Mangalore, 05.07.2013
(English Translation of a report published in Vijaya
Karnataka, Kannada Daily dated 5th July 2013 on successful payment
of mediclaim insurance for Ayurveda treatment, after the intervention of
Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum)
Ayurveda, the
medical system which has traditionally developed in India, is getting
popularized more in recent days, even in abroad. Unnatural life styles are
causes of diseases. To be able to live disease free, natural life style and
food habits according to seasons are essential. Ayurveda has been treating
based on such basic principles. The diseases are cured using the medicines
prepared out of medicinal herbs. But, an insurance company has been arguing for
not to provide insurance for the treatments carried out in Ayurveda. The clear
argument was that insurance is only possible if treatment was done in Allopathy
and not in Ayurveda. Vidyashri, a resident of Putturu Perlambadi (Dakshina
Kannada District) had complained against the insurance company questioning this
in Dakshina Kannada Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum.
Vidyashri including
her family had done a health insurance policy of about Rs. 2 lakhs in Ipco Tokio.
This institute had arranged to provide insurance service through Raksha TPA
Pvt.Ltd. Vidyashri when got ill, took treatment at Udupi Ayurveda Hospital.
After she completely recovered and discharged from the hospital, there was bill
of Rs. 10,046/=. She paid it and submitted the bill to the insurance company
for the reimbursement. But the insurance company has sent a letter to her with
a remark that insurance company cannot cover Ayurveda treatment and hence the
request cannot be accepted.
Annoyed by
the argument that the insurance can not be availed if the treatment through
Ayurveda, an indigenous medical system, Vidyashri complained about this in
Dakshina Kannada Consumer Forum. The Forum has sent notice to concerned
insurance company and the service providing company, asking for the
explanation. Both the companies did not appear to the court personally or
through lawyers.
The complainant
submitted all the documents pertaining to the treatment taken to the forum. The
president of the forum Asha Shetty, members Lavanya M Rai and Arun Kumar K have given an important verdict that
the insurance company should reimburse the treatment cost Rs. 10,046/=, and
also should pay the expenses of the legal battle Rs.2000/= along with the 12%
interest for the treatment cost from the date of complaint till the date of
payment by the insurance company. Accordingly, Ipco Tokio has paid the cheque
of Rs.13,736/=. Finally, Vidyashri has won in the legal battle and the total
amount was received.
Original
Report in Kannda: Ravindra Shetty, Mangalore
Translation: Dr. Naveen
Kodlady; Translated and Published as a fair use, for the consumer awareness. The translator acknowledges author for his original report (in line with the post).
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