OPD Cover in Health Insurance

In today’s day and age, health insurance is an essential backup needed to manage your healthcare expenses. But every medical need doesn’t require hospitalisation and can be treated by a consultation with the doctor. So, does your health plan come with an OPD cover? A report by Statista showed that 22% of Indians consult with a physician at least three times a year. In case your insurance doesn’t cover this expense, you would have to bear the cost even while having a health policy. So, let’s understand what OPD cover is and how it is beneficial for you.   What Is OPD Cover in Health Insurance? As many ailments and illnesses do not require hospitalisation, they get treated by consulting a doctor without having to stay back at the hospital. This is termed as OPD or Out-Patient Department that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of ailments. Medical conditions like a dental check-up, an eye test or just plain fever and cough get covered under OPD. Thus, you can visit the clinic and get the medication by paying a consultation fee with a short appointment.   Benefits of Health Insurance with OPD Cover There are several perks of having OPD cover in health insurance in India as most of the times we experience minor health problems. So, allow us to explain the benefits in detail:  

• You can claim OPD expenses incurred during the policy period apart from the cost of hospitalisation
• For specific minor surgical procedures that don’t need 24 hours stay at the hospital can be covered under OPD cover
• By purchasing health insurance with OPD cover, you get access to a wide range of clinics as well as hospitals with a consultation room
• You can file multiple claims within the same policy year up to the capped limit set by your insurer
• Depending on your insurance provider, you can also claim pharmacy bills and cost of medicines under the health insurance with OPD cover
• As most health plans require 24 hours of hospitalisation for claiming the expenses, under OPD cover in health insurance, there are no such requirements to be fulfilled

  List of OPD Cover Benefits That You Can Enjoy Here is a list of medical expenses included under the OPD benefit:

• Diagnostic fees
• Minor surgical procedures
• Medicine bills
• Dental procedures and treatment
• Consultation fees
• Cost of hearing aids, crutches, lenses, dentures, eyewear, etc.
• Ambulance cover
• Additional covers may also be available for extra coverage depending on your insurer

  Who Should opt for Health Insurance OPD Cover? Though OPD cover is suitable for most individuals to secure all healthcare needs, allow us to explain who should purchase this cover:   Individuals Between the Age of 25 to 40 years Hardly ever major surgeries or injuries affect us, but with age, the onset of such ailments begin, which is why people opt for health plans early in life. It helps with the waiting period of many diseases, and the premiums are cheaper as well. But we do suffer from frequent cold and require dental care, making OPD cover a lucrative plan. You can save up on such minor expenses that you incur several times a year and be worry-free about finances.   Individuals Who Are Older Than 60 years With old age comes illnesses and chances of getting sustaining injuries due to brittle bones. Regular visits to the doctor for minor conditions can easily take a toll on your savings. You can purchase a health plan with an OPD cover which can offer extensive coverage for all types of medical treatment. Thus, you can rest assured that your retirement fund will not be utilised for any healthcare expenses.   Health insurance with OPD cover plays an important role warding off any healthcare expense that may come your way! So, get suitable insurance that can offer maximum coverage.