Medical emergencies can arise at any moment, leaving us with a lot of expenses to take care of. In such cases, health insurance policies are a boon.

Insurance companies cover a plethora of medical expenses, including pre- and post-hospitalization expenses that can add up to a significant amount.

Pre-hospitalization expenses include medical tests, doctor consultation fees, and medication costs that one incurs before getting admitted to a hospital.

On the other hand, post-hospitalization expenses refer to the charges that one needs to pay after getting discharged from the hospital, such as follow-up doctor visits and medical tests. Many people tend to ignore these expenses, assuming that their insurance policy will cover them. However, one needs to be careful while choosing a policy since not all insurance policies provide full coverage.

Types of Insurance Policies

There are two types of insurance policies:.

: Indemnity Policies

Indemnity policies, also known as fee-for-service policies, are popular insurance policies. Under this policy, the policyholder can choose their hospital, doctor, and medical services and get reimbursed for their expenses post-treatment.

However, the initial payment has to be made by the policyholder themselves. These policies can be customized according to one’s needs and are beneficial, as they provide coverage for pre- and post-hospitalization expenses. But, these policies come with higher premiums, which might not be feasible for everyone.

: Fixed-Indemnity Policies

Fixed-indemnity policies are known for their affordability and are widely used by people who cannot afford higher premiums.

Under this policy, the insurance company offers a fixed amount for a specific medical procedure, regardless of the actual cost of treatment. These policies may provide limited coverage for pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, but the amount offered might not be sufficient.

What Expenses are Covered in Pre- and Post-Hospitalization?

Most insurance companies provide coverage for pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, but it is essential to check the terms and conditions mentioned in your policy document. Generally, these expenses do not cover the full amount and come with a cap.

Some of the expenses that may be covered in your policy are:.

: Pre-Hospitalization Expenses

Doctor consultation fees
Medical tests and scans
Blood tests
Medication costs

: Post-Hospitalization Expenses

Follow-up doctor consultation fees
Medical tests and scans
Medication costs after being discharged from the hospital

What Expenses are Not Covered in Pre- and Post-Hospitalization?

There are certain expenses that are not covered in pre- and post-hospitalization coverage. These include:.

Expenses incurred for ayurvedic, unani, or homeopathic treatment
Treatment procedures that are not medically necessary
Expenses from cosmetic procedures
Expenses from self-inflicted illnesses or injuries

What to Keep in Mind While Choosing a Policy?

While selecting a health insurance policy, one should keep in mind the following points:.

Check the coverage that your policy offers, including the pre- and post-hospitalization expenses coverage.
Understand the policy’s terms and conditions and check all the exclusions.
Check the policy’s claim process, including the documentation required for reimbursement.
Compare different policies and their coverage options before making a decision.
Opt for a policy that offers good coverage for pre- and post-hospitalization expenses while maintaining a reasonable premium.

Conclusion

Pre- and post-hospitalization expenses can add up to a significant amount, and it is essential to have a health insurance policy that covers these expenses.

It is essential to check the policy document’s terms and conditions and compare various policies before making a choice. While choosing a policy, one should keep in mind the coverage provided, the policy’s claim process, and its affordability. Having a comprehensive health insurance policy can provide peace of mind during medical emergencies.