Yes, Star Health Insurance policies generally cover Ayurvedic treatment under the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) category, but with specific conditions. Star Health Insurance covers more than just doctor visits and surgeries. Many of its plans include coverage for alternative treatments. That includes Ayurveda.
If you’re wondering whether your Star Health policy covers Ayurvedic treatment—and under what terms—you’re not alone. Let’s break it down without the jargon.
What is Ayurvedic Treatment?
Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal system that originated in India, emphasizing the equilibrium of body, mind, and spirit through natural techniques. The term AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, all of which focus on naturally treating illnesses. Some commonly practiced Ayurvedic treatments involve:
- Herbal remedies
- Panchakarma, which comprises detoxification procedures
- Massage therapies utilizing medicated oils
- Dietary adjustments based on body types (doshas)
- Yoga and breathing exercises.
These treatments are applied to address various conditions, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, skin problems, and stress, among others.
Importance of AYUSH Treatment
Alternative medicines, such as Ayurveda and Homeopathy, have gained popularity recently due to the natural benefits they offer. Here are some key advantages of AYUSH treatments:
- Strong Belief in Traditional Medicine: Ancient methods and traditional medicines continue to hold significant importance in the belief system of many people in India. A large section of the population prefers traditional medicine for their everyday health needs.
- Affordability and Accessibility: AYUSH treatments are relatively cost-effective compared to Allopathy, making them easily accessible to people across urban, rural, and remote areas. In some rural regions, alternative treatments are the primary option available for healthcare.
- Safety and Minimal Side Effects: Concerns about potential side effects and harm associated with Allopathy are common. In contrast, traditional medicines are viewed as safer due to their natural properties.
- Preventive and Curative Benefits: AYUSH not only offers curative treatments tailored to individual needs but also provides preventive healthcare options. These treatments, though gradual, have shown to be effective in the long run.
- Effectiveness for Various Ailments: AYUSH therapies are favored for treating a range of conditions such as diabetes, kidney diseases, cardiac issues, among others, making it a preferred choice for many individuals seeking holistic healthcare solutions.
Benefits of AYUSH Treatments
Over time, AYUSH treatments have emerged as a comprehensive approach to healthcare that prioritizes natural healing and individual well-being. Particularly beneficial for the elderly, these treatments are considered among the top alternative healthcare methods.
In India, prevalent conditions like diabetes and hypertension can be effectively managed with AYUSH therapies. The increasing popularity of AYUSH treatments is attributed to their minimal side effects and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional medicine.
Why should I choose Health Insurance with AYUSH treatments Coverage?
AYUSH treatments are considered affordable by many and have gained popularity due to their effectiveness. Since 2014, AYUSH has been integrated into the central government, making it easier for Insurance companies to offer coverage for alternative medicine. There has been a noticeable shift towards non-conventional treatments such as Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha, with an increase in their acceptance.
Most Health Insurance companies now include Ayurvedic treatment in their Health Insurance policies. AYUSH Health Insurance plans cover expenses for alternative treatments conducted in government hospitals or healthcare institutions recognized by the Government of India, and approved by the Quality Council of India (QCI) and the National Accreditation Board of Health (NABH).
Star Health Insurance plans with AYUSH Treatment cover
Star Health Insurance provides the Arogya Sanjeevani Policy, administered by Star Health and Allied Insurance Co Ltd, catering to individuals who prefer alternative treatments and therapies.
The Arogya Sanjeevani Policy is an indemnity-based Health Insurance plan that offers coverage for in-patient hospitalisation expenses, daycare procedures, AYUSH treatments, and more on both individual and floater basis.
The family floater plan of the policy covers the individual, spouse, and dependent children aged between 3 months and 25 years. Additionally, this plan can also be purchased for parents and parents-in-law.
What is covered under Arogya Sanjeevani Policy?
The Arogya Sanjeevani Policy covers the following:
- In-patient hospitalization expenses
- Pre- and post-hospitalization expenses
- AYUSH treatments
- Daycare treatments
- Ambulance expenses
- ICU/ICCU expenses
- Modern treatments
- Cataract treatment
- Telemedicine Service – Talk to Star
What are the Exclusions under the Arogya Sanjeevani Policy?
The Arogya Sanjeevani Policy excludes the following:
- Expenses related to the treatment of pre-existing diseases before the completion of the Waiting Period
- Specific treatments, surgeries, and certain diseases until the waiting period of either 24 months or 36 months elapses
- Illness within the first 30 days of policy inception, except for accidental injuries
- Domiciliary Hospitalisation
- OPD treatments, etc.
Please note that the list provided is partial, and it is important to review all exclusions mentioned in the policy document for complete information.
Difference Between AYUSH and Allopathic Coverage
Here’s the simple breakdown:
| Feature | AYUSH Treatments | Allopathic Treatments |
| Based on | Traditional systems | Modern medicine |
| Hospital type | AYUSH-accredited only | Any recognized hospital |
| Coverage cap | Often limited | Usually full coverage |
| Pre-authorization | Usually required | Optional or automatic |
| Common exclusions | OPD, unregistered centers | Cosmetic, elective care |
AYUSH comes with more restrictions, but it’s still useful for people who prefer natural treatments.
How to Claim Ayurvedic Treatment Under Star Health
Follow these steps to improve your chances of approval:
- Check your policy document. Look for AYUSH coverage under “Inclusions.”
- Choose a registered AYUSH hospital. It must appear in the insurer’s network or meet accreditation rules.
- Get hospitalized. The treatment has to require inpatient care.
- Collect documents. You’ll need discharge summary, original bills, prescriptions, and proof of registration.
- Submit the claim. You can apply for reimbursement or pre-authorization, depending on your plan.
Tip: Call Star Health Insurance Agent 7347595768 for support before you start treatment. It helps avoid surprise rejections.
FAQ
Arogya Sanjeevani is a health insurance policy designed to provide coverage during hospitalization due to accidents or illnesses. This newly introduced policy comes with standard features and is mandated to be available from all health insurance providers in India starting from April 1, 2020.
The eligibility criteria is as follows for the Entry age of the Primary Insured:
- Adult
- Minimum Entry Age is 18 years
- Maximum Entry Age is 65 years
- Children
- Minimum Entry Age is 3 months
- Maximum Entry Age is 25 years
The Arogya Sanjeevani plan offers sum insured options ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakhs, with increments of ₹50,000.
The coverage is as follows:
- Pre Hospitalization expenses upto – 30 days
- Post Hospitalization expenses upto – 60 days
With the Arogya Sanjeevani policy, insured individuals receive a 5% bonus on the total sum insured for each claim-free year. This bonus can accumulate up to a maximum of 50% of the sum insured amount.
