What Is IPD Health Insurance? Why is it Necessary? A Guide to Choosing the Right Plan
Having IPD health insurance provides peace of mind and eliminates worries about medical expenses when hospitalization is required, whether it is room fees, surgery costs, or other medical expenses that may arise unexpectedly. Today, we will take you through everything you need to know about IPD health insurance, including how to select a plan that fits your lifestyle. This guide is especially useful for first-time buyers who may be confused about the differences between IPD and OPD health insurance and which one offers the best coverage to ensure you can live every day confidently and worry-free in case of illness.
If the article is too long, you can choose a topic to read:
1. What is IPD health insurance? How does it differ from OPD health insurance?
2. Why do you need IPD health insurance?
3. How to choose the right IPD health insurance?
4. Where to buy IPD health insurance?
1. What is IPD health insurance? How does it differ from OPD health insurance?
As mentioned earlier, many people, especially first-time buyers, may be confused about the differences between IPD and OPD health insurance.
1. IPD health insurance (inpatient department)
Inpatient department (IPD) coverage is commonly known as IPD health insurance. Most of these plans are lump sum health insurance that covers inpatient hospitalization, which means treatment requiring at least a 6-hour hospital stay or a surgical procedure, within the policy’s coverage amount. The covered expenses may include:
- Hospital room fees
- Medical and surgical expenses
- Medication and medical service fees
- Doctor’s fees and diagnostic tests
- Emergency surgery fees (for accident-related surgeries that must be performed within 24 hours)
Suitable for: Individuals with a higher risk of inpatient hospitalization, such as young children, the elderly, or people with health risks or diseases that require hospital stays.
2. OPD health insurance (outpatient department)
Outpatient department (OPD) health coverage, or OPD health insurance covers outpatient medical expenses that do not require hospitalization. This includes treatment for minor illnesses such as the flu or wounds that do not necessitate a hospital stay. The coverage typically includes:
- Doctor consultation fees
- Medication and outpatient treatment costs
- Basic diagnostic tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds
Suitable for: Those who want coverage for routine medical expenses and do not want to wait until their condition worsens before seeking medical attention.
Choosing the right health insurance to match your lifestyle is essential. If you need coverage for emergencies or surgical procedures, IPD insurance is a better option. However, if you require coverage for minor illnesses, OPD insurance will be more suitable. Alternatively, you can opt for a health insurance plan that includes both IPD and OPD coverage for more comprehensive protection.
You can read more about OPD health insurance in How to Choose the Best OPD Health Insurance.
2. Why do you need IPD health insurance?
IPD health insurance (inpatient department) is an important type of for the insured’s health, especially in cases where hospitalization is required. It provides coverage for medical expenses incurred during hospital stays.
1. Medical expenses are increasing
Medical expenses continue to rise every year, particularly for hospitalization. Having IPD health insurance helps reduce the financial burden that may overwhelm you and your family.
2. Covers essential expenses for treatment
IPD health insurance ensures that the insured receives full medical treatment, covering costs such as room fees (including private and shared rooms), meals during hospital stays, medical treatment and medical supplies, surgery and medical procedures, doctor’s fees and medical service charges, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy and special care services, lab tests and diagnostic examinations, etc.
3. Reduce the financial burden on your family
In an emergency, having to pay a large medical bill unexpectedly can place a heavy financial burden on yourself and your family. Having IPD health insurance ensures that you receive treatment without having to worry about the expenses incurred.
4. Receive the best medical treatment without hesitation
With IPD health insurance, you can receive treatment at a hospital with reputable standards without concerns about costs, allowing you to make quick and timely decisions regarding your treatment.
3. How to choose the right IPD health insurance?
1. Assess your own risk and check existing benefits
Before selecting IPD health insurance, you should evaluate your own risks, such as medical history, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors that may impact your health. Additionally, check any existing benefits, such as the Gold Card Scheme, Social Security Scheme, or workplace benefits, to determine whether they provide sufficient coverage. If there are gaps in coverage, consider purchasing additional health insurance that meets your needs.
2. Choose the right coverage
The next step is selecting the appropriate coverage for your age and requirements. Consider when and what type of life insurance you should purchase based on the following factors:
- A budget that is manageable (not exceeding 30% of your regular income)
- The type of coverage required (hospital room fees, medical expense coverage, , etc.)
- The extent of coverage in comparison to the premiums paid, whether it is worthwhile or not
- The premium payment mode (fixed premium, variable premium, deductible option)
3. Check the coverage amount for treatment expenses
Some insurance plans have a limited medical coverage amount. If you require sufficient coverage, choose a plan with a coverage amount that aligns with medical costs at hospitals you may need to use.
4. Consider the locations of the network hospitals
Choose an insurance plan that includes hospitals within your area or those you prefer, ensuring that you can receive treatment without needing to pay upfront.
5. Check whether the insurance premium fits your budget
Insurance premiums vary based on coverage level, age, and the insured’s health risks. Select a plan that offers adequate coverage at a price that suits your budget.
6. Review the policy’s conditions and exclusions
Before deciding to purchase, read the policy details, such as exclusions, waiting periods, and other conditions, to prevent misunderstandings and future issues.
4. Where to buy IPD health insurance?
This is one of the most common concerns when , especially for first-time buyers. Choosing the right policy and provider can be challenging, as there are many types of insurance plans available. More importantly, should you purchase health insurance through an insurance agent or buy online? Which option is more suitable for your needs? Today, we provide the answers.
1. Buying health insurance through an insurance agent
If you need clear guidance on different insurance plans, require detailed information about lump sum health insurance for yourself or your family, or if you are interested in other types of health insurance but are unsure how to purchase or how much it costs, an insurance agent can help you find the best option. An advantage of insurance agents is that they are licensed professionals who have undergone training and passed certification exams. This expertise allows them to customize life insurance and health insurance plans to suit your needs.
2. Reputable and trustworthy insurance companies
Select an insurance company with financial stability and a strong reputation in regard to services to ensure that you receive the coverage promised under your policy.
3. Ensure a wide network of affiliated hospitals
An insurance company with a broad hospital network allows you to receive medical treatment conveniently without the need for upfront payment.
4. Fast and convenient claim services
Choose an insurance company with an efficient and straightforward claims process, ensuring that you can access medical benefits easily when needed.
Having IPD health insurance that suits your lifestyle and needs not only helps reduce the financial burden of medical expenses for you and your family but also ensures that, in the event of an unforeseen situation, you will receive the best possible care when hospitalization is required. However, do not forget that choosing the right insurance plan allows you to receive full and effective coverage. Start preparing for medical expenses in case of illness with lump sum health insurance, which covers medical costs ranging from 200,000 to 100 million Baht, so you do not have to worry about medical expenses when receiving OPD and IPD care.
For more information:
☑️ Call Tel.1766, available 24/7.
☑️ Contact a life insurance agent.
- Please study the details of coverage, conditions, and exclusions before making a decision to purchase insurance.
Sources: Retrieved on 3/02/25
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