What is Post-Hospitalisation Home Care Coverage?

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The hospital stay may be over, but your recovery is still in progress. From follow-up treatments to home-based care, expenses can continue to add up. It is where post-hospitalisation home care coverage plays a crucial role.


Heard this term for the first time? Curious to know what exactly this benefit covers? Here’s a closer look at the answer.


What are Post-Hospitalisation Expenses in Health Insurance?


Suppose a policyholder underwent a critical surgery. After the doctor discharges the patient from the hospital, there are still some expenses left, such as medication, therapy or specialised nursing services. These are called post-hospitalisation expenses.


Most top insurers in India cover these expenses under a standard health insurance policy. But the extent of coverage can vary.


What Does Post-hospitalisation Home Care Benefit Cover?


In general, you get coverage for the following healthcare expenses:



  1. Costs of ongoing medications after surgery.

  2. Follow-up consultations with the medical practitioner.

  3. Professional services such as nursing care and physiotherapy.

  4. Screening tests are required to determine the current health condition after discharge. They can be CT scans, blood tests to know vitamin and mineral levels, or X-rays.


Common Exclusions of Post-Hospitalisation Home Care Coverage


The expenses that are generally not covered by most insurers are:



  1. Non-medical costs such as special food, travel expenses, or fees of personal attendants.



  1. Treatments that the insured person chooses, and not a medical professional prescribes.



  1. Nutritional supplements or vitamins that your doctor does not prescribe for recovery.


What to Know About Post-Hospitalisation Home Care Coverage?


1. Time Limitation


Know that post-hospitalisation coverage is not indefinite. Most insurers usually cover costs for up to 60 to 90 days after discharge, while some policies provide up to 180 days of coverage post-discharge.


2. Valid Claim


For a smooth claim settlement experience, the inpatient hospitalisation claim must be valid and accepted. Also, your healthcare professionals must prescribe the post-hospitalisation expenses, enabling you to become eligible for the benefit.


3. Documentation


Suppose your insurer reimburses post-hospitalisation expenses. Then, you must keep original prescriptions, bills of screening tests or nursing services, and discharge summaries in a proper way for a seamless reimbursement experience.


What is the Difference Between Post-Hospitalisation and Domiciliary Hospitalisation Coverage?


Domiciliary hospitalisation covers hospital-level medical treatment at home due to the patient's immobility or lack of hospital beds. It covers treatments taken at home instead of in the hospital for more than three days.


Conversely, post-hospitalisation home care covers recovery expenses (such as nursing, physiotherapy, and medication) incurred after discharge from an actual hospital stay.


Final Words


Recovery doesn't end with the hospital discharge, and neither should your coverage. Post-hospitalisation home care benefits step in when you still incur medical bills at home, easing both stress and expenses. Know what coverage you get, what's not, and make your policy work better for your complete recovery journey.