IPD and OPD: meaning in health insurance
ผู้ป่วยใน (IPD) / ผู้ป่วยนอก (OPD)
IPD (in-patient) is care received when admitted to hospital; OPD (out-patient) is care without admission, such as consultations and tests.
IPD: in-patient care
IPD (In-Patient Department) covers treatment when you are formally admitted to hospital, usually for at least six hours or overnight: room and board, surgery, intensive care, doctor fees, tests and medicines during the stay. It is the core of every health insurance plan because it carries the largest bills.
OPD: out-patient care
OPD (Out-Patient Department) covers care without admission: doctor consultations, lab tests, X-rays, prescribed medicines and minor procedures. OPD cover is usually an option, with a limit per visit or per year.
IPD only or IPD + OPD?
IPD-only plans are cheaper and protect against the costly risk. Adding OPD increases the premium, often by 20% to 30% or more, but pays for routine visits. Families with young children and people with regular follow-ups often find OPD worthwhile.
General definition: the exact rules are those of your policy wording.
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