Medical insurance on way for consultations, OPD visit

There could be some good news on the medical front soon, with private insurance companies working out modalities to roll out policies that will cover dental care and services. Mahua Venkatesh reports.

There could be some good news on the medical front soon, with private insurance companies working out modalities to roll out policies that will cover dental care and services.

People visiting the out patients' department (OPD) for simple medical consultations at hospitals as well as at specified clinics could also soon get insurance cover.

At present, insurance cover is provided to only those who are hospitalised or patients suffering from critical illnesses.

Private insurers such as Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and Future Generali are also in talks with third party administrators (TPA) to outline the contours of daycare insurance.

TPAs are usually the only point of contact between patient and insurance firms. TPAs carry out all administrative tasks on behalf of insurance companies and settle claims for patients with valid health insurance cards.

A director at a Delhi-based TPA said the size for each claim would be "very small" and the insurers are working out ways to make it cost-effective. "Technology is one area which needs to be strengthened significantly to make it a profitable business, though the potential is quite big with medical services becoming more and more expensive," he said.