What Ayurvedic Care Costs and Whether Insurance Covers It

What the US sources say

NCCIH says people are often willing to pay out of pocket, not through insurance, for certain complementary health approaches. [1] It reports that, based on a 2012 national survey, Americans aged 4 and older spent an estimated $30.2 billion per year out of pocket on such approaches. [2] That figure covers all complementary approaches, is old, and is not specific to Ayurveda, so do not use it to predict your costs.

What to ask before you book

• What is the fee for the first visit and for follow-ups?
• How many visits are expected, and what is the plan if you stop?
• Are products, herbs, tests or treatments billed separately? Ask for a written list.
• Is there a package or prepayment? Be careful with large prepaid programs.
• Will they provide receipts that your insurer or tax adviser can use?

Questions for your insurer or plan

Coverage depends on your plan and place. Ask:

1. Does the plan cover visits to this type of practitioner, and does the person need a specific license?
2. Are herbal products or supplements excluded?
3. Is a doctor's referral needed?
4. Is there any reimbursement for treatment abroad? (Often not; ask.)

The practitioner's title matters here. NCCIH explains that licenses and certificates differ, [3] and no US state requires an Ayurvedic practitioner to have a license, so a license may depend on a separate profession. [4]

Other places

We did not read an official source on Ayurveda coverage in India, the UK or Australia, so we make no statement. Insurers' own policy documents are the best source.

Related

See the practitioner checklist, telehealth and online consultations and retreats and travel for treatment.