Health Insurance for Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient practice for treating chronic diseases like back, neck, or knee pain. It was invented in China and then spread globally for its neutral benefits without medicines. 

Medical professionals may prescribe acupuncture to treat some symptoms without any medications. It can even prevent nausea related to chemotherapy or surgery.  However, very few health insurance covers acupuncture as a treatment. This article will discuss acupuncture therapy, its benefits, its coverage in health insurance policies, and the top acupuncture health insurance companies. 

Understanding Acupuncture Coverage in Health Insurance

There are very few companies that offer health insurance coverage. As an estimate, only one-third of health insurance companies offer this coverage; many companies include acupuncture as a wellness program in their plans. 

Generally, insurance pays for the first 12 sittings within 90 days of treatment; if any improvement shows, then they will pay for another 8 settings. If you want more sessions for acupuncture, you have to pay from your pocket.  

Benefits of Acupuncture Coverage

There are many benefits of acupuncture coverage in Health insurance, including-

• Reduce Treatment Cost: Acupuncture is beneficial for treating chronic diseases without medications. Acupuncture coverage helps to reduce the extra cost of medicine and offers some free sessions to understand the results. 
• Alternative Treatment Options: Acupuncture offers alternative treatment options, so acupuncture coverage is essential in healthcare. It introduces new therapies to treat chronic diseases and significantly relieve symptoms.

Eligibility Criteria

Health insurance acupuncture coverage does not apply to all. It has some criteria, which are:

• You have to prescribe this treatment from a doctor or licensed physician. 
• Chronic low back pain that lasts at least 12 weeks and that is not related to surgery or pregnancy. 
• Pain is non-specific with any identifiable cause like metastatic, inflammatory, infectious disease, etc.
• Acupuncture therapy must be done by a licensed acupuncturist. 

Who Should Find The Right Health Insurance Plan for Acupuncture?

People who have severe chronic pain that lasts at least for 3-6 months and doesn't cure with other medical treatments or physical therapy should go for the right insurance plan for acupuncture. Nausea due to chemotherapy or surgery can be released through acupuncture. People can also opt for the right health insurance plan for acupuncture to treat nausea. 

Top Health Insurance Companies Offering Plans for Acupuncture

1. Aditya Birla Health Insurance: Aditya Birla health insurance covers new and alternative diseases, including acupuncture. You can get coverage for acupuncture therapy and all AYUSH treatments from this company.
2. Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance: Bajaj Allianz health insurance company covers acupuncture therapy. They offer almost all the plans covering AYUSH treatment.
3. ACKO Health Insurance: ACKO offers reimbursement for in-patient AYUSH treatments. It provides quick settlements, and No paperwork is needed for treatments. You can also get acupuncture therapy under the AYUSH treatments.
4. Care Health Insurance: Care health insurance also covers the costs of AYUSH treatments. They introduce new coverings for alternative medicare, including acupuncture therapy. 

Best Health Insurance Plans for Acupuncture

FAQs-

Ques 1. Is acupuncture a covered benefit?

Ans. Acupuncture can get coverage for up to 12 sessions within 90 days for chronic low back pain. You can get an additional 8 sessions if you show improvement. If you get improvement but want to continue the treatment, you have to pay from your pocket.

Ques 2 Who Cannot receive acupuncture?

If you have a bleeding disorder like hemophilia or are taking any medicines like anticoagulants, consult your acupuncture practitioner before getting the treatment. It is also prohibited if you have allergies related to metals. 

Ques 3. What are the risks of acupuncture?

The most common risk factors of acupuncture are bleeding and soreness. You may also feel dizziness, fainting, nerve damage, local internal bleeding, hepatitis B, dermatitis, increased pain, etc.

Ques 4. Is monthly acupuncture worth it?

The acupuncturist controls acupuncture therapy. They may increase or decrease the frequency depending on the response. If your condition begins to improve, the rate of treatment is often reduced.