Maximizing Efficiency: Reducing Outpatient Claims Costs Without Compromising Quality
Every year, millions of travellers experience health issues while travelling abroad, ranging from the common flu to minor injuries. These non-emergency situations can escalate without access to local medical care, leading to high healthcare costs. According to Adam Feiler, SVP Global Sales at Air Doctor, many policyholders end up in emergency rooms for issues that could be treated elsewhere, costing the insurance industry billions.
The Rising Cost of Outpatient Claims
The global travel market is experiencing significant growth, with the Journal of Travel Medicine predicting that international trips will reach 1.8 billion annually by 2030. Alarmingly, over 40% of travellers visiting developing regions will fall ill, often with non-emergency and treatable conditions.
Despite this, insurers are witnessing a sharp rise in outpatient claims costs. For instance, a non-emergency hospital visit in the U.S. can cost around $2,000. In 2024, average insurance payouts surged by 37%, from $1,900 to $2,600. These figures highlight logistical failures rather than life-threatening emergencies.
Why Travellers Choose ERs over Local Doctors
Several barriers discourage travellers from seeking local medical care, including:
- Language barriers: Difficulty in communicating symptoms can complicate the process.
- Lack of local knowledge: Travellers often don’t know which clinics to trust.
- Fear of low-quality care: Concerns about unfamiliar healthcare providers lead to hesitation.
- Unclear reimbursement processes: Complicated claims can delay treatment.
Faced with these challenges, many travellers opt for emergency rooms, which, while familiar, can lead to unnecessary expenses for insurers, especially when a simple outpatient visit would suffice.
Redefining Access to Medical Care Abroad
Imagine a scenario where a traveller, instead of rushing to the ER, can easily locate a trusted local doctor within minutes. This is precisely what the Air Doctor app offers. With a global network of over 20,000 vetted doctors, the app provides on-demand medical care through clinics, hotels, or video consultations, all while overcoming language barriers.
Key features of the Air Doctor app include:
- Quick scheduling: Video visits can be scheduled in under 15 minutes, while in-person visits take less than 45 minutes.
- Cashless experience: Travellers can receive care without worrying about upfront costs or complicated claims.
- Multi-lingual support: Medical care is available in over 90 countries, ensuring effective communication.
Benefits for All Stakeholders
When travellers access the right care from the start, everyone benefits. This includes:
- Faster recovery for travellers.
- Reduced claims costs for insurers.
- Less time spent on complex case management for assistance teams.
Partners working with Air Doctor have seen a reduction in assistance handling costs by up to 40% and outpatient claim costs by 52%. This innovative approach not only enhances care quality but also improves cost efficiency.
The Takeaway
As travel volumes soar and medical costs rise, insurers must address the significant issue of non-emergency claims leakage. The solution lies not only in improved technology but also in providing smarter access to trusted local care. At Air Doctor, we are not just digitising access; we are revolutionising the first point of care to ensure it is faster, easier, and more cost-effective for everyone involved. When policyholders receive better care, your bottom line improves too.
