Is Your Health Insurance Ready for Daycare Treatment?

Many people find health insurance confusing. Does my plan cover daycare services? Will I have to pay extra for a doctor’s consultation? All these questions regarding daycare treatment in health insurance are widespread. 

In this article, we will try to understand daycare procedures with examples and whether health insurance plans in India cover such procedures.

What is Daycare Treatment?

Daycare treatment involves procedures that require less than 24 hours of hospitalisation. The patient can return home on the same day of the treatment. Daycare treatment examples include diagnostic tests like CT scans, minor surgeries like cataracts, cancer treatments like chemotherapy, etc.

It is a convenient and beneficial option for patients and the healthcare system. Here’s why:

• Daycare treatments are generally less expensive than inpatient procedures because they eliminate the need for an overnight stay and associated hospital charges.
• Patients can recuperate in the comfort of their own homes, potentially speeding up their recovery and return to normal activities.
• Daycare treatments offer more flexibility for patients and caregivers. There’s less disruption to daily routines  and less need for someone to stay with the patient at the hospital.

Does Health Insurance Cover Daycare Treatment?

Yes, most health insurance policies include daycare treatment cover costs. You don’t have to pay additional money to opt for this cover. It is mainly included in the basic plan. However, some procedures, such as cosmetic surgeries, might not be covered by the plan. To be sure whether a particular procedure is covered under your plan, check the exact policy wording.

Daycare Procedures Covered Under Health Insurance

Here’s a list of the standard daycare procedures included in a comprehensive health cover:

• Minor surgeries (e.g., mole removal, hernia repair)
• Diagnostic tests (e.g., MRI, CT scan, endoscopy)
• Chemotherapy sessions
• Dialysis treatments
• Infusion therapy (e.g., intravenous medications)
• Cataract surgery
• Colonoscopy
• Dental procedures (e.g., root canal, tooth extraction)
• Endoscopic procedures (e.g., gastroscopy, sigmoidoscopy)
• Tonsillectomy
• Arthroscopy
• D&C (dilatation and curettage)

Daycare vs OPD Cover in Health Insurance

People often get confused between daycare treatment in health insurance and OPD in health insurance because both require little to no hospitalisation. However, there is a difference. Daycare treatments are usually more intensive, while OPD services include routine consultations.

The critical thing to note here is there is no coverage for OPD in health insurance.

For a better understanding, here’s a comparison table.

Key Takeaways

While unexpected medical bills can be stressful, understanding your health insurance plan can help you avoid surprises. By familiarising yourself with the features and benefits of your health insurance policy, you’ll be empowered to make informed decisions about your healthcare. Most insurance companies offer easy online access to health insurance policy details, so finding the information you need is quicker than ever. With a bit of preparation, you can navigate potential healthcare costs with confidence.

Leverage the convenience of platforms like PhonePe to ensure you make an informed and easy insurance purchase.