Some illnesses and diseases do not require hospitalisation for the recovery of the patient. You can avail doctor’s consultation, diagnosis, and treatments without having to stay at the hospital for a prolonged period. In the medical industry, this is known as the Out-Patient Department - OPD.
Let us understand what OPD is and its relevance in a health insurance cover, in detail.
As stated earlier, some illnesses do not need you (the patient) to be hospitalised for treatment. However, it can involve seeking primary healthcare facilities, doctor’s consultation, or diagnosis, etc. It can also include dental treatments, fractures and other minor surgeries. Such charges are categories under the Out-Patient Department (OPD).
The OPD expenses can be hefty on your pocket when clubbed with other medical costs. Hence, it is recommended to buy a health insurance plan that offers OPD cover under its base policy. Keep reading to know more about the features and benefits of OPD cover in health insurance.
Here are a few salient features of health insurance plans with OPD cover.
The following are the benefits of having health insurance with OPD cover.
The table below gives an overview of the inclusions and exclusions of OPD cover.
OPD Cover Inclusions |
● With certain OPD covers, the insured gets access to medical experts and doctors via call/chat services. ● Some covers take care of outpatient consultations recommended by a doctor or specialist in the given policy year. ● It sometimes covers the cost of clinical visits to the concerned doctor for treatment. ● It covers the insured and his/her family members (depending on the type of health insurance policy) between the age of 91 days and 65 years. ● It provides discounts on diagnostics and lab tests. |
OPD Cover Exclusions |
● It does not cover the expenses arising due to involvement in illegal activities. ● It does not cover treatment expenses arising due to intoxicating substance abuse. ● It does not provide cover for inpatient treatment, daycare procedures and naturopathy treatments. ● It does not cover cosmetic treatment expenses. ● It does not cover medical expenses arising due to self-inflicted injuries. |
There are no such eligibility criteria if you want to avail the benefits of OPD cover under your health insurance plan. The basic eligibility depends on the type of health insurance plan you have purchased. So, if your regular health plan provides OPD, then you are free to avail the benefits of the same.
You can raise a claim request on your health insurance plan with OPD cover in two ways -
Here, you have to inform the insurer about the treatment and other procedures within two days of availing the facility. Once you are done seeking treatment, you have to raise a claim request with the insurer and submit relevant documents for the same. Upon verification and approval, the insurer will settle the claim amount into your bank account.
If you are seeking medical guidance or treatment at the nearest network hospital enlisted by your insurer, you can avail cashless claim settlement facility. All you have to do is inform the insurer and submit the cashless claim request form available at the hospital insurance desk. After this, the insurer will settle the claim amount directly with the hospital.
Here’s a list of people for whom the health insurance plan with OPD cover seems ideal -
People who are into healthy living and fitness are less likely to fall ill. However, they are still exposed to numerous injuries related to workout wherein the OPD cover may come in handy.
Having a health insurance plan with OPD cover at an early stage in life is cost-effective and saves tax. The OPD cover will help cover the costs of minor surgeries and medical treatments along the way.
Health insurance plan is crucial for senior citizens. While making such a wise investment, a little extra will not hurt. Having health insurance with OPD will ensure that dental treatments and minor surgical expenses are covered as well.
As we know, medical costs across the world are rising by the day. Access to basic healthcare services can burn a hole in your pocket. Hence, having a health insurance plan with OPD cover will ensure that a simple visit to the doctor, diagnosis, or minor surgeries do not cost you your savings. Make it a point to check with your insurer whether OPD cover is included in the basic health plan or do you have to purchase it separately.
The health insurance plans at Finserv MARKETS provide OPD coverage under the basic policies. Besides, you can benefit from features such as cashless claim settlements, reinstatement benefit, extensive coverage, tax benefits, and more. Plus, you can use the health insurance calculator to determine the premiums charged on your selected coverage. That way, you can make an informed decision when buying health insurance.
Read more about health insurance benefits by visiting Finserv MARKETS website.
Typically, the OPD cover limit is the same as the health insurance coverage. If you raise a claim request towards the OPD expenses, the amount will be deducted from the overall sum insured amount.
Yes. OPD cover is usually included in your primary health insurance plan or can be purchased as a standalone add-on cover on some health plans available online.
Yes. When you buy a health insurance plan with OPD cover, you can avail tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
I am passionate about the vehicle I drive. I want to protect it with the best available option. What amazed me was the full transparency, quick quotes and the attractive discount on the premium while choosing the annual payment option!
My husband and I will finally move into our own house this Diwali. All thanks to Bajaj Finserv, with competitive interest rates, minimal processing fees and easy to repay EMIs, our dream saw the light of reality in no time!
Kids grow up fast and to fulfill their dream trip to Disneyland I had everything but instant funds. With no collateral or guarantor required and a hassle-free processing, I gifted my family a memorable trip to Orlando with just a click!
The best way to start looking for health insurance is to do a close study of the coverage needs and checking the insurance company's claim ratio. No unnecessary jargons, easy to apply claims process and choice of premia!
I bought my first iPhone using my Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card. Zero downpayment with a No cost EMI on Bajaj Finserv EMI store just made my day!
Getting a loan to take care of my wedding and relieving my parents to enjoy the occasion was the best decision I ever made. Easy-to-apply, amazing interest rate and quick disbursal, what more can one ask for!