In Dubai, health insurance is not just a choice but a legal requirement. But having a policy is not enough. It’s important to understand the details of these policies, especially the terms ‘inpatient care’ and ‘outpatient care’. These terms may seem complicated, but they are key to managing medical treatments and healthcare costs. Healthcare services are divided into two types: where and how long the treatment lasts and how payments are handled. This article explores an in-depth comparison of inpatient v/s outpatient care in the UAE, highlighting their unique features, differences, types and more.
What is inpatient care?
Inpatient care is when a person, called an ‘inpatient,’ is hospitalised for medical treatment. This care typically involves staying overnight in the hospital, ranging from one night to several days, depending on the patient’s condition.
Patients need inpatient care when they require close observation and monitoring, usually during planned medical procedures or emergencies. To qualify as an inpatient and receive health insurance benefits, a person must be hospitalised for at least 24 hours.
Inpatient care services in the UAE:
In the UAE, inpatient care services are comprehensive and include the following:
- Surgical procedures: Such as heart surgeries, organ transplants, and orthopaedic surgeries.
- Intensive care: Patients needing constant monitoring and support, like those in ICU.
- Long-term treatment: For severe illnesses such as cancer or chronic diseases.
How do inpatient services work?
Here’s a simple example to help explain inpatient services. Mr. Khan, who lives in the UAE, had a serious heart problem one day and was quickly taken to the hospital. The doctors did a procedure called angioplasty to help his heart, and he had to stay in the hospital for a few days so they could watch him closely. This is called inpatient care—when a patient stays in the hospital overnight for treatment.
Inpatient care usually happens in two main situations:
- Emergencies: This is when someone has a serious health problem, like Mr Khan’s heart issue, and needs to be in the hospital immediately to get treatment and be watched closely to save their life.
- Complex surgeries: This type of care is for complicated surgeries that require the patient to stay in the hospital before and after the surgery to prepare and recover. Examples are organ transplants or big bone surgeries.
Inpatient care is also needed for other medical situations like treating long-term illnesses, doing major surgeries, helping with severe burns, childbirth, and even some cosmetic surgeries. Each of these needs different amounts of time in the hospital with continuous care from doctors and nurses.
Inpatient services are all about giving the right care and support in a hospital for serious health problems.
Does health insurance cover inpatient care?
In the UAE, having health insurance is important for getting inpatient care. It helps pay for good healthcare services, covering the costs of long hospital stays and complex treatments. This way, these costs don’t become too expensive for patients or their families. Most health insurance plans provide good coverage for inpatient services.
What is outpatient care?
Outpatient care is a medical service where patients receive treatment without being admitted to the hospital called an “outpatient”. This can include routine check-ups, minor surgical procedures, diagnostic tests, and therapies that don’t require an overnight stay.
Unlike inpatient care, outpatient procedures are usually conducted outside of hospitals, in places like clinics or diagnostic centres.
How do outpatient services work?
Let’s look at Mr. Ashfaq from the UAE as an example. After staying in the hospital for a heart problem, he now needs to see his heart doctor regularly and have follow-up tests to check his heart health. These services, which he gets without staying overnight in the hospital, are called outpatient care.
Outpatient care includes many different medical services, like:
- Diagnostic tests: Simple tests like blood tests and chest X-rays help doctors check your health and find problems early. CT scans give detailed pictures of the inside of your body to help diagnose diseases, monitor treatments, or plan surgeries.
- Chemotherapy sessions: Chemotherapy, often used to treat cancer, can be done without staying overnight in the hospital. Patients come in for treatment and leave the same day.
- Urinalysis: This simple test checks your urine to diagnose and manage certain health conditions. It’s done without needing to stay in the hospital.
- Minor surgeries: Small surgeries that don’t require a long hospital stay, like removing a small lump or doing a minor procedure.
- Long-term disease treatments: Treatments for long-term health issues, like dialysis for kidney problems or some types of chemotherapy, are often done without needing to stay overnight.
- Dental procedures: Dental surgeries like root canals, tooth extractions, and implants can also be done without staying in the hospital.
Additionally, outpatient clinics in the UAE are well-equipped to handle various medical needs efficiently and promptly.
Does health insurance cover outpatient care?
Health insurance is important for outpatient care because it helps pay for medical treatments without making them too expensive. However, not all health insurance plans cover outpatient services, so checking the details is important. If you need to see a doctor often or get other outpatient services, choosing a health insurance plan that covers these costs is a good idea.
The benefits of inpatient v/s outpatient care in the UAE
Deciding between inpatient and outpatient care depends on various factors, including the nature of the illness, the patient’s condition, and personal preferences.
| Type of Care | Benefits |
| Inpatient care | Comprehensive monitoring: Patients get constant care and observation, which is crucial for serious health problems. Immediate access to specialists: Specialists are always available in the hospital to provide quick medical attention if needed. Intensive support services: Access to advanced medical equipment and intensive treatments. |
| Outpatient care | Convenience: Patients can go home the same day, which is great for minor procedures and regular check-ups. Cost-effective: Lower costs because there are no overnight stays or hospital fees. Flexible scheduling: Patients can choose appointment times that work best for them, leading to less waiting and faster service. |
Inpatient v/s outpatient care in the UAE – A quick comparison
Understanding the core differences between inpatient and outpatient care can help patients choose the appropriate service. Here are some of the main distinctions:
| Aspect | Inpatient care | Outpatient care |
| Duration of stay | Requires at least one overnight stay in a hospital. | Does not require an overnight stay. |
| Type of services | Major surgeries, complex treatments, intensive care. | Minor surgeries, routine check-ups, diagnostic tests. |
| Cost | Generally higher due to hospital stay and care. | Typically lower as there is no hospital admission. |
| Insurance coverage | Covered with basic plan subject to approval; more expensive. | Often covered with basic insurance plans. |
| Patient monitoring | Continuous, 24-hour care by medical professionals. | Limited monitoring during the visit; the patient goes home. |
Cost of inpatient v/s outpatient care in the UAE:
The cost of inpatient v/s outpatient care in the UAE can differ greatly. Inpatient care is usually more expensive because it includes staying in the hospital, intensive treatments, and using a lot of medical equipment. On the other hand, outpatient care is generally cheaper because it involves shorter visits and fewer resources.
Health insurance coverage for inpatient and outpatient care
Health insurance is important when choosing inpatient and outpatient care in the UAE.
Inpatient insurance:
- Most health insurance plans in the UAE cover inpatient services.
- The coverage can vary from plan to plan.
- Comprehensive plans usually cover most hospital stay costs, including room fees, nursing care, and medications.
- Some plans may require a co-payment or limit coverage to specific hospitals or treatments.
Outpatient insurance:
- Health insurance for outpatient care often covers routine doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and minor procedures.
- Basic plans generally include general outpatient services.
- More specialised outpatient treatments might require additional coverage.
Final takeaway:
Understanding inpatient v/s outpatient care in the UAE is essential for making informed healthcare decisions. Both types of care are important and serve different purposes. Knowing your options is important, whether you need to stay in the hospital for complicated treatments or visit outpatient clinics in the UAE for smaller procedures. This helps you plan and manage your healthcare better.
Always keep a tap with your health insurance provider about what is covered for both types of care to avoid any surprise costs. For more insights on navigating healthcare and insurance options in the UAE, you can explore more on InsuranceMarket.ae to make well-informed decisions.
If you want to learn more about navigating the claims process in the UAE, check out our guide to help you understand it better. If you’re curious about making the most of your health insurance without upfront payments.
Understanding the benefits of different types of coverage can also be important, so don’t miss our insights on why having both health insurance and critical illness coverage might be beneficial—find out more here. To discover why health insurance is so important, read our insights on its benefits.
Last, if you’re curious about which health insurance providers might be best for you, explore our recommendations on top companies in Dubai.
Staying informed and ready ensures you get the financial support you need when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. What is the average cost of health insurance in the UAE?
The average price for health insurance for an individual is AED 3,500 and above, whereas for a family, the average starting price is AED 7,000 and above.
Q. What is inpatient care in health insurance?
Inpatient care costs include room rent, ICU charges, operating theatre charges, doctor fees, nursing charges, and anaesthesia.
Q. What is outpatient treatment in health insurance?
Outpatient treatment means getting medical care without staying in the hospital. It includes doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, rehabilitation, and more.
Q. Is outpatient care always cheaper than inpatient care in the UAE?
Usually, yes. Outpatient care is generally cheaper because it doesn’t include the costs of staying in a hospital.
Q. Can my health insurance cover inpatient and outpatient services in the UAE?
Most health insurance plans in the UAE cover inpatient and outpatient services, but coverage can vary. It’s important to check your plan to see what is covered.
Q. What should I think about when choosing between inpatient and outpatient care?
Before deciding between inpatient and outpatient care, consider the severity of your condition, the type of treatment you need, the costs, and what your insurance covers.
