Importance of Health Insurance to manage Outpatient expenses

When it comes to Health Insurance, we often think that only hospitalisation expenses will be covered under it. But they are only a part of the actual medical expenses incurred by people. The costs incurred for doctor visits, medical check-ups, diagnosis of diseases and illnesses, prescription drugs, etc., are often overlooked, which can pile up over time and take a huge toll on people’s finances. Such expenses are widely known as outpatient department (OPD) expenses.

It is a known fact that there are few Health Insurance plans that offer coverage for outpatient department expenses. However, some Health Insurance companies offer OPD coverage either as a standalone medical insurance policy or as an add-on feature that can be opted for along with existing coverage by paying an additional premium.

In a country like India, where out-of-pocket expenses in health care are high, people need to consider investing in Health Insurance that takes care of OPD expenses. Spending five hundred rupees for a doctor consultation may not seem like a huge sum, but over a period of time, these expenses get accumulated and can become a significant financial burden. But with a health insurance plan with OPD coverage, people do not have to worry as it covers all such expenses.

Some medical insurance plans allow exclusive and comprehensive coverage against OPD expenses, while some other policies provide this feature along with other regular coverage. Choosing the best plan is crucial and it is purely based on people’s health needs. OPD expenses are inevitable for people with chronic health conditions as they require regular medical attention and check-ups. For instance, people who have diabetes or blood pressure need to undergo routine health check-ups to keep their body vitals stable. The same is the case for women when they are pregnant or delivered a baby as they need regular medical attention. Many people need to refill their prescription drugs regularly and such expenses could become a huge burden over the long run.

Managing these expenses without any Health Insurance plans can be hectic. Health Insurance that covers OPD expenses can be of great help in maintaining both health and finances. As the awareness about health and well-being increases, many people are coming forward to undergo regular health check-ups to keep their health on track. However, there are still people who are left out of medical check-ups or doctor consultations because of the question of affordability. OPD Health Insurance in this aspect helps people to access quality health care and make equitable access to health care a reality.

Many insurance companies offer Health Insurance policies for OPD that can be opted for either as an individual health insurance plan or a family health insurance plan. The coverage includes doctor consultations, medical/health check-ups, diagnoses of diseases, physiotherapy, prescription drugs, etc. Before opting for a suitable plan, it is critical to check the coverage and limits. One important thing to note is that many Health Insurance plans cover outpatient expenses incurred only at Network Hospitals. Hence it is essential to choose an insurance company that has a wide network of hospitals so people can access quality health care easily.

Health Insurance with OPD coverage is a must-needed tool to manage outpatient department expenses without any worries. Based on their needs, people can choose either a standalone OPD policy or opt for OPD cover as an add-on in the existing policy (if the policy allows). To effectively manage OPD expenses Star Health Insurance offers a comprehensive plan named Star Out Patient Care Insurance Policythat takes care of OPD expenses including doctor consultation, physiotherapy, dental and ophthalmic treatments. If you do not have health insurance yet, it is the right time to invest in one.