- Entitlement and access to public health care services
- Medical treatment: consent and withdrawal
- Advance Directives
- Taking care of a mentally incapacitated person: Guardianship or Committee
- Enduring Power of Attorney
- Elder abuse
- Medical negligence
- Medical insurance
- What is a medical insurance?
- Different types of medical insurance
- Common exclusions in medical insurance policies
- Utmost good faith
- Non-disclosure
- Medical evidence requirements
- Important matters to consider before taking out your medical insurance policy
- Practical tips for disputing a medical claim denial by an insurance company
- The Insurance Claims Complaints Bureau
- Questions and answers
- Care by residential care homes for elderly persons
Medical insurance
Different types of medical insurance
Medical insurance policies cover the cost of medical treatment for illnesses or accidents. Medical insurance coverage is usually divided into two major categories: -
- 'Outpatient Benefits' or 'Consultation Benefits' cover the cost of medical consultation with a general medical practitioner or specialist, laboratory treatment, long-term medication and diagnostic charges. A monetary limit is usually placed on each item, and there may also be an overall limit per year.
It is possible to purchase coverage for other types of medical expenses, such as maternity or dental costs. Some insurers also cover, on request, the cost of visits to bonesetters, acupuncturists and herbalists.
- 'Inpatient Benefits' or 'Hospitalization Benefits' cover the costs of admission to hospital, which may include room, board, surgical procedures, nursing charges, fees for anaesthetists, specialists and physicians, operating theatre charges and intensive care costs. A monetary limit is usually placed on each item, and an overall limit per year or per hospital stay may also be imposed.
Fees for surgery and anaesthesia are normally reimbursed according to the complexity of treatment or alternatively, a fixed percentage for each type of treatment.
