Updated on - 12 Jun 2026
India's medical system has always had alternative therapies, like traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It offers options other than regular allopathic medicine, with many health insurance plans now covering AYUSH treatments. This is because more people are using them, and the government is supporting them. It is now easier to get these therapies and manage medical costs. Here's what you need to know about your health insurance and alternative healthcare treatments.
What is Alternative Healthcare Treatment?
Treatments like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, homoeopathy, and naturopathy are alternative healthcare treatments. In our country, such traditional and alternative medicines are preferred by many over conventional western medicine because they are safer, deal with the disease at its root cause and don't have any harmful side effects.
What Is the Scope of Coverage of AYUSH Treatments?
Want to know about alternative healthcare treatments covered by health insurance? While there are a few insurance companies that cover alternative healthcare treatments, they usually do so in group health insurance and on request. However, with the growing popularity of alternate medicines, there are quite a few insurance companies out there that are offering cover for alternate healthcare treatments under their standard health care plans.
You should make sure to check that the medical insurance plan you’re choosing covers non-allopathic treatments and to what extent. Read all the conditions thoroughly and understand what they imply.
IRDAI Guidelines on AYUSH Coverage
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) introduced guidelines in 2013 encouraging insurers to include coverage for AYUSH treatments (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy). Over time, this has evolved from a recommendation into a more widely adopted practice, with many insurers now offering AYUSH coverage under their health plans, subject to specific terms and conditions. This means now there are alternative treatments covered by insurance.
What Conditions are Applied for Coverage of AYUSH Treatments?
The companies that do cover alternate healthcare treatments do so only when the treatment is undertaken in a government hospital or in any institute recognised by the government and/or accredited by the Quality Council of India/National Accreditation Board on Health.
Expenses of hospitalisation for evaluation or investigation are not covered. Only the expenses incurred for the actual treatment are covered. If the treatment is taken at a healthcare facility that is not a hospital, the expenses will not be reimbursed.
What Are the Key Things to Check Before Buying a Policy with AYUSH Cover?
Before choosing AYUSH coverage, review the list of approved treatments, hospital network, and eligibility requirements. Make sure the policy makes it clear what alternative treatments are covered by health insurance, particularly if you're thinking about buying coverage for senior citizens.
Conclusion
Allopathy isn’t always the answer, and you should have the option of trying alternative healthcare treatments to see what best suits your needs. Instead, you can choose a health insurance plan like senior citizen health insurance that gives you such an option and doesn’t restrict your well-being.
FAQs
1. Are alternative healthcare treatments covered by health insurance?
These days, a lot of insurance companies cover AYUSH therapies. However, certain conditions, restrictions, and other requirements apply to this coverage.
2. Do AYUSH treatments require hospitalisation for coverage?
Generally speaking, coverage is only offered when the course of treatment necessitates hospitalisation in an approved or accredited AYUSH centre.
3. How can I check if my policy includes AYUSH coverage?
Before buying or renewing your plan, thoroughly review your policy documentation, paying particular attention to the list of approved therapies and facilities, as well as the inclusions and restrictions.
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