
According to data from Policybazaar, there has been a significant increase in the number of people opting for health insurance plans with Outpatient Department (OPD) covers. Over the past three years, the percentage of customers choosing plans with OPD covers has quadrupled to 20%. This trend indicates a growing preference for comprehensive coverage that extends beyond traditional inpatient services.
Reasons for Choosing OPD Benefits
The main reason behind the popularity of health insurance plans with OPD covers is the desire for comprehensive coverage that includes access to doctor consultations and diagnostic tests. In fact, 80% of customers cite the accessibility to these services as one of the main reasons for opting for OPD benefits in their insurance plans.
Millennials and OPD Coverage
Policybazaar data reveals that millennials make up a significant portion of health insurance holders who are seeking additional OPD cover as either an inbuilt feature or a rider in their plans. Among customers who have chosen an OPD rider or a plan with OPD cover, 50% have actively utilized the OPD services.
Limited Availability of OPD Coverage
Despite the growing popularity of OPD coverage in health insurance, only a limited number of health insurers offer this feature in their basic plans. However, customers can still opt for OPD coverage by adding an additional rider to their existing plans. According to Policybazaar data, 47% of customers choosing this feature fall within the 31-45 age bracket, while 34% belong to the 18-30 segment.
Regional Popularity of OPD Coverage
Health insurance plans with OPD benefits are most popular in Tier 1 cities, where approximately 45% of people choose policies with OPD benefits. The second most popular category is Tier 3 cities, accounting for 35% of customers opting for health insurance with OPD benefits.
Cities with High Concentration of OPD Coverage
Certain cities stand out for having a higher concentration of customers choosing plans with OPD benefits. Vellore leads the trend with 12.3% of customers opting for OPD coverage, followed by Tiruvallur with 10.9%, and Mathura with 10.2%. These cities demonstrate the strong demand for comprehensive health insurance coverage that includes OPD benefits.