Health insurance policies provide a wide range of coverage for critical illness, maternity, and in-home care. These coverages are often offered as add-on covers on your health insurance policies. This helps you customise the basic policy according to your needs. One such add-on cover is OPD cover (OPD) cover, commonly available with most health insurance policies.OPD meaning in hospital refers to Outpatient Department. OPD insurance coverage of medical expenses for treatments that do not require an overnight hospital stay. This includes doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and pharmacy bills. OPD cover is one of the necessary add-ons that you must consider adding to your comprehensive health insurance policy. It covers all medical-related expenses incurred in the OPD.
What is an OPD cover in health insurance?
OPD full form in medical insurance is Outpatient Department.
Health insurance policies are primarily bought to cover hospitalisation expenses. However, you may be visiting the hospital or clinic for regular consultations or minor illnesses. For example, doctor consultations, performing tests for diagnosis, or buying medicines for treatment. These treatments are taken in the outpatient department. A medical insurance with OPD cover offers coverage against the medical expenses for doctor’s consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatments needed as an outpatient. This saves you from spending out of your pocket for such expenses.
Difference between OPD and daycare procedure
OPD differs from daycare procedures in terms of hospital admission. Daycare procedures require hospital admission for a duration of less than 24 hours. On the other hand, OPD procedures include doctor consultations and medical treatments that may or may not require hospital admission. OPD insurance plans offer coverage for all OPD procedures.
What is the claim settlement process for OPD cover?
You can raise a claim request for OPD expenses in the following two ways:
● Cashless claim
You can raise a cashless insurance claim for your OPD treatment at any network hospital with OPD insurance plans. You need to inform your insurer at least two days before visiting the hospital. Show your insurance card at the hospital and fill out the required forms.
● Reimbursement claim
Another option to claim for OPD expenses is a reimbursement claim. You can raise a reimbursement claim request for OPD treatment taken at any hospital. Fill in the claim form along with the required documents and submit it to the insurance provider. These documents include a copy of the bills, prescriptions, diagnostic reports, and any other relevant documents. The insurance company will then do the verification and settle the claim accordingly.
What are the benefits of OPD cover?
There are various benefits of having an OPD cover in a health insurance policy. Below are a few of them:
● Reduces out-of-pocket expenses
With OPD cover, you can get coverage for expenses related to doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and medications, which can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
● Timely medical attention
An OPD cover allows you to get timely medical attention for minor illnesses and injuries without worrying about the cost. These regular check-ups help you prevent more serious health issues.
● Comprehensive coverage
Get coverage for a wide range of medical services, including consultations with specialists, diagnostic tests, and alternative treatments.
● Preventive care
Get coverage for preventive care services such as health check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings. These can help you stay healthy and detect any health issues early.
● Tax benefits
Premiums paid towards an OPD cover are eligible for tax benefits under the relevant sections in the Income Tax Act. There are various other benefits of health insurance. One must ensure that they are fully aware of the benefits, inclusions, and exclusions before buying any policy.
Inclusions of an OPD cover
OPD cover in health insurance includes various services. Given below are a few of them:
- Consultations with healthcare professionals, such as doctors and specialists.
- Diagnostic tests, including blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds.
- Prescription medication prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Preventive health check-ups and screenings, such as annual physical exams.
- Minor procedures performed in an outpatient setting, such as suturing a wound or removing a foreign body from the eye.
- Physiotherapy sessions and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or chiropractic services.
Exclusions of an OPD cover
Here are some common exclusions that may apply to an OPD cover:
Pre-existing conditions:
Does not cover expenses related to pre-existing medical conditions that the insured had before purchasing the policy.These conditions are usually excluded to prevent insurance misuse and ensure the policy is used for new health issues that arise after the policy start date.
Cosmetic procedures:
Cosmetic treatments or procedures, such as plastic surgery or botox injections, are typically excluded from OPD cover.These procedures are considered non-essential and elective, as they are primarily for enhancing appearance rather than addressing medical necessities.
Experimental or unproven treatments:
If a treatment is experimental or not effective, it will be an exclusion under the plan.Insurers avoid covering these treatments because they lack sufficient evidence of their efficacy and safety, ensuring that policyholders only receive scientifically validated and beneficial medical care.
Also, read: Health insurance for senior citizens
Factors to consider while buying OPD health insurance plans
When buying OPD health insurance plans, consider the following factors to ensure comprehensive coverage and cost-effectiveness:
- Coverage scope: Understand the OPD meaning in hospital settings, including doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and pharmacy bills.
- Waiting period: Check for any waiting periods before OPD benefits apply.
- Claim process: Ensure the claim process is straightforward and hassle-free.
- Exclusions: Be aware of what is not covered, such as pre-existing conditions and cosmetic procedures.
Who should buy OPD cover for their health insurance policy?
- Individuals between the age group of 25 to 40 years can buy health insurance with OPD cover
- Fitness enthusiasts
- Individuals who have group medical insurance provided by their employer can upgrade their plan with an OPD cover
How to buy health insurance with OPD coverage?
To buy health insurance with OPD coverage, start by researching various plans that include OPD cover health insurance. Compare the scope of OPD benefits, premiums, and exclusions. Ensure the plan covers doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and pharmacy expenses. Check the claim process and waiting periods. Finally, choose a reputable insurer and complete the application process online or through an agent.
The coverages and benefits offered under OPD cover may vary from insurer to insurer. So, it is important to review the policy details carefully before purchasing to ensure that it meets your specific needs.
