Why You Should Get Health Insurance that Offers OPD Cover

 

Out-Patient Department cover or OPD cover is a relatively new offering from health insurance providers in India. Under this category, expenses incurred during medical treatment that does not require hospitalization are covered. These expenses usually include but are not limited to consultations with doctors, medicines and drugs, diagnostic tests, preventive check-ups and so on.

In this article, we look at several reasons why you should get a health insurance policy that offers OPD cover.

Out-patient expenses can get quite expensive

A lot of people are under the impression that medical expenses can take a heavy toll financially only if the patient is admitted to the hospital. True, room rent and nursing charges can go quite high, but the expenses one incurs when they undergo tests or frequently visit specialist doctors can go higher. Under a good health insurance plan with OPD cover, you can get coverage of up to Rs 8000 meant only for consultations. This amount can be very helpful for those who are suffering from any condition that may not require them to be hospitalized but still demands them to visit the doctor repeatedly.

What are long-term health insurance plans and what are their benefits?

Dental treatment is taken care of 

Dental health is often underestimated by many, leading to lesser coverage for it. Thankfully, health insurance providers are waking up to the importance of dental health and are providing coverage for it under their OPD cover. Dental treatments can be very expensive and so, this coverage is a real boon.

Spectacles, contact lenses and hearing aids are covered

An OPD cover is especially beneficial for those who are at risk for hearing or vision problems. A good health insurance plan with OPD cover can provide compensation for the expenses incurred when the policyholder purchases spectacles, contact lenses and hearing aids. 

Separate sum insured

When you raise a claim on your health insurance policy under OPD benefit, the compensation you will receive will be from a separate sum insured. That is, the sum insured of your regular health insurance policy will not be affected when you raise a claim under OPD cover. Do bear in mind that the sum insured sub-limits of the OPD cover may differ from insurer to insurer. It is advisable to opt for an insurer that provides adequate sum insured for the expenses you are more likely to incur. Ideally, you can get a total sum insured of up to Rs 20,000 for your OPD cover, depending on the total sum insured of your health insurance policy.  

Some important things to know about raising claims under OPD cover 

- When you are raising a claim, make sure you have submitted the corresponding prescriptions and bills for the expenses that you are raising a claim for. 

- Your claim under OPD cover will only be considered if the out-patient treatment has been prescribed by a registered medical practitioner. 

- In case of a claim for spectacles or hearing aids, there should be a prescription from a specialist medical practitioner. 

Do remember that the coverage provided under OPD cover of different health insurance policies can differ according to the insurer. You are advised to read the policy documents carefully before purchasing coverage. 

We hope this article has helped you understand why it is really beneficial to get health insurance that offers OPD cover.