With the rising cost of healthcare, it is not a question of whether you get cover, but rather what type of cover you should get. South Africans have a wide range of choices available to them, and each service provider offers numerous products. The problem is that it is often a tedious process that is shrouded in industry jargon. How do you go about choosing a medical scheme? Here are some tips to help you along:
1. Check Your Budget
Healthcare cover can be a significant expense, depending on the service you require and the size of your family. It can be tempting to choose a more expensive option because of perceived additional benefits; however, it is important that you stick to your budget and choose options within the range you have planned on. Ultimately, the cover you can afford is more valuable than the sacrifice of living beyond your means.
2. Consider Your Health Status
Base your cover choice on your own medical needs. Different healthcare options exist to meet different needs. When choosing a scheme, look for one that covers the conditions or services you are most likely to use, such as dental care, eye care, or pregnancy support.
3. Comprehensive Cover Vs. Hospital Cover
This goes hand in hand with the two points directly above. Remember that you have a choice between full cover or hospital cover only when choosing a medical scheme. Hospital cover is more affordable, but does not cover day-to-day expenses. This is a good option for those who are in good health, but want to be prepared for the instance they need to go to hospital.
4. Study the Benefits Closely
This might sound very obvious, but take the time to carefully go through all the benefits included in a plan when choosing a medical scheme. There is usually quite a bit of literature to go through, and it is not always the most exciting read. Take your time though, and ask questions if anything is unclear.
5. Find Out Whether There Are Exclusions
Upon joining a new medical aid, certain exclusions may apply in the first few months. This is especially applicable to those joining for the first time, or who have not come directly from another scheme. Make sure you are aware of these when choosing a plan.
6. Confirm the Overall Cover Limits
Even comprehensive plans do not provide limitless cover. Check and make sure you understand what limits apply to various services and conditions. This is especially applicable if you are choosing a medical scheme for a family. Do the limits apply to each individual on the plan, or to the family as a whole? This could make a huge difference to the cover you enjoy.
It can be daunting choosing a medical aid scheme. But it does not have to be. KeyHealth strives to simplify the process, making your options clear and facilitating quick and easy claims. Why? Because your health should not be compromised by red tape and industry jargon. If you need help in choosing a medical scheme, simply click on “Join Now” to compare our products, or talk to one of our team members. We will gladly answer all your questions and help you make the choice that fits you perfectly.
