Most medical insurance plans include both inpatient and outpatient cover, since accidents and prolonged illness whilst abroad can be extremely expensive and very stressful.
Out-patient world medical insurance covers consultations and treatments provided by a specialist or medical practitioner when an overnight stay in hospital is not necessary.
The premium for out-patient cover will be roughly the same cost as the premium for in-patient cover. In general out-patient claims are frequent but the amount of the claim relatively small. Not all expats consider the cost of outpatient cover worth the additional cost and are prepared to stand these smaller but possibly frequent expenses. However where families are concerned it is advisable to include the out-patient cover.
Like all world medical insurance plans there are still general exclusions to out-patient plans which vary depending on the insurance provider.
Typical benefits that would be included in an out-patient plan include:
- Medical practitioner and specialist fees
- Routine health checks
- Prescription medicines
- Alternative treatments
- Diagnostic tests, including X-rays
- Home nursing
- Vaccinations
