What’s the big fuss about OPD? Why do they take up so much space in our healthcare expenses? And what is IPD? Let’s understand and get over it!
It is 2022, and if the past two years have taught us anything - it's making health our priority. The first step to protecting ourselves is to have a good health plan that steps in when need be. Although there is so much information on health plans and what they generally cover, sifting through it and making the right choice can be intimidating. And, if you don't make it right, you end up paying more money to both - your service provider and healthcare providers.
So let's understand what makes up for our medical expenses. Essentially, our costs are divided into two parts. OPD (Out-Patient Department) or IPD (In-Patient Department). When we opt for a health plan, we intend to cover ourselves against these costs. Now mind you, that's not how things have been working out so far - and that's why we're here, but first, let's address the elephant in the room.
OPD vs IPD Expenses
When you're down with sickness or in an emergency, you will be treated in OPD (Out-Patient Department) or IPD (In-Patient Department).
OPD refers to when a patient visits the doctor at a hospital or clinic and does not require hospitalization.
IPD is when the patient's condition needs immediate hospital admission. The unit is equipped with medical equipment and is cared for by the nurses and doctors round the clock.
The most common belief surrounding health plans is you only need one for your IPD expenses. Yes, it is essential as it covers surgeries, emergencies, and other critical illnesses. But did you know that out of the total healthcare spend in India, 62% is an out-of-pocket expense.
Along with IPD you also need to save OPD costs to protect your savings.
What do OPD expenses include?
1. Diagnostic tests
2. Doctor consultations
3. Investigative tests
4. Pharmacy expenses
5. Dental care
6. And more…
Benefits of having an OPD Cover
Save on Pharmacy Bills: With OPD coverage, you can save money on medical pharmacy bills.
Purchase Other Healthcare Items: Benefits on OPD expenditures such as contact lenses, crutches, dentures, hearing aids, etc.
Access to Different Doctors: OPD covers medical consultations with dentists, specialists, paediatricians, orthopaedics, general physicians, ophthalmologists, etc.
Chronic Disease Management: Many people suffer from chronic health issues like cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc. Managing these diseases regularly (frequent check-ups, medicines) can get easy and stress-free as you save on the go.
Multiple Benefits: There is no rigid limit on the number of times you can use your benefits.
Safeguard Your Savings: Inflation here, inflation there, inflation is everywhere, and paying out of pocket is costly. OPD benefits can help you keep your savings intact.
What else should your health plan include?
Gone are those days when you spent countless hours getting a health plan. The digital boom came with flexibility, personalization, meaningful customer engagement, competitive pricing, and less paperwork. It also helped us cut intermediaries, making services swifter.
Get It Online: There's no uncertainty about whether the insurance claims will get through as everything has gone digital. All the patient details, policy values, etc., are listed in the app or website with total transparency leaving little to no room for errors.
Think Two Steps Ahead: In this post-covid world, nothing is certain. We never know when the next pandemic will strike or what it will be? Always helpful to have clarity before buying your plan.
Save Time & Cost: Another drawback is paying a premium for an entire year. Thanks to new-age startups (like us), you can choose monthly plans with zero commitments.
Faster Resolutions: Don't have anyone hang up on you or put you on hold. Constant technological advancements are instrumental in automating benefits transfer.
Personalization: When it comes to health plans, there's no one size fits all. Your requirements are different from mine. Getting a health plan online (with us) allows you to choose the best plan that suits your needs.
Strong Network of Hospitals: Always check the network of hospitals associated with your health plan. That becomes the network you will likely be using if need be.
If you are sure about taking the OPD cover, head to the website. We offer monthly subscriptions for individuals, families, and small to mid-size companies. We are affordable and transparent and have all our plan benefits listed here.
How to get started with Kenko?
1. Sign up and take your Kenko Score
2. Subscribe to your plan
3. Download the app
And, that's a warp! Say hello to more savings and goodbye to out-of-pocket costs!
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