Is an OPD Cover an Important Part of a Health Insurance Plan?

An eventuality never comes with prior notice. In case of a serious accident or illness that leads to hospitalization, having a health insurance policy is a blessing. A health insurance plan covers the inpatient costs, yet it might not cover the doctor's consultation expenses, routine check-ups, and so forth. While selecting a health insurance policy, ensure that it covers the OPD expenses. OPD stands for Out-Patient Department. If you think an OPD cover is not needed then an expense like this can easily disturb your savings cycle.

What are OPD Expenses?

A health insurance policy that offers OPD coverage assists the insured to claim expenses other than the incurred hospitalization charges. In simple words, OPD refers to the incurred expenses regarding visiting a hospital or clinic, any diagnosis facility, or treatment based on the advice of a doctor. In situations like these, one need not get admitted as an in-patient or a day-care. Ensure that the health insurance policy does cover the OPD expenses.

What are the Types of OPD Covers?

To cover the OPD expenses, the following are the types of coverages available:

1. Open Network: Under the open network OPD policy the customers have the flexibility to go anywhere across the country for any OPD treatment. Mostly the OPD cover either comes as a part of the base plan. It can also be included as a separate rider.
2. Closed Network: When it comes to the network-specific OPD cover a customer is somewhat restricted to a limited network of OPD practitioners.

Most of the health insurance companies in India offer coverage for daycare and inpatient hospitalization.  A policyholder gets the OPD benefits like medicines, diagnostic tests, etc. under the pre-hospitalization for about 30-90 days. And for post-hospitalization about 60-120 days. It is to be noted that a policy that has a separate OPD coverage will be priced at a higher end when compared to the basic inpatient hospitalization costs.

Who Should Opt for the OPD Cover?

An OPD cover is for one and all. The OPD cover permits the policyholder to make claims for any incurred medical expenses that don’t include hospitalization. The OPD treatments are considered in-network hospitals only.

Wrapping it Up

We all would agree that every injury or illness might not need hospitalization. General consultation and diagnosis can be done without staying at the hospital. Having the OPD cover will take care of the medical bills of the OPD treatment as per the condition of the health. It is simple, OPD treatment does not require hospitalization.   *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.