Even though in-patient care expenditures are often greater, outpatient fees can add up over time and burn a hole in your wallet. According to a recent poll conducted by ET Prime, over 62 percent of healthcare spending in India is spent on outpatient department (OPD) fees. With escalating healthcare expenses, it’s a good idea to have a medical insurance plan that includes outpatient treatment. This article explains the advantages of OPD coverage in health insurance.
With rising medical costs, including OPD cover health insurance makes perfect sense. Sprained ankles, shoulder, knee, dislocated bones, and other frequent workout injuries, for example, do not need hospitalization. In this instance, it is necessary to receive therapy regularly. When you choose an OPD, all of your costs, including consultations, X-Rays, and bandages, are covered.
Many health insurance providers cover outpatient procedures. Policyholders with OPD coverage can make a claim for expenditures spent without being admitted to the hospital. The cost of diagnostic or minor procedures, as well as the cost of drugs, are covered by OPD health insurance coverage. In contrast to other health insurance policies, the sum insured under OPD coverage is determined by the insured person’s age. Health insurance with outpatient care coverage, of course, provides additional financial security.
In health insurance, what is OPD?
Not every medical condition necessitates admission to the hospital. You might need to go to the OPD to address a minor sickness or injury, for example. In such cases, you may go to the hospital’s clinic or OPD to have a doctor analyze the medical condition, obtain a diagnosis via a lab test, and purchase medications to address the medical problem from the pharmacy. Fees for medical consultations, lab testing, and medications are all included in these services.
Ordinary health insurance policies do not cover such costs, leaving you financially vulnerable. Fortunately, new-age health insurance firms (such as Vital) have created policies that cover all health expenses, even non-hospital ones. The out-of-pocket costs (OPD) coverage supports the insured in claiming charges that would not be paid if they were in-patient.
OPD Benefit Eligibility Criteria
There are no precise requirements for receiving the OPD benefit. Anyone who is ill can seek medical help in a doctor’s clinic. Please keep in mind that OPD cover health insurance is contingent on the health insurance policy you have obtained. If your health insurance coverage covers out-of-pocket payments, you can take advantage of all available perks.
Who Should Purchase OPD Coverage in Health Insurance?
OPD coverage in health insurance plans is beneficial for people who want to supplement their primary plan’s coverage beyond hospitalization coverage. If you fall into one of the three categories, a Health Insurance Plan with OPD Cover is a good option.
- People between the ages of 25 and 40 are less likely to use in-patient hospitalization than out-patient hospitalization.
- Seniors who may need minor surgeries, root canal treatment, and other procedures on a regular basis.
- For workout-related injuries, fitness lovers who are deemed very fit may not need in-patient treatments as much as OPD.