Worldwide Medical Insurance plans broadly have three key components, which are (1) in-patient or daycare treatment, (2) outpatient treatment, and (3) add-on options. A “Basic” or “Standard” plan usually includes inpatient and daycare, but no outpatient or other cover. A “Comprehensive” plan mostly covers outpatient costs in addition to the inpatient costs, often with a capped limit. "Deluxe", "Platinum" or "Premier" plans offer a full cover range of inpatient, daycare, and outpatient with a range of additional benefits such as dental, maternity, optical, wellness/health checks and even chronic conditions cover in certain cases.
It is important to understand that the specific policy terms and exclusions for each insurers plan are different, so we must check the specific benefits, caps, areas of cover and any other exclusions.

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from a serious illness or accident while overseas then the true benefit of a worldwide health insurance plan will become apparent. Many developing countries will not have the level of medical expertise or facilities to manage the situation. This will mean that the insurer, together with various dedicated international assistance companies, will arrange and manage your evacuation to a suitable location for treatment of the condition, or back to your home country (depending on the policy terms). If the treatment is available locally and you do not have to be evacuated then the expense of the treatment may be considerably higher than you might expect to pay in your home country. The increasing demand on high quality medical facilities in developing countries and the difficulty in providing them means costs are very high (China is currently one of the most expensive places globally for high quality Expat healthcare).

Outpatient Costs exacerbated

Expatriates with families and small children will know that Outpatient costs and visits to the local Doctor are usually the main cost area at home, but this is exacerbated whilst abroad. Expats in developing countries are more prone to ill health and outpatient costs in many developing countries are surprising high (China has some of the highest medical costs in the world today!). You need to know that GP costs will be fully reimbursed, or at least know the level of deductible, which will be made from any and all outpatient claims.
If you are able to afford the premiums, Outpatient cover added to in-patient/daycare cover makes sense. In-patient care gives catastrophic cover or a hospital cost cover, but gives no cost cover if you are "walking wounded".