When you are not covered by a medical aid plan, no matter how hard you try to convince yourself that it is okay, the risk is far too great to push the nagging feeling to the side. Although you may feel healthy and on top the world now, it only takes a split second for things to change course. Allow yourself the peace of mind of knowing that you can go on adventures, drive your car, and live life to the fullest without having to think about the what-ifs and the eery reality of what would happen if you are in an accident and you can’t afford the medical bills because you are not covered by a medical aid scheme.
This does not have to be a worry though. To help you get started on the right track, we have compiled a list of top tips to help you choose the best medical aid option for you and your family.
South Africa has a variety of medical aid schemes and options to choose from. In total, South Africa has approximately 80 different medical schemes. 21 of them are open schemes, which mean that anyone is free to join them. Now if you think about the multitude of plans that every scheme offers, it is easy to see why it can be so overwhelming and time-consuming to find the right plan for the upcoming year.
Narrow Down Your Choices
To help move the process along, pinpoint key benefits that you are looking for. This will help you narrow the search down to a handful. The first key choice that you will have to make is whether or not you are looking for a hospital plan or a full-coverage medical aid. Be sure to consider your lifestyle and health and whether or not you can most benefit from a plan that only covers in-hospital procedures or a more comprehensive plan with dental benefits and free GP visits.
Search for Age Appropriate Plans
You may automatically be able to benefit from more comprehensive plans purely based on your age. When looking for the right medical aid option, be sure to look for specific plans that could be tailored for individuals around your age. This will help you get an idea of what to expect and what to look out for. If you are young, healthy and independent, a hospital plan could be the most affordable and suitable option.
Be Aware of Waiting Periods
Many medical aid plans have a three month waiting period before the benefits kick in and you are officially covered, especially if you are signing up with no previous history of being on a medical aid plan. So, before you pop the champagne and celebrate being covered, it is absolutely necessary that you ask about any additional waiting periods or exclusions of pre-existing health conditions that you need to be aware of.
Virtual Care Options
During the COVID-19 pandemic, visiting your general practitioner (GP) and being admitted to the hospital has become all the riskier. Many medical aid schemes have adapted to the times and encourage virtual care and other online solutions. At KeyHealth, we offer a variety of free benefits with each plan. This includes our innovative Health Booster and Smart Baby Program. Both these programs are tailored to help ensure that you have assistance whenever and wherever you need it.
The KeyHealth Smart Baby Program is specifically designed to offer a community of online support, advice and check-ups to families who are expecting a baby. It furthermore provides valuable information to new families who are looking for answers to everyday questions regarding pregnancy and childcare. If you have any queries or questions about KeyHealth’s maternity benefits available to mothers and babies (for example, antenatal visits, vitamins and classes, ultrasounds, etc.) and how to access these benefits, you can easily find the information on the program.
Compare Your Options
It is easy to get sucked into multiple options and choices. Before you commit to any specific plan, be sure to create a fair and thorough comparison guide for yourself and weigh the pros and cons of each option. When you are comparing the options, it is also crucial that you keep your budget in mind and ensure that your monthly premium is sustainable and affordable. At KeyHealth, we suggest that your monthly premium does not exceed 10% of your monthly salary. This way you can comfortably pay your monthly premiums without having to worry about making ends meet.
KeyHealth Options
At KeyHealth, we offer six extensive plans to choose from. They are:
- Essence
- Origin
- Equilibrium
- Silver
- Gold Platinum
When choosing your KeyHealth plan, your budget, lifestyle, health and age are all taken into consideration. We also pride ourselves on keeping it real and communicating your options to you in a way that is authentic, realistic and clear, ensuring that all the boxes are ticked, and you always know exactly where you stand. If you are considering a KeyHealth option, allow us to help you compare your 2021 options.
If you found this article helpful, and you are looking for an affordable and quality medical aid plan for 2021, be sure to contact one of our KeyHealth representatives. Alternatively, you can stop by one of our walk-in offices where we can discuss the right option for you and your family. Or simply chat with one of our consultants via our Live Support. You can also check out our Facebook page for more information, events, photos and what our community has to say and share, or follow us on Twitter.
We would love to help take some of the burdens off your shoulders and send you into the new year with fewer worries than before!
