Why should you choose a hospitalisation insurance?
A hospital stay, whether planned or not, comes with quite a few expenses. The health insurance fund covers part of the costs, but a large portion remains the patient’s responsibility. In some cases, these personal costs are three to five times higher than the reimbursement from the mutuality. To avoid having to pay your share of the hospital bill out of your own pocket, it is recommended to have hospitalization insurance.
What should you pay attention to when taking out hospitalisation insurance?
Your place of residence, age, and general health condition all help determine how much you pay for hospitalisation insurance. But don’t focus solely on the premium: it’s also best to pay attention to the coverage and the excess (deductible). What exactly is covered in the policy, and what amount will you definitely have to pay yourself? In addition, every hospitalization insurance offers many options to choose from: are you satisfied with a shared room, or do you prefer a private room? Do you want pre- and aftercare to be covered, and for what period? Do you also wish to be insured for serious illnesses?
You need to go to the hospital: now what?
Your hospitalisation insurance will provide coverage from the moment a hospital day is billed. For day hospitalisation, it’s best to check in advance with the hospital or your treating physician to see if your admission will be considered a hospital day. If you visit the plaster room or emergency department and are not admitted, your hospitalization insurance will not intervene.
How can you know for sure if your hospitalisation insurance covers a particular procedure?
Your insurer will always assess whether the procedure is medically necessary, this is the criterion for eligibility for reimbursement. For a planned procedure, be sure to inform yourself with your treating physician. They will prepare a report to submit to your health insurance fund and hospitalization insurer. That way, you won’t face any surprises.
How does the payment of the hospital bill work?
Many hospitals have agreements with insurance companies: they use the so-called third-party payment system. This means the hospital settles the bill directly with the insurer. You will only have to pay the deductible and any non-covered expenses yourself afterwards. If your insurer does not offer a third-party payment system, you must pay the bill yourself first and then request reimbursement from your insurance company.
Did you also know that...
- in the case of pregnancy, it’s best to check in advance with your insurer which type of room you may choose? Nowadays, almost every hospital offers a wide range of single and shared rooms, luxury rooms, and suites.
- a dental procedure is not covered by hospitalization insurance? For such treatments, you need to take out a separate dental plan. However, there is one exception: the removal of wisdom teeth under anesthesia in the hospital is reimbursed by your hospitalisation insurance.
- for cosmetic procedures, reimbursement is only provided if the procedure is medically necessary Your doctor can provide the necessary proof in the form of a medical report or certificate.
- a deductible is the ideal way to reduce your hospitalization insurance premium without compromising the coverage in your contract?
More info?
Taking out a hospitalisation insurance requires some consideration. We are happy to help you find the solution that best suits you.
Be sure to contact our specialists if you would like advice. You can reach them at 03 482 15 30 or via mailto:leven@vandessel.be.
