Health Insurance for AYUSH OPD: Limited Coverage, Key Exceptions

• Health insurance generally covers AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) treatments, but primarily for in-patient hospitalization.
• IRDAI mandates AYUSH coverage for hospitalization in government-recognized or accredited hospitals.
• OPD consultations for alternative treatments like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, or Acupuncture are typically not covered by most policies.
• Coverage for AYUSH hospitalization often has expense limits and depends on treatment type, medical necessity, and hospital eligibility.
• Some insurers, like Aditya Birla Health Insurance, are beginning to offer limited AYUSH OPD coverage, but it's not widespread.

Why It Matters: AYUSH treatments are covered by health insurance mainly for hospitalization, with limited OPD options.