Most insurance companies have been asked, although not mandated by the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to cover Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) treatment in their health policies.
While the demand for health insurance cover for AYUSH has increased, there are relatively few hospitals that cater to these. This is proving to be a major deterrent for the success of the AYUSH health insurance.
The pattern of treatment under AYUSH differs widely from allopathy and this is considered to be the major cause of confusion amongst patients as to whether or not hospitalisation is needed for reimbursement under the cover. This also creates difficulties for the insured to ask for claim under such treatment procedures.
In general, the in-patient hospitalisation expenses are covered under the AYUSH health policy. Given that allopathy is still the preferred form of treatment, most people do not opt for AYUSH cover. Moreover, most companies charge 10% higher premium for AYUSH as compared to normal health policy. However, in the ICICI Lombard Health Insurance policy, AYUSH is a part of the cover with no additional charges.