AYUSH Cover
AYUSH treatments are gaining popularity due to their holistic and natural approach to health. With this, more and more people are considering having AYUSH covered in their health insurance policy.
If you're considering for AYUSH coverage in your health insurance, here are some key points to keep in mind:
Understand the extent of coverage for AYUSH treatments. Some policies have specific sub-limits or caps for alternative therapies. Read thoroughly to know if there are any exceptions or exclusions mentioned in the coverage.
Verify if the insurance provider has tie-ups with AYUSH-recognized hospitals or practitioners for cashless treatment options. This will help you undergo any treatment without worrying about the finances.
Carefully review the policy to understand what treatments are included. Some policies may exclude specific therapies or limit coverage to certain illnesses, such as some insurance policies do not provide OPD treatment coverage.
Assess the cost of premiums for AYUSH-inclusive plans. While these might be slightly higher, the benefits often outweigh the costs. Consider choosing a plan that is under your budget.
Look for comprehensive health insurance plans that integrate AYUSH with allopathic treatments for maximum flexibility and benefits.
How Can I Buy Health Insurance with AYUSH Benefit?
If you currently have health insurance, speak with your provider or read your policy document to see if there are any add-ons available that you can add to your health policy in a new policy year. However, if your insurance does not include add-ons or riders, you can purchase a new health insurance plan with AYUSH coverage. At Digit, we have already included AYUSH coverage in our health insurance policy. 🙂
Step 1
Enter your PIN Code and Mobile Number on the Digit app or website for health insurance, and click ‘View Prices’.
Step 2
Select family members to insure, add the age of the eldest member, and click ‘Continue' to choose your Sum Insured, Plan, and Add-ons.
Step 3
The AYUSH hospitalisation coverage is already included in Digit’s health insurance plan.
Step 4
Next, enter the details of each family member, including their age, height, weight, and other information.
Step 5
Click on ‘Pay Now' to complete the payment and mandatory KYC verification process.
Step 6
You’re done! The policy document will be sent to you via email, SMS, and WhatsApp. You can also access it 24/7 on the Digit App.
AYUSH cover in health insurance bridges the gap between traditional healing and modern financial protection, making holistic healthcare more accessible and affordable. As more people recognize the value of Ayush treatments, this coverage ensures you can choose natural and effective solutions for your well-being without compromising on financial security.
By including Ayurveda, Yoga, and other natural therapies in your policy, you can embrace a wellness approach that focuses on prevention and long-term health.
FAQs about AYUSH Benefit in Health Insurance
Does Health Insurance cover homoeopathic medicine?
Yes, under the alternate treatment insurance, homoeopathy is also covered. However, insurance companies do not cover the small expenses of homoeopathic medicines because they tend to pay for prescription drugs only. It will be paid if the patient has been hospitalized for more than 24 hours.
Is naturopathy covered by Health Insurance?
Yes, health insurance also covers naturopathy if the treatments are undertaken in a hospital.
Who is eligible to benefit from AYUSH?
Anyone can choose to use AYUSH benefits, but in order to do so, they must speak with their insurance company and request that it be integrated into their current health insurance plan. In addition, AYUSH treatment is covered by senior citizen plans that can be purchased.
Can AYUSH benefits be obtained through cashless claims?
Yes, AYUSH benefits can be obtained through cashless claims. If the hospital where you are receiving treatment under AYUSH is listed as one of your insurance provider's network hospitals, you can choose a cashless facility.
What are AYUSH hospitals?
The government has authorized AYUSH hospitals to treat patients using complementary and alternative medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
If I'm under 60, can I choose to have AYUSH treatment coverage?
Yes, if you are under 60, you can choose to have an AYUSH policy. However, since qualifying requirements can vary among insurance companies, make sure to review the terms and conditions of the health insurance plan.
What are the reasons for choosing AYUSH treatment?
Some reasons to choose AYUSH treatment include:
- It is highly effective for patients.
- Compared to allopathy, AYUSH treatment is relatively less expensive.
- The hospital may provide AYUSH treatment exclusively in specific areas.
- It is best suited for senior citizens and must be included in their health insurance policy.
- When compared to allopathy therapies, it is reported to have less negative effects.
- It can treat lifestyle disorders like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Can I receive AYSUH care at any of the hospitals in Digit’s network?
You can look through our list of network hospitals that offer AYUSH treatment. Some facilities also offer cashless claims for AYUSH treatments.
Does AYUSH provide coverage for homoeopathic medicine?
Yes, coverage includes homeopathic treatment. Please review the policy's terms and conditions to learn about the inclusions and exclusions.
Do I have to buy a health insurance policy separately from AYUSH coverage at Digit?
No, all of our health insurance policies at Digit include AYUSH coverage.
What types of treatments are covered under AYUSH benefits?
AYUSH benefits cover treatments under Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. These treatments include therapies, medications, and procedures specific to each system.
Are there any exclusions in AYUSH coverage?
Exclusions may vary by insurer, but common exclusions include treatments not recognized by the government, treatments at unaccredited institutions, and non-hospitalization expenses. Always review your policy's terms and conditions for specific exclusions.
How do AYUSH treatments compare to allopathic treatments?
AYUSH treatments are often considered complementary to allopathic treatments. They focus on holistic healing and use natural ingredients, which can be beneficial for managing chronic conditions and reducing side effects.
What are the cost benefits of AYUSH treatments?
AYUSH treatments are generally more affordable than allopathic treatments due to lower licensing and patenting costs. This makes them a cost-effective option for managing health conditions.
Are there any sub-limits for AYUSH treatments in health insurance plans?
Some health insurance plans may have sub-limits for AYUSH treatments, which cap the maximum amount payable for these treatments. It's important to review your policy to understand any sub-limits that may apply.