Alternative medicine and its coverage by insurance is a topic that has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams in recent years. Based on past exam trends and current healthcare debates, it’s likely to remain a relevant issue for future tests. Let’s examine a specific question on this topic and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Some people believe that health insurance should cover alternative medicine treatments. Others think that insurance should only pay for traditional medical treatments. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss arguments for insurance covering alternative medicine
2. Discuss arguments against insurance covering alternative medicine
3. Provide their own opinion on the matter

It’s important to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before presenting a clear personal stance.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

There is ongoing debate about whether health insurance should extend coverage to alternative medicine treatments. While some advocate for this inclusion, others argue that insurance should strictly cover conventional medical practices. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.

Proponents of including alternative medicine in insurance coverage argue that these treatments can offer significant benefits to patients. Many individuals find relief from chronic conditions through practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, or chiropractic care, often with fewer side effects than conventional drugs. Moreover, alternative therapies can complement traditional treatments, potentially improving overall health outcomes. By covering these options, insurance companies would provide patients with a broader range of choices for managing their health, potentially leading to higher satisfaction and better long-term results.

On the other hand, those against extending insurance coverage to alternative medicine cite concerns about scientific evidence and cost-effectiveness. Traditional medical treatments undergo rigorous testing and clinical trials to prove their efficacy and safety. In contrast, many alternative therapies lack this level of scientific scrutiny, making it difficult to justify their inclusion in insurance plans. Additionally, covering a wide array of alternative treatments could potentially increase insurance premiums for all policyholders, even those who do not use these services.

In my opinion, a balanced approach would be most beneficial. While I believe that insurance should primarily focus on evidence-based conventional treatments, there is merit in covering certain alternative therapies that have shown promise in scientific studies. For instance, acupuncture has been proven effective for chronic pain management in numerous clinical trials. Insurance companies could consider covering a limited selection of alternative treatments that have demonstrated clear benefits, while maintaining stringent criteria for inclusion based on scientific evidence.

In conclusion, the debate over insurance coverage for alternative medicine is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. A nuanced approach that carefully evaluates the evidence for specific alternative treatments could strike a balance between providing patients with more options and maintaining the integrity of insurance coverage.

Insurance coverage debate for alternative medicine

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The question of whether health insurance should cover alternative medicine is a topic of much discussion. Some people think it should be included, while others believe only traditional medicine should be covered. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.

Those who support including alternative medicine in insurance coverage have some good points. Many people use treatments like acupuncture or herbal medicine and find them helpful. These treatments can sometimes have fewer side effects than regular medicine. Also, if insurance covers these options, more people might try them and find relief from their health problems.

However, there are also reasons why some think insurance should only cover traditional medicine. The main argument is that alternative treatments often don’t have strong scientific proof that they work. Traditional medicine goes through lots of testing to make sure it’s safe and effective. Another concern is that adding alternative treatments to insurance might make it more expensive for everyone.

In my opinion, I think a mix of both might be the best solution. Insurance could cover some alternative treatments that have been shown to work in scientific studies. This way, people have more choices for their health care, but insurance companies don’t have to pay for treatments that might not be effective.

To conclude, while there are good arguments on both sides, I believe a balanced approach that includes some proven alternative treatments in insurance coverage could benefit many people without compromising the quality of health care.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Health insurance and alternative medicine is a big topic today. Some people think insurance should pay for alternative treatments, but others say only regular medicine should be covered. I will talk about both ideas and give my thought.

People who want alternative medicine covered by insurance say it can help many people. Things like acupuncture or herbal medicine make some people feel better. These treatments sometimes don’t have bad side effects like normal medicine. If insurance pays for it, more people can try these treatments.

But other people think insurance should only pay for normal medicine. They say alternative medicine doesn’t have enough proof that it works. Normal medicine has many tests to show it is safe and works well. Also, if insurance pays for alternative medicine, it might cost more money for everyone.

I think maybe both sides have good points. It might be good if insurance paid for some alternative treatments that have been proven to work. This way, people can choose different ways to get healthy, but insurance doesn’t waste money on treatments that don’t work.

In the end, this is a hard question. I think the best way is to include some alternative treatments that work well, but not all of them. This can help people but also keep insurance fair and not too expensive.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
• Presents a clear position throughout the response
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control
• Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
• Organizes information coherently and uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Presents a relevant position, although conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some inaccuracies
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Arranges information coherently and uses cohesive devices, although not always appropriately

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
• Expresses a position but development is not always clear
• Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
• Uses a limited range of structures with some attempt to use complex sentences
• Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Alternative medicine (noun) /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv ˈmedɪsɪn/ – Medical treatments that are not part of mainstream medicine
2. Conventional treatment (noun) /kənˈvenʃənl ˈtriːtmənt/ – Standard, widely accepted medical practices
3. Efficacy (noun) /ˈefɪkəsi/ – The ability to produce a desired or intended result
4. Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – Characterized by the treatment of the whole person, rather than just symptoms
5. Evidence-based (adjective) /ˈevɪdəns beɪst/ – Based on or guided by clinical evidence
6. Complementary therapy (noun) /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentəri ˈθerəpi/ – Treatments used alongside conventional medical treatments
7. Cost-effectiveness (noun) /kɒst ɪˈfektɪvnəs/ – The degree to which something is effective in relation to its cost
8. Clinical trials (noun) /ˈklɪnɪkl ˈtraɪəlz/ – Research studies performed to evaluate medical interventions
9. Integrative medicine (noun) /ˈɪntɪɡrətɪv ˈmedɪsɪn/ – An approach combining conventional and alternative therapies
10. Scientifically scrutinized (adjective) /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪkli ˈskruːtɪnaɪzd/ – Examined or investigated using scientific methods

In conclusion, the topic of insurance coverage for alternative medicine is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as the government’s role in healthcare funding or the impact of inflation on healthcare costs. You might also encounter questions about the pros and cons of alternative medicine itself, or the broader issue of healthcare accessibility. Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and practice timed writing to improve your skills.

We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is one of the most effective ways to improve your IELTS Writing skills.