Expanding mediclaim is healthy decision

A new and more forward-looking phase is beginning in the field of medical insurance with the offer by some companies to include ayurveda, unani, homoeopathy and naturopathy in their coverage of patients. This departure from the customary focus only on allopathy as the form of treatment for which medical cover can be given is a welcome development. This is an acknowledgement of the fact that more and more people worldwide are turning to the traditional and non-invasive forms of healthcare.

One reason why patients rely on them is to escape from the side-effects of allopathy as a result of powerful drugs, which can have a debilitating impact, as well as surgical procedures, which are dicey in the case of the elderly. Yet, such patients were denied the facility of insurance protection apparently because of an ingrained bias against traditional medicine, which were not considered ‘advanced’ or scientific enough. Now that the coverage is being extended to policy-holders under the umbrella of complementary and alternative medicines, there will be satisfaction for those who depend on traditional treatment.

Considering the name which India has earned for the so-called medical tourism, it is possible that in addition to those coming here for allopathic treatment and surgery, there will also be others who will be attracted by the availability of other, no less effective forms of treatment. Since ayurveda is the most preferred form among the alternative systems, hospitalisation will also be covered under the mediclaim projects for those opting for it. Apart from group policies, individuals will also be covered. The arrival of insurance for these systems will also mean that their medicines will become more standardised.