What Is the Difference Between Inpatient & Outpatient Cover?

With the many options for health insurance plans and companies, it’s essential to know the most important factors to consider when making a decision. Here are some of them, as collated by our experts or experienced brokers and advisors:

Reasonable Standard and Additional Coverage

Most insurers cover common acute conditions and tests, but you’ll find some that include other essentials in their standard coverage. One that’s starting to become a focus of the NHS and private health insurers is mental health. That’s all due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which further emphasized its importance.

You’ll find providers that include limited consultations and sessions with mental health professionals. You might think you won’t need this type of coverage, but unexpected life circumstances can negatively affect anyone’s mental and emotional health.

Insurers that cover or allow you to add (at a reasonable rate) alternative treatments and other therapy services like chiropractor, homoeopathy, and osteopathy are also some of the best. At some point in your life, you would need these services to enhance the positive effect of your current treatments or medications. Other important levels of cover to consider are dental and optical services.

Good Network of Healthcare Professionals, Hospitals, and Clinics

Remember that not all healthcare providers and facilities accept private health insurance plans or only accept particular private health insurance policies. If the insurance company’s providers list won’t include most of the nearest facilities and professionals in your area, it defeats the purpose of getting one. Also, if you’re more comfortable with your current GP, we highly recommend considering an insurer that they accept for payment.

Cost-Efficient

Pre-existing conditions are the number one reason you’ll get rejected by a specific insurer, which is understandable. However, some will approve you for a policy at a higher premium rate. Although some can be dismayed by this, it will work in your favour in the future.

The additional cost every month or year will usually not be equivalent to your out-of-pocket expenses for your regular physician visits, medications, and tests. The same goes if your current health issues worsen.

Another way to evaluate cost-efficiency is the other perks or benefits you’ll get from the insurance provider, such as gym memberships. It might seem minor, but these will help you save on other wellness and lifestyle activities or items that usually take a toll on your budget.

From the information above, it’s clear that different health insurance providers offer varying levels of inpatient and outpatient cover, which is why we compare all UK companies to find you the best deal. Whether this is your first time seeking health insurance or you’re simply looking for a new provider, we will help you secure a policy that meets all your needs and offers excellent value for money.