Hospital

In the context of insurance, a "Hospital" is defined as an institution that meets specific criteria to ensure comprehensive medical care and treatment for both in-patients and out-patients. This includes being licensed and accredited as a hospital, being staffed and operated for the primary purpose of providing medical care under the supervision of physicians. To qualify as a hospital under insurance policies, there must be registered nurses available on duty around the clock, 24 hours a day, and the facility must possess diagnostic and surgical capabilities either on its premises or through controlled facilities.

Importantly, the definition of a hospital in insurance terms excludes establishments that primarily function as clinics, extended or palliative care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, addiction treatment centers, convalescent homes, rest or nursing homes, homes for the aged, or health spas. These exclusions highlight the focus on institutions capable of providing acute medical care and emergency services, distinguishing them from places that offer long-term care, specialized treatment for addiction or rehabilitation, or services focused on comfort and long-term living assistance.

This definition ensures that insurance coverage is appropriately applied to services and treatments that require the infrastructure, professional staffing, and medical oversight characteristic of a traditional hospital setting, thereby providing clarity and specificity in insurance policies regarding what constitutes eligible medical care facilities.