Inpatient vs outpatient care: what's the difference?

Table of contents

1. What is inpatient care?

2. What is outpatient care?

3. How is the type of care you need determined?

4. What are the differences in costs between inpatient and outpatient care?

5. Does international health insurance cover inpatient and outpatient care?

Which type of care you’ll need will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your condition, the type of medical treatment you’re having and your post-treatment requirements, which your care team will discuss with you.

Read our guide for a detailed look at the difference between inpatient and outpatient care, including examples, the costs involved and what can be covered in international health insurance.

What is inpatient care?

With inpatient care, you will normally have to stay in hospital overnight to receive medical treatment. The length of time you remain in the medical facility will depend on your healthcare needs, and can range from one night to many months.

Inpatient medical services are usually used to treat more serious health conditions and perform complex procedures, such as transplants or bypass surgery, where you’re likely to require constant monitoring and care from medical staff, as well as the use of more medical equipment.

In your private health insurance plan, inpatient care can cover the costs for the following:

• Childbirth

• Major surgeries

• Life threatening conditions like a heart attack or stroke

• Severe burns

What is outpatient care?

Outpatient care differs from this in that it doesn’t normally require you to stay overnight in hospital, and involves less invasive and complex procedures.

You can normally go home once treatment has been completed in the outpatient department, but there could be some instances where a stay in hospital is necessary, like if you need further care or if your treating team must observe your condition.

Examples of the type of outpatient services that can be covered in international medical insurance include: 

• Diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, MRI, CT, and PET scans

• Prescription drugs and dressings

• Specialist consultations

• Therapies, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, homeopathy and acupuncture

How is the type of care you need determined?

Whether you should have inpatient or outpatient care will depend on your individual circumstances, with your treatment team basing the decision on what type of care is most suitable for your condition.

Some factors that they may take into consideration at this time can include:

• The severity of your condition: inpatient care is used to treat more serious or life-threatening conditions, so this could be an important factor in choosing your care path.

• The type of treatment: outpatient care usually consists of less invasive and complex procedures, which might not require an overnight stay in hospital, while inpatient care can involve complex surgeries that carry a higher chance of medical complications.

• Your overall health: if you have an underlying medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease, then inpatient services might be recommended in case any issues arise which call for close monitoring.

What are the differences in costs between inpatient and outpatient care?

There can be significant differences in the costs of these types of care, with inpatient medical services generally being more expensive. This is because there are a lot more costs associated with this type of care, which can include the hospital bed, your hospital room, as well as facility-based charges.

As outpatient care doesn’t normally require an overnight stay in hospital, its costs tend to be lower. The treatment also generally requires less continuous monitoring and use of medical equipment, which keeps fees down.

Does international health insurance cover inpatient and outpatient care?

International private medical insurance (IPMI) is designed for individuals, students and families living, studying or working abroad for prolonged periods of time. It provides fast access to diagnosis and eligible treatment at leading medical facilities around the world, helping to protect your healthcare needs whilst overseas.

With IPMI, you can benefit from flexibility in your cover, meaning you can decide where you receive your treatment, as well as who provides it so long as it is within your area of cover.

Inpatient and outpatient services usually feature within this type of insurance, but specific details of your cover, such as the level and type, will depend on the plan you choose. Ensure you read all policy documentation carefully before purchasing insurance so that you make an informed decision.

Take a look at our blog to find out more about what can be covered in international medical insurance plans.