Maximising Health Benefits with OPD Cover Health Insurance in Kolkata

Outpatient department (OPD) expenses make up a significant portion of healthcare costs in India. As per a recent survey, nearly 62% of healthcare costs are towards OPD expenses. This highlights the importance of having adequate OPD cover in your health insurance policy. Read on to learn about OPD-covered health insurance in Kolkata.

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What is OPD Cover in Health Insurance?

OPD in health insurance refers to outpatient services not covered under regular health plans. Without hospitalisation, you may visit the OPD for minor illnesses, consultations, tests, medicines, etc. OPD cover provides reimbursement for such expenses.

Who Should Buy Health Insurance with OPD Cover?

Those who would greatly benefit from health insurance with OPD coverage include :

• Young Working Professionals (25 - 40 years): Young professionals who have just begun their careers should strongly consider getting health plans with annual Outpatient Department (OPD) coverage. Since frequent small illnesses like viral fever, allergies, injuries, etc., are common in this age group, the OPD covers their doctor consultation, medicine, and diagnostics bills up to the allowed limit. This provides substantial financial relief annually.
• Senior Citizens: Senior citizens over 60 with chronic conditions like hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, etc., require regular OPD visits for prescription refills, follow-ups, and diagnostic tests. Hence, health plans with OPD cover are extremely beneficial for them as substantial outpatient expenses are reimbursed every year, saving their nest egg from depletion.
• Fitness Enthusiasts and Sportspersons: Those who lead active lifestyles with regular gym/yoga sessions or those who play sports professionally are more injury-prone. For such fitness enthusiasts and sportspersons, health insurance plans with OPD cover are very useful. These plans cover expenses incurred during doctor visits, x-ray/scans, physiotherapy, etc. for their musculoskeletal injuries up to a certain limit annually. This takes care of treatment costs for sports accidents.

Why You Should Buy Health Insurance in Kolkata?

Some top reasons for having adequate health coverage in Kolkata:

• Protect savings from getting exhausted if a medical emergency arises.
• Get covered for hospitalisation along with OPD and critical illness.
• Also, get coverage for ambulance, pre and post-hospitalization.
• Teleconsultation facility to speak to experienced doctors 24x7.
• Avail tax benefit on premium paid under Section 80D.

Benefits of Having OPD Cover

The following are the benefits of getting OPD coverage with health insurance:

• Get Refund for Medical Bills Without Hospitalisation: OPD cover allows you to get reimbursement for medical expenses incurred without needing hospital admission.
• Covers Doctor Consultation Fees: The policy covers visits to a general physician or specialist doctor's fees.
• Includes Charges for Diagnostic Tests: Medical tests prescribed by doctors, such as blood tests and radiology exams, are covered.
• Pharmacy Bills Covered: Medicines and drugs prescribed on an outpatient basis are included.
• Beneficial for Frequent OPD Treatments: Those requiring regular OPD treatment for chronic conditions find it useful.
• Tax Savings on Premium: Premium paid is eligible for tax deduction under Sec 80D, offering savings.
• Reduces Financial Burden of Medical Costs: Lowers overall medical costs spent from one's own pocket for managing illnesses.

Tips to Find the Best Health Insurance in Kolkata

Follow these tips when looking to buy health insurance in Kolkata:

1. Compare Online Health Plans

Online insurance plans are cheaper and easier to compare to find the most convenient option.

2. Evaluate Your Insurance Needs

Assess your and your family's health condition and probable costs, then choose appropriate cover.

3. Opt for Comprehensive Coverage

Higher coverage ensures you get maximum reimbursement and pay less from your pocket.

4. Use Premium Calculator

The premium calculator helps determine the approximate premium you'll have to pay for your chosen insurance cover.

5. Check Network Hospitals

Verify top hospitals in your location or where you may travel are part of the insurer's network for cashless facilities.

6. Avoid Waiting Periods

Choose insurance without waiting periods or with the lowest waiting time for pre-existing diseases or specific treatments.

7. Say No to Deductions

Avoid health plan schemes requiring you to pay deductible or co-payment costs for each claim.

Conclusion

Given that OPD expenses comprise a significant portion of healthcare costs in India, having OPD covered in your health insurance ensures maximum reimbursement and financial protection. Evaluate your family's health condition and probable medical requirements before choosing appropriate health coverage. Opting for higher coverage, minimal exclusions and checking for network hospitals ensures you get the best value. Check out ACKO's health plans, which offer excellent coverage and OPD cover to safeguard you from hefty medical bills.

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