As a nurse, it is essential to have a comprehensive health insurance policy that covers all your medical needs, including hospitalization and surgical expenses.

One of the options to consider when choosing a nursing insurance policy is the hospital-surgical allowance. This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of hospital-surgical allowance and how it works in nursing insurance.

What is Hospital-Surgical Allowance?

Hospital-surgical allowance is an insurance benefit that pays the policyholder a fixed amount to cover medical expenses related to hospitalization and surgery.

This benefit is usually offered as a supplementary coverage to the primary health insurance policy. Hospital-surgical allowance is meant to supplement the policyholder’s health insurance coverage, not replace it.

How Does Hospital-Surgical Allowance Work?

When a policyholder requires hospitalization or surgery, they can submit a claim to their insurance provider, stating the amount of medical expenses incurred.

The insurance provider then pays the policyholder a fixed amount, depending on the terms and conditions stated in the policy. The policyholder can use this money to cover the cost of treatment and other incidental expenses such as accommodation and transportation.

Types of Hospital-Surgical Allowance

There are two main types of hospital-surgical allowance – the daily cash benefit and lump sum benefit.

Daily Cash Benefit

Under this type of benefit, the policyholder receives a fixed amount per day for every day they are hospitalized. The amount may vary depending on the policy, but it typically ranges from $100 to $500 per day.

The policyholder can use this money to pay for incidental expenses such as food, phone bills, and transportation.

Lump Sum Benefit

Under this type of benefit, the policyholder receives a fixed amount in a lump sum when they are hospitalized or undergo surgery. The amount may vary depending on the policy, but it typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000.

The policyholder can use this money to pay for medical expenses such as hospitalization, surgery, and medication.

Advantages of Hospital-Surgical Allowance

The hospital-surgical allowance offers several advantages to the policyholder:.

It provides an additional layer of protection to the primary health insurance policy.
The policyholder can use the money to pay for incidental expenses that are not covered by the primary insurance policy.
The policyholder has the flexibility to choose the hospital and surgeon of their choice.
The policyholder can use the money to cover the cost of treatment that is not covered by the primary insurance policy.

Disadvantages of Hospital-Surgical Allowance

Despite its benefits, the hospital-surgical allowance also has its drawbacks:.

The policyholder may have to pay a higher premium for the supplementary coverage.
The policyholder may have to wait for a specific period before the benefit is activated.
The policyholder may not be eligible for the benefit if they have a pre-existing medical condition.
The benefit may not cover all types of medical expenses incurred during hospitalization or surgery.

Conclusion

The hospital-surgical allowance is an essential benefit to consider when choosing a nursing insurance policy.

It provides an additional layer of protection to the primary health insurance policy and offers flexibility and convenience to the policyholder. However, it is essential to read and understand the terms and conditions of the policy before signing up for it.