Infographic
A hospital cost estimate is the hospital’s own written forecast of what your treatment may cost. A useful estimate states what is included and excluded, the length of stay it assumes and what could change the final bill. It comes from the hospital, you pay the hospital directly, and the final bill depends on your treatment and recovery.
IndiaMedicaWhat a hospital cost estimate includesWho writes the estimate?
Each hospital writes its own. IndiaMedica places the estimates side by side in plain language so you can see what is and is not included. It states that the estimates are the hospitals’ own and that the final bill depends on your treatment and recovery.
What should you check line by line?
- Does the treatment named match the specialist’s opinion?
- Which tests, medicines and consumables are included?
- Is the surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fee included?
- What room type and how many days does it assume?
- Are implants or devices included and which type?
- What happens to the bill if you need intensive care or extra days?
How is payment handled?
You pay the hospital directly for treatment. Hospitals usually ask for an admission deposit. During treatment your IndiaMedica case manager handles admission, deposits and billing questions with you. The case review, hospital opinions and estimates are free.
Does IndiaMedica’s fee change the estimate?
No. Partner hospitals pay IndiaMedica a referral fee when a patient it introduces is treated. IndiaMedica states that the fee does not change the price you pay the hospital and does not decide which hospitals are suggested. Optional services such as accommodation, interpreters and transfers are quoted in writing before you agree to them.
Compare like with like
Two estimates are only comparable if they cover the same treatment, the same stay and the same inclusions. Ask each hospital to fill the gaps.
Questions people ask
Why might the final bill differ from the estimate?
Treatment and recovery can differ from the plan. A longer stay, intensive care, extra tests or a change of implant all add cost. Ask each hospital to list what would change the bill and how you will be told before extra charges are made.
Can I get an estimate before sending all my reports?
Hospitals need enough clinical information to say what treatment they recommend. Without reports an estimate is only a rough guide. Send the reports your case manager lists so the estimate matches your case.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.