Should homeopathic and alternative medical treatments be covered by health insurance_

Meta description: Health insurances have become an important part of our functioning. But sadly, homoeopathic and alternative medicines are not covered through it.

Should homoeopathic and alternative medical treatments be covered by health insurance?

Treatments and cures like Homoeopathy, Ayurveda, chiropractic care, Unani, and naturopathy are some established therapies outside the domain of allopathy. These healthcare options are known as alternative medicines.

The drug controlling bodies in different countries and the organisations that oversee the formulation of medical laws do not recognise alternative medicines as an option for treating ailments. So, most insurance companies across the world do not support these medicines. As a result of this bias, a vast section of the population either have to forgo their preferred choice of medicine or have to fund their own treatment. Their inclusion in health coverage will make alternative therapies available to those who have faith in remedies outside the conventional line of treatment.

Benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to healing

Alternative and complementary medicines can be beneficial to people suffering from different ailments.

Curing the root cause of illness: Alternative medicines can be used as complementary means of alleviating pain and offering relief. They focus on the cause of an ailment and remedy it instead of offering symptomatic treatment.
One size doesn’t fit all: Alternative medicines believe symptoms are unique to an individual. Two patients having similar conditions will be treated differently. As a result, a patient gets personalised healthcare.
Cost-effective treatment: Most alternative medicines are cost-effective. People who cannot afford expensive allopathy medicines can benefit from such therapies.
Easy availability of medicines: Unlike allopathy, most alternative medicines are non-prescription drugs. The good part is that you can find many of them over the counter. Several herbs used in Ayurveda are readily available at home.

Drawbacks of alternative medicine

Alternative medicines have some inherent drawbacks that make them a pariah to the health industry. Here are some problems inherent to them.

Most alternative medicines are not backed by scientific research and evidence.
In the absence of controlled studies and evidence-backed results, there is no regulatory body to guide the use of these medicines.
Allopathy offers quick-fix remedies. Alternative medicines take a long time in treating an ailment.
Alternative medicines do not come in handy in emergency cases. Allopathy, with its surgical solutions, races past them.

Conclusion

Not all insurance companies provide cover to patients seeking treatment with alternative medicines. In India, which is a proponent of Vedic Ayurveda, the story is the same as that of other countries. Health insurance should cover alternative medicines. They promote inclusiveness in healthcare and also offer choices to those seeking therapy. An inclusive approach can offer holistic healthcare for people seeking medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are alternative medicines?

Alternative medicines are therapies that fall outside the ambit of allopathy medicines and prescription drugs.

Are alternative and complementary medicines the same?

Alternative medicines and complementary medicines are lines of treatment that a subject chooses over or alongside allopathic treatment, respectively.

Do we need a prescription for alternative medicines?

Unlike allopathy, alternative medicines are not mandated to follow a prescription model. Physicians do prescribe medicines in Homoeopathy and Ayurveda, but it is not regulated.