When it comes to Health Insurance, the more you know the better. A Health Insurance policy takes care of your medical expenses in case of unexpected mishappening. However, only a few policyholders know it can cover your post-hospitalisation expenses. Medical inflation in India went up by 2.3% between February 2022, and by 2023 the cost of healthcare will escalate even higher. Having your pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation taken care of by Health Insurance is a huge relief during an emergency. Here we are exploring the definition of pre/post hospitalisation and things one should keep in mind when claiming them.
What is pre-hospitalisation?
Any medical expenses incurred before being admitted to a hospital are categorised as pre-hospitalisation. Doctors/physicians conduct an array of medical tests to identify the source of your illness before prescribing the treatment. These tests include blood-sugar tests, MRI, CT scan, X-ray, angiography etc. defining the medical condition of a person. The cost of such tests is covered under the pre-hospitalisation coverage of your Health Insurance policy. Many insurance companies cover pre-hospitalisation expenses 30 days before being admitted although this may differ from one insurer to another.
What is post-hospitalisation?
Post-hospitalisation expenses are the medical costs incurred by the patient after his/her discharge from the hospital. Any follow-up tests, medications and care expenses are covered by the insurer under the terms and conditions of your Health Insurance policy. Once the patient is discharged from the hospital, he/she would need proper recovery care post-treatment, which means physiotherapy, diagnostic tests, follow-up treatments, doctor’s consultations and medicines. Generally, with most insurers, 60 days post the discharge date are covered under post-hospitalisation expenses.
How to claim pre and post-hospitalisation expenses?
While raising claims in both cases, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Treatment costs for pre and post-hospitalisation should be for the same condition/illness.
Submit original bills, discharge copies and doctor’s certificates for reimbursement.
The coverage period of pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation is fixed.
The coverage only activates when you get admitted to a hospital.
Insurance companies have a long list of clauses supporting the policy document which you should read carefully. Lastly, be aware of the coverage period for pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses and the list of inclusions before you sign on the dotted line.
