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5 reasons why you should add outpatient coverage to your global plan

outpatient coverage

Selecting the right global health insurance plan for your expat needs can be tricky. We recognize that there are many insurance terms to understand and a number of different options to select when you are choosing your plan. For those looking to decide whether or not to purchase outpatient coverage with their global health insurance plan, we have put together this helpful guide.

What is the difference between inpatient coverage and outpatient coverage?

Inpatient coverage refers to any treatment that involves an overnight stay at a hospital. Examples include, overnight surgery, diagnostic tests, private cancer treatment and much more.

Outpatient cover is any care or medical emergency treatment where an overnight stay at a hospital is not required. This can include consultations with specialists, pre-natal and post-natal outpatient care, physiotherapy, and much more.

Many health insurance plans will offer both inpatient coverage and outpatient coverage and you can select if you would like to include both options. Remember that including both coverage options on your plan will come at an additional cost and this cost will vary depending on the health insurance provider that you choose.

Here are 5 examples of what is typically included in outpatient coverage:

• Physiotherapy
• Medical check-ups
Vaccinations
Prescribed medicines
• Specialist and practitioner costs

We would recommend that you choose to include outpatient coverage on your plan to make sure you have the maximum amount of coverage possible.

Not having this option included can be especially dangerous in case of emergency and it can also prove to be a costly mistake.

5 reasons why you should include outpatient coverage in your global plan

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1- Cost effective option

A lot of times, expats may think it is too expensive to include outpatient coverage on your plan. But in many cases, this can be a mistake and the additional cost may not be completely out of budget.

So if you can afford to include outpatient coverage and it is not out of your price range, we would highly recommend doing so. This will ensure that you have comprehensive coverage with both inpatient and outpatient options included on your plan.

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2- Added protection for your well being

Having outpatient coverage will provide you with added protection on your global plan. You will be covered for consultations with medical specialists and practitioners.

Outpatient coverage will also pay for any diagnostic tests, such as x-ray scans and blood tests. Having outpatient coverage can provide added peace of mind for you as you have additional protection on your core plan.

3- Emergency cover

In case of a medical emergency, you will be covered where a hospital admission is not needed. This can be especially helpful for expats living abroad, since they know they will be covered for all circumstances.

You don’t want to take a risk with your health and the benefits of having outpatient coverage selected will be especially worthwhile in case of emergency. This is why it is so important to include it on your plan.

 

4- Prescription drugs are covered

In some countries, the cost of prescription drugs can be quite expensive. But the good news is that having outpatient coverage can help you as prescription drugs will often be included in the plan.

Keep this in mind when selecting your plan. For the additional cost, it can be worth it for prescription drugs alone.

5- Vaccinations

Finally, outpatient coverage will provide cover for you in case you need to receive any vaccinations. Depending on which location you are moving to, you may be required to receive vaccinations before you go.

This can be especially helpful for expatriates and global nomads moving to Asia as there are many vaccinations that are recommended by the World Health Organization. Examples of these recommended vaccinations for those moving to Asia include:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Yellow Fever
• Polio
• Rabies

Expat Financial – An Expat Health Insurance Resource for Global Citizens

Expat Financial offers international health insurance plans that include both inpatient and outpatient cover. There are plans available for individual expats as well as those who would like cover for their entire family. Note that expat health plans for individuals are subject to medical evidence and your premium and coverage is also subject to the insurance company’s underwriter approvals. Get the global health plan you afford BEFORE you need it – that’s how insurance works.

Expat Financial offers health plans from a number of leading expat health insurance providers, including Allianz and Cigna.

Please get in touch to discuss your global health insurance needs or obtain a quote online.