Inpatient vs Outpatient Hospitalisation In Health Insurance

Buying a health insurance is an important decision. It requires research and understanding of the policy benefits and terms. There are a number of technical terms associated with a health insurance plan. It is essential to understand the health insurance terms properly before making a decision to buy a health insurance plan. ‘Outpatient treatment’ and ‘inpatient hospitalization’ are important benefits related to health insurance, you should know about.

An outpatient treatment is when you receive a medical treatment without being admitted into a hospital. The treatment could comprise of Doctor consultations, various diagnostic tests and medicines. If you visit the hospital for a same day surgery and your hospitalization was for a period of less than 24 hours, such surgeries may qualify under day care treatments of your health insurance policy. You will be considered as inpatient only when you need to be admitted and the hospitalization is for a continuous period of 24 hours or more.

Inpatient hospitalization is when you receive medication and treatment by having hospitalized for a continuous period of 24 hours or more. There is a difference in being hospitalized for 24 hours or more or sent to the hospital for taking specific diagnostic tests or to be asked to go to the emergency room for an instant treatment. Whenever the hospitalization is not for a period of 24 hours, it won’t count as an inpatient hospitalization.

The health insurance plan may provide for the treatment in case of an outpatient treatment at the network hospitals on a cashless basis. It offers coverage for diagnostic tests, Doctor consultation and pharmacy bills in a reimbursement facility if the treatment is availed in non-network hospitals.

Insurance companies generally offer health plans that provides a high cover / limit for inpatient hospitalization than outpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment might include Room rent, ICU charges, Operation theatre charges, Doctor fees, nursing charges, anesthesia, and more. Hence in the case of inpatient hospitalization, the insurance company provides a large cover / limit, which will reimburse a number of expenses incurred for the purpose of treatment. Generally, one can avail cashless treatments in the insurer’s network of hospitals. Due to the rise in medical costs, it is essential to purchase a comprehensive health cover, which will provide for the cost of treatment and hospitalization.

With a health insurance plan, you will be able to access best medical care and treatment in case of an illness without having to worry about the cost associated with the same.The health insurance company will provide for inpatient as well as outpatient hospitalization costs based on the actual amount incurred as per the coverage terms and conditions. Consider your health and coverage requirements before you buy a policy. Having a health insurance plan will help you remain covered in case of any medical emergencies that may arise in the future.