In-patient

What Does In-patient Mean?

An inpatient is a person admitted to a hospital overnight for treatment of a serious injury or illness. Inpatients may stay for one night, several days, a week, or even longer, depending on the severity of their condition and the complexity of the treatment required.

Insuranceopedia Explains In-patient

A doctor or clinic visit is often sufficient to diagnose and treat many illnesses. However, more serious conditions—such as a broken leg, life-threatening infection, or organ failure—may require overnight hospitalization. Most health insurance policies include coverage for inpatient hospital stays, as these can be extremely costly.