The healthcare industry is making remarkable strides, advancing at a pace never seen before. Innovations in medical technology and treatment methods are transforming the way we approach health and wellness. Complex procedures that once necessitated extended hospital stays can now be completed in a fraction of the time, often within a single day.
Imagine needing surgery that used to require a week-long hospital stay, but now it’s as simple as a one-day visit. You walk in, get treatment, and head home the same day, all with minimal impact on your everyday activities. These are day care treatments. This shift towards more efficient and effective medical treatments is indeed a silver lining for patients.
And the best part is that IRDAI has urged insurance companies to incorporate day care treatments into their policies. Day care treatments allow patients to receive advanced medical care without the necessity of an overnight hospital stay.
In this article, we will delve into the concept of day care treatments and explore how this innovative approach can enhance accessibility and convenience in healthcare.
What Is A Day Care Treatment?
Some medical procedures can be performed quickly and efficiently, often under general or local anaesthesia, allowing patients to receive treatment and return home within the same day. These are known as day care treatments. To be eligible for coverage by a health insurance policy, these treatments must be medically necessary and accompanied by a written prescription from a qualified medical professional.
Common procedures that fall under day care treatments include:
- Cataract
- Chemotherapy
- Colonoscopy
- Dialysis
- Sinusitis
- Angiography
- Appendectomy
- Liver aspiration
- Piles / Fistula
- Prostate
- Hydrocele
- Sclerotherapy
- Lithotripsy
- Eye surgery
- Radiotherapy
Please note that besides these, there are many other procedures that come under day care treatments. These can vary from insurer to insurer. And, the exact treatments included in your coverage will depend on the specific health insurance policy you choose. It’s crucial to carefully review the details of your policy to ensure it aligns with your unique needs and preferences.
What Is The Difference Between A Day Care Treatment And OPD?
| Aspects | Daycare Procedures | OPD |
| Meaning | Daycare procedures are treatments that require hospitalisation but can be completed in less than 24 hours, thanks to medical advancements. | OPD, or Out Patient Department, refers to your regular doctor consultations and smaller treatments, such as minor stitches and fractures, that don’t require an overnight stay. |
| Hospitalisation | Hospitalisation is required, but only for less than 24 hours | No hospitalisation is needed. |
| Coverage | In health insurance, day care procedures are typically covered up to the full sum insured, which includes all pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses related to the treatment. | OPD (Out Patient Department) benefits are usually capped at a specific amount, which can vary between insurers. |
| Examples | Ligament tear repair, chemosurgery to the skin, cataract operations, radiotherapy, skin transplantation and restoration, corneal incisions, and chemotherapy among many others. | Regular health checkups, minor injury dressings, consultations for any illness or disease such as seasonal flu, and regular doctor consultations among others. |
Importance Of Having Day Care Treatment Coverage In Health Insurance
Here are some of the reasons why day care coverage is a must in health insurance –
- Convenient Access to Quality Healthcare
Day care procedure coverage ensures you can receive high-quality medical care without worrying about the expenses, making healthcare more accessible and convenient.
- Tax Savings
Purchasing health insurance not only provides medical coverage but also offers tax benefits. This is because the premiums paid are deductible from your taxable income, providing additional financial savings.
- Smooth Claim Process
Policyholders can benefit from a straightforward claim process, choosing between reimbursement or cashless claims based on the selected hospital and policy terms.
- Extensive Network Of Healthcare Providers
Health insurance policies typically offer access to a broad network of healthcare providers, ensuring you receive timely and quality medical care when needed.
Wrapping Up!
The advancements in medical technology have revolutionised healthcare, making treatments quicker and more efficient, often within a single day. Day care treatments, now included in many health insurance policies thanks to the IRDAI, provide essential financial support without the need for overnight hospital stays. This coverage ensures convenient access to quality healthcare, a smooth claim process, a broad network of providers, and tax benefits. By understanding the benefits and differences between day care procedures and OPD, you can choose the best health insurance policy to suit your needs and focus on your recovery without financial worries.
