WHAT ARE AYUSH TREATMENTS AND HOW DO THEY WORK

AYUSH treatments offer holistic healthcare by emphasizing ancient treatment methods. With IRDAI mandating AYUSH coverage in health insurance, individuals can access affordable, natural, and preventive care. This guide explains how AYUSH coverage enhances protection, supports chronic conditions, and expands treatment choices for overall well-being.

In ancient times, India’s healthcare was rooted in Ayurveda, Yoga, and many other natural methods of treatment. However, in today’s modern medical coverage, these methods have held a significant dedicated space. IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has made it compulsory for insurers to offer AYUSH coverage under health insurance policies to strengthen holistic healthcare access in India.

In this Quickinsure blogpost, you will understand how AYUSH healthcare insurance coverage can boost your overall healthcare protection and why including it in your health insurance plans can be beneficial for you.

What is AYUSH?

The term “AYUSH” stands for six traditional and complementary medicine systems, which include:

●        Ayurveda

●        Yoga & Naturopathy

●        Unani

●        Siddha

●        Homeopathy

These well-proven traditional healing systems mainly emphasize treating the root causes of health issues using natural therapies and holistic methods. In recent times, with the growing interest among individuals globally in preventive and side-effect-free treatments, AYUSH therapies have gained huge popularity.

Many insurance aggregators, like Quickinsure, have started providing AYUSH in health insurance plans in association with top health insurance providers, ensuring policyholders get comprehensive in-patient care through approved AYUSH hospitals and centers. 

Why Choose AYUSH Treatment Cover along with Health Insurance Plans?

If you add AYUSH health insurance coverage with your health insurance policy, it will offer you scopes for availing traditional treatments powered by modern medical infrastructure. Here are the reasons why you should consider AYUSH cover:

●        Paperless process: Seamless digital options for buying and renewing your policy.

●        Faster claims: Hassle-free and speedy claim settlement.

●        24x7 assistance: Dedicated customer assistance available anytime.

●        Instant policy issuance: Get your policy approved without delays.

●        Cashless AYUSH coverage: it also supports cashless family health insurance for AYUSH treatments at network hospitals.

Importance of AYUSH Treatment Coverage in Health Insurance

Here are the important points showcasing the value of holding AYUSH treatment coverage:

●        Holistic healing: Integrates herbal remedies, therapeutic practices, yoga, and nutrition for complete well-being.

●        Affordable care: AYUSH treatments typically cost less than conventional allopathic options.

●        Greater accessibility: Widely available in rural and remote regions where the availability of modern hospitals is limited.

●        Senior-friendly: Gentle and natural therapies make it ideal for older adults.

●        Chronic disease support: These health coverages are beneficial for managing conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and obesity.

●        Preventive and curative: Helps prevent illnesses and supports faster recovery after treatments.

●        Multiple treatment choices: Offers a range of systems from Ayurveda to Homeopathy based on individual needs.

●        Tax benefits: Premiums paid for AYUSH coverage are eligible for deductions under Section 80D.

Comprehensive Features and Benefits of AYUSH in Health Insurance

AYUSH treatment represents the wide acceptance of traditional medicine, offering policy holders a wider range of healthcare options. Below are some features that you should look into:

●        It covers in-patient hospitalization.

●        The treatments are available at AYUSH hospitals and daycare centers.

●        AYUSH treatment acts as a supplement to conventional care, providing patients with effective alternative treatments.

●        As these services are low-cost treatments, they reduce the risk of exhausting your insured sum.

●        Moreover, this coverage can be availed through cashless family health insurance.

How Does AYUSH Work?

With the rising interest of individuals across India in preventive care and alternative therapies, these medicinal systems are gaining re-established relevance. The Government of India has formed the Ministry of AYUSH, which formally regulates and promotes these treatment systems to support this growing demand. Let’s understand the structure of AYUSH and how it works:

Ayurveda

It is one of the world’s oldest healing systems, focusing on restoring balance among the body’s three doshas, including Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (earth). It incorporates:

●        Herbal medicines and therapeutic oils

●        Panchakarma detox and cleansing treatments

●        Personalized diet and lifestyle recommendations

Yoga & Naturopathy

Yoga emphasizes posture, breathwork, and meditation, while naturopathy supports the body’s natural healing using elements like water, air, earth, and sunlight.

●        Common therapies include hydrotherapy, mud therapy, detox diets, and therapeutic fasting.

●        Particularly beneficial for lifestyle issues such as obesity, anxiety, insomnia, and high blood pressure.

Unani

Unani medicine, rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, emphasizes balancing the body’s four humors, including blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile.

●        Treatments typically involve herbal formulations, cupping therapy, massage, and controlled diet plans.

●        Commonly recommended for skin disorders, digestive problems, and hormonal imbalances.

Siddha

Siddha, one of the oldest holistic healing traditions, originated in Tamil Nadu and emphasizes restoring harmony within the body.

●        Uses a combination of herbal preparations, minerals, metals, diet, and yoga.

●        Widely practiced in South India for managing arthritis, respiratory conditions, and long-term pain.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy, practiced worldwide, follows the principle of “like cures like,” using highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanism.

●        Commonly used for conditions such as allergies, migraines, hormonal imbalances, and pediatric ailments.

●        It is a highly personalized treatment alternative, which means two individuals with the same illness may be prescribed entirely different remedies.

Which Type of Medicine Is Better: AYUSH or Modern Medicine? 

Aspect	AYUSH System of Medicine	Modern Medicine
Natural vs chemical-based	It mainly uses plant- or natural-based products, and in some cases, minerals and metals.	It uses synthetic chemical-based pharmaceutical drugs.
Treatment motive	Aims to address the root cause of disease by restoring balance to the whole body.	Often focuses on treating and suppressing the specific symptoms and signs of a disease.
Type of approach	Follows a holistic approach, considering mind, body, spirit, and lifestyle.	Generally condition-specific, with an emphasis on specialized fields and targeted interventions.
Benefits	Focuses on long-term health and prevention, with treatments that may take longer to show effects.	Excels in providing quick relief and immediate interventions, especially for acute and emergency conditions.
Impacts	Generally associated with minimal side effects when used correctly	Possible side effects are common, especially with long-term use.

 

What to Look Into While Choosing the AYUSH Treatment Coverage?

●        Always review your policy’s AYUSH coverage details, including what’s included and excluded.

●        Ensure that the network hospital list for AYUSH treatments supports cashless claims under your family health insurance plan.

●        Always ensure your insurance provider must cover AYUSH treatment expenses up to the policy’s sum insured limit.

The Bottom Line

AYUSH health insurance provides a balanced and holistic approach to healthcare, providing affordable, easily accessible treatment options. It is particularly effective for managing chronic conditions and lifestyle-related health issues. One can offer well-rounded protection to yourself and your families by opting for a health insurance policy that includes AYUSH benefits.

Looking to grab preventive and personalized healthcare? Explore comprehensive health insurance plans with Quickinsure that cover AYUSH treatments and choose the one that suits your wellness goals.

FAQs:

1. What is AYUSH treatment in health insurance?

AYUSH treatment refers to coverage for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy therapies under health insurance.

2. Does AYUSH coverage include cashless treatment?

Yes, AYUSH treatments can be availed cashless at approved network hospitals and AYUSH centers.

3. Is AYUSH treatment cost-effective?

Yes, AYUSH therapies are generally more affordable than modern allopathic treatments.

4. Are AYUSH treatments suitable for chronic illnesses?

Yes, AYUSH systems effectively support long-term management of conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and obesity.

5. Can I claim tax benefits for AYUSH coverage?

Yes, premiums paid for AYUSH-inclusive health insurance plans qualify for tax deductions under Section 80D.