Outbreaks of viruses, road accidents, even a genetic predisposition to life-threatening conditions all mean that at any moment, we might require medical care. Not receiving quality care when you need it is, however, a danger in itself. The best thing you can do for peace of mind surrounding your health and the health of your family is to ensure you are covered for the day you require help. It is important to note that not all medical schemes are created equal, and selecting the wrong one could mean you lose more money than you realise. These essential tips are just a few considerations to keep in mind, especially for something seen as an investment into your health.
Assess Your Own Health Status
If you and your family members intend to find a new coverage plan, it may be time to take a closer look at your overall health. Seriously consider issues with which you regularly have to deal and whether or not surgery, chronic medication, and regular doctor visits might become a part of your future. Think about your family history for certain conditions and do not disregard aspects such as mental wellness and dental history, either. If you plan on growing your family, maternity benefits are a major consideration too. Families with younger children also need to ensure they find a plan that works well for their situation.
Decide Between Comprehensive Cover and a Hospital Plan
In-hospital stays are pricey and being caught without cover is not pleasant. Most medical schemes do offer hospital plans, but it will be your job to find out which works best for you. Full-cover plans are always recommended for families, older individuals, and those who deal with chronic health issues. Young and fit individuals who don’t pay much for day-to-day expenses are more likely to get the most out of a hospital plan.
Compare Plans Thoroughly
Before you even look into any plans, you need to determine the type of budget you have available for cover. Across the board, most medical schemes have options at various tiers, all offering different benefits, and finding the sweet spot between what you can afford and what works for your health is key. Once you have an idea of how much you can afford on your premiums, you can then explore plans in a similar price range. Be sure to compare each benefit and look into day-to-day limits and your annual medical savings account. Some bills might require co-payments, so be sure you understand these as well as what percentage of the fund covers certain hospital procedures.
Here at Medshield, we make choosing between medical schemes easy. We encourage members to check our payment record with their healthcare providers as well as our solvency ratio and consistent AA- Global Credit rating, which all assure you that you can trust us to pay your claims. As one of the country’s largest and fast-growing medical aid schemes, we ensure affordable prices and excellent service. We also have seven benefit options including a hospital plan and discounted contribution categories to suit individuals with lower incomes.
Our online tool allows you to manage your healthcare any time of day or night, and joining us means you have access to all these benefits and more. Contact us here for advice on choosing the right plan today.
