OPD Health Insurance for Senior Citizens

What is OPD Health Insurance?

OPD health insurance provides coverage for medical expenses incurred on an outpatient department (OPD) basis, such as doctor consultation fees, vaccinations, pharmacy bills, diagnostic tests, etc. It pays for treatments and services that do not require patients to stay overnight in the hospital but return home on the same day, typically within a few hours. With health insurance with OPD cover, people can substantially reduce their out-of-pocket expenses, safeguarding their savings. 

Some health insurance plans offer OPD coverage as an in-built cover, while others offer it as an optional cover on the payment of an extra premium amount. Moreover, some insurers provide customised OPD health plans, offering extensive coverage for outpatient care.

What is Covered Under OPD Health Insurance for Senior Citizens?

OPD health insurance for senior citizens covers the following:

• Doctor consultation fees
• Minor medical procedures, like plastering a broken bone
• Investigation & diagnostic tests, such as MRIs, X-rays, blood tests, etc.
• Medicines prescribed by the doctor
• Non-allopathic OPD treatments
• Dental treatments
• Physiotherapy sessions
• Preventive health check-ups
• Vaccinations

NOTE: The exact list of covered OPD expenses may vary between health insurance companies.

Importance of OPD Health Insurance for Senior Citizens

Here are the reasons why OPD health insurance is important for senior citizens:

1. Reduces Out-of-Pocket Expenses

   Traditional health insurance policies majorly focus on covering hospitalisation expenses, leaving routine medical expenses aside. Without OPD coverage, senior citizens often have to bear these costs themselves. But with OPD cover, senior citizens can reduce their out-of-pocket expenses without compromising their health due to financial constraints.

2. Coverage for Frequent Doctor Visits

   Senior citizens often require regular consultations with general physicians and specialists for managing chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. OPD health insurance covers doctor consultation fees, allowing elderly people to receive timely medical attention without worrying about the costs.

3. Manages the Cost of Medicines and Diagnostic Tests

   With ageing comes the need for periodic diagnostic tests, such as blood sugar monitoring, ECGs, etc., and long-term medications. These costs can add up over time, creating a monetary burden. OPD insurance helps cover these outpatient expenses, making healthcare more affordable for senior citizens.

4. Encourages Preventive Care and Early Detection

   For senior citizens, proactive healthcare is crucial in maintaining overall well-being and managing age-related illnesses. Health insurance with OPD coverage allows elderly people to visit doctors without financial hesitation, encouraging better preventive care.

5. Tax Benefits

   OPD health insurance also provides financial relief through tax deductions. As per Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, senior citizens are eligible for tax benefits on the premium paid to buy the OPD policy.

How to Buy OPD Health Insurance for Senior Citizens?

Buying OPD health insurance for senior citizens is easy and quick with Policybazaar.com. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Go to the official website of Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited and tap on the "Health Insurance" icon.

Step 2: Select the gender and family members you want to include in your mediclaim policy. Continue by selecting their respective ages.

Step 3: Enter your city or pin code along with your personal details, like name and contact number.

Step 4: Provide medical history details and declare whether your employer provides health insurance.

Step 5: Hit the "View Plans" button, and the list of suitable medical plans will be displayed.

Step 6: Use the "Policy Benefits" quick filter and select the "Doctor consultation and pharmacy" option to filter the plan list.

Step 7: Choose the health plan with OPD cover that best meets your requirements and click on "Customise Plan" to select the sum insured, policy duration and riders, if required.

Step 8: After making the necessary selections, click on "Proceed to Proposal" and fill in the required details.

Step 9: Pay the health insurance premium online.

Once the payment is successful, the policy will be issued and shared with you on the registered email ID.

Factors to Consider While Buying OPD Health Insurance for Senior Citizens

Listed below are some of the factors to consider while purchasing OPD health insurance for senior citizens:

• Coverage Limit: Check the maximum coverage amount for OPD expenses to ensure adequate financial protection.
• Inclusions & Exclusions: Carefully examine which OPD services are covered and not covered under the plan.
• Network Providers: Choose a plan with a broad network of hospitals and clinics in the city to ensure easy access to cashless OPD services.
• Sub-limits: Make sure to verify the sub-limit on specific OPD services, such as doctor fees or diagnostic tests. Opt for a plan with a preferred OPD coverage limit.
• Waiting Period: Review the waiting period for OPD coverage to avoid unexpected delays in coverage.