IRDAI – Health Insurance Policies – Guidelines Circular Coverage for AYUSH on par with Allopathy & other treatments – Guidelines & Advisory Circular dated 31.1.2024 for Insurers.
AYUSH treatment has increased manifold and has become established branch of medicine. Considering the growing demand for AYUSH treatment, it is found appropriate to consider the said treatment on par with other treatments.
The Insurers are, therefore, advised to comply with the guidelines as mentioned in the Circular.
In the Judgment dated 21.11.2023 in W.P.(MD) Nos.18130 and 18131 of 2021 of K. Krishna & M.C.Uma Maheswari Vs. The Managing Director, M/s. Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd and others, the High Court held that the cap on the treatment in AYUSH Hospital as compared to full reimbursement for Allopathy Treatment is unreasonable.
The High Court directed IRDAI to take into consideration the fact that patients can choose the type of required treatment and they have an option to opt for allopathy or traditional medicines of AYUSH. The expenses must be placed on equal scales. It will be discriminatory to give preference to allopathy against AYUSH treatment.
