What Is the Difference Between Inpatient & Outpatient Cover?
Inpatient and outpatient cover are two common aspects of private medical insurance. Learn what these terms mean and how we find you the best healthcare plan.
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Inpatient Cover
What is inpatient cover?
Inpatient cover applies to any treatment which requires the use of a hospital bed overnight. This usually follows surgery, but also includes day-patient cover for minor procedures that require a hospital room, but for which you can be discharged on the same day.
Inpatient treatment is included as standard in the majority of private health insurance policies.
What is usually included with inpatient cover?
- Fees for the operation and any drugs required
- Fees for medical staff like surgeons, anesthetists and nurses
- Pre-surgery checks
- Private recovery room, other medical facilities and catering
Outpatient Cover
What is outpatient cover?
Outpatient cover pays for diagnostic tests and consultations that do not require a hospital bed overnight, such as blood tests, X-rays, MRI and CT scans. Many providers also cover minor procedures like wart removal or endoscopies under an outpatient option.
What are the different levels of outpatient cover?
- Capped outpatient cover: Your provider will cover between £500 and £1,500 of outpatient benefits, so you may need to fund some diagnostics and tests yourself. MRI, CT and PET scans are usually fully covered.
- Capped outpatient cover with full diagnostics: Your insurer caps the number of consultations they pay for but covers ALL diagnostic tests in full. Strangely, this is a similar price to the previous option, and sometimes cheaper even though the cover is greater. However, it’s currently only offered by three providers: AXA PPP, The Exeter and Vitality
- Full outpatient cover: There are no limits on consultations or diagnostic tests. This is the most expensive option as this is what most people claim for.
Should I Add Inpatient &
Outpatient Cover to My Health
Insurance Policy?
Many of our clients get private health insurance because they want quick access to consultations, tests and treatment.
If this is important to you as well, then a reasonable level of inpatient and outpatient cover will let you skip NHS waiting lists. Contact our health insurance specialists to get advice on the best option for your requirements.
What is the Best Health Insurance
with Inpatient & Outpatient Cover?
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.
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Private Health Insurance Key Terms
We are here to help you understand the main concepts you’ll come across in your private health insurance policy.
Why Switch Your
Private Health Insurance Provider?
Even if you already have private health insurance, there are many reasons why you should consider changing your provider:
By switching provider, you can:
- Save money — our clients save 32% on health insurance on average *
- Get better service than you’re currently receiving
- Improve the level of cover you can get for your money
- Access incentives — many providers offer discounts for switching
- Add additional covers you’re not currently being offered peace (in most cases)
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* Findings are based on 49 clients, over the last 3 months who already had a live policy in place.
Why Is It Important to Seek Advice
on Inpatient & Outpatient Cover?
You’ll benefit from professional advice when choosing private health insurance. Talking to a specialist can help you decide what you require from your policy, prepare you for the long-term costs, and assess existing plans to see whether you can get a better deal elsewhere. At Healthcare Clarity, we’re here to provide all the guidance you need, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Inpatient & Outpatient Cover
FAQ's
All health insurance policies have different levels of cover and providers take various factors into account when setting a price, like your age, location and lifestyle. We are here to answer all your questions, provide professional advice, and assess all your options to find the best plan for your budget.
