OPD Cover Reshaping Health Insurance

OPD coverage in insurance policies helps Indians manage routine medical costs and promotes preventive care.

- Bhaskar Nerurkar

In India’s rapidly evolving health insurance landscape, one significant development is the rising demand for coverage of Outpatient Department Treatments (OPD) costs.

Traditionally, health insurance in India has focused primarily on inpatient hospitalisation (IPD), with policies offering coverage for expenses incurred only during inpatient treatment. However, as healthcare expenses grow and more people seek regular medical attention without hospitalisation, OPD coverage demand is ever growing. Offering financial support for everyday medical needs, an OPD cover ensures that routine healthcare visits do not strain the pocket. In today’s fast-paced world, where health risks abound, such coverage is desirable and necessary.

What is OPD Cover?

OPD coverage refers to health insurance coverage for medical expenses incurred without the need for hospitalisation. These expenses include doctor consultations, prescribed diagnostic tests, preventive health checkups, pharmacy bills, etc. Under an OPD plan, the insured can, depending on the policy terms, claim reimbursement for the costs of these services or directly avail of cashless benefits at network healthcare providers or diagnostic centres.

While most standard health insurance policies focus on hospitalisation, OPD coverage is an additional benefit offered in a few select plans. This extra coverage caters to the routine medical expenses that families regularly face but are often overlooked when purchasing health insurance.

The Importance of OPD Cover in the Indian Context