Here's Why You Should Opt For A Health Insurance Policy With OPD Coverage.

The coronavirus pandemic has increased awareness among every individual towards health insurance. It is no longer considered an option but a requirement to keep you and your family secure. Having a health insurance policy is critical due to rising medical care costs and the rise in lifestyle-related ailments due to our sedentary lifestyles.

Many people do not realise that a health insurance policy does not cover all treatment costs associated with an illness. For example, a basic health insurance policy only covers some in-patient or hospitalisation expenses while excluding home treatment expenses like diagnostic charges, doctor’s fees, and home care packages. Moreover, when it comes to medical care costs that do not involve patient hospitalization, treatment expenses are not covered by most health insurance policies.

According to various estimates, around 60% of medical care expenditure for Indian patients is out-of-pocket for them. Accordingly, exclusion of outpatient expenses has emerged as a significant concern. To bridge this gap, some of the leading insurers have launched (Out Patient Department) OPD solutions to cover outpatient expenses like diagnostic costs, doctor’s fees, pharmacy, and other things.

What are expenses covered under OPD health covers?

Doctor’s Consultation: OPD health coverage also covers the doctor’s consultation fee. Whether it’s cold or fever, or a severe rash, a standard health insurance policy will not cover the doctor’s consultation fee. But if you have opted for OPD cover, you don’t have to worry about these expenses, as your OPD coverage policy will cover that. This is even more vital in families with children, as doctor’s visits are frequent in such cases.^*

Pharmacy Expenses: Your OPD health insurance will also cover pharmacy expenses on the prescribed medicines. These pharmacy medical expenses are not covered in a regular health insurance policy.^*

Diagnostic and Investigative Test: An OPD cover also compensates for the costs incurred on diagnostic tests like blood tests, stool tests, CT scans, X-rays, sonography, and MRI, among others. This is irrespective of whether you are diagnosed with an ailment or not. As long as your doctor prescribed the tests for investigation and diagnosis, your policy would cover these costs up to the prescribed limit.^*

Visual and Hearing Aid: OPD cover policies cover the costs of hearing aid and eyewear like spectacles and contact lenses. Therefore, if you have this cover, you need not bear the entire cost of prescribed glasses or hearing aid. Instead, your insurance will take care of the same. Given details are subject to changes based on IRDAI norms and Standard T&C apply.

Dental Procedures: Most health insurance policies do not cover medical costs incurred on dental treatment such as root canal treatment, tooth extraction, filling, etc. Even those policies that cover listed daycare treatments do not include dental treatments. However, a health insurance policy with OPD benefits can cover not just these costs, but also certain oral implants like dentures.^*

^*Standard T&C Apply

There are crucial benefits of OPD expenses coverage in health insurance. It is helpful for families with kids and for patients who require frequent visits for OPD consultations. In addition, people suffering from chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, thyroid ailments, etc., can gain a lot from such a health cover in the form of coverage on pharmacy bills.

From covering expenses for primary healthcare like a viral fever to complex dental treatments and other day care procedures, the financial benefit from an OPD cover can add up to a lot over the long term.

Which Health Insurance policy to choose?

Now you might be thinking about which health insurance policy will give you the best OPD solutions and secure your family’s health. While you can check out the various options available in the market, the family health insurance plans from Bajaj Allianz General Insurance tick all the right boxes. These plans cover pre and post-hospitalization expenses up to 60 to 90 days. ^*Standard T&C Apply

If you already have a health insurance policy in place, make sure you take stock of your coverage. Other than being uninsured, being under-insured can also make in dent in your financial well-being. On the other hand, if you do not have a health insurance, make sure you get one at the earliest so that physical, emotional and financial health of your family is protected at all times. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.