What is a GL letter?
A GL is a letter from your insurer to a hospital or provider, also called a letter of coverage. It says the insurer will pay for the stated treatment up to a limit, so you do not pay the amount up front.
It is the paperwork behind “cashless” treatment. Without it, you usually pay yourself and claim back later, which is called reimbursement.
Why does it matter for a patient or family?
Knowing which route applies avoids a nasty surprise at the counter. With a letter, the bill goes to the insurer. With reimbursement, you pay first, keep all the receipts and reports, and send in a claim.
Whether your insurer issues a letter for outpatient or home physiotherapy depends on the policy and the insurer. Ask them before the first visit.
What should we ask the insurer?
- Does my policy cover physiotherapy, and is it for outpatient, home or inpatient care?
- Is a doctor’s referral needed? Check with your doctor or insurer, especially for claims.
- Is there a yearly limit, and what is left?
- Is a letter possible, or do I pay first and claim later?
- Which documents do I need, such as an invoice, receipts and a report?
An everyday example in Ipoh
A son arranges home physiotherapy for his mother after a stay in a hospital in Ipoh. He phones the insurer first and learns that he will pay and claim afterwards, so he asks the provider for an itemised invoice, receipts and a short report.
He keeps them in one folder, and sends the claim within the time the insurer gave.
Related terms and our pages
- Discharge plan: the hospital’s plan for going home.
Read about cashless vs reimbursement for physiotherapy, insurance and physiotherapy in Perak and whether you need a referral. See our pages on insurance and fees.