Top 10 Tips to Help You Find More Affordable Medical Aid

We all struggle every day to make financial ends meet, one of the main goals we strive to find is an affordable medical aid. With so many options available, it is essential that you consider all the aspects of the possible funds you are evaluating in order to find the best medical scheme.

Medical aids in South Africa are in a constant battle to provide affordable medical aid, and even if you do find the cheapest medical aid available, it might not be the best option. Affordable medical aid offers less cover and does not always pay the full fees suggested. If it is possible, rather acquire a fund that is a little more expensive but provides you with better cover.

To get your medical aid plan quote by email Click Here

Ten tips to have a more affordable medical aid.

1. Do not always go for the first available option. Employ a medical broker and evaluate several medical aid quotes to ensure the plan you choose fits your budget and your individual needs.
2. Consider medical aid schemes that have an additional savings plan. Even though you pay for the savings the whole year, the full amount is available at the start of the year.
3. Consider all the rules and regulations of the schemes and avoid paying penalties by adhering to these rules.
4. Some private practitioners and specialists charge up to 200% more than the suggested medical aid rates, some of these are, however, willing to negotiate these fees to charge in accordance with the rates your medical aid pays. Discuss this with the practitioner before you make an appointment or schedule surgery. The same goes for the anaesthetist.
5. When you are in the hospital stay in a general room, not a private one, though some medical aids do pay for private rooms this will cost you more and as a result will deplete your available funds sooner.
6. Try not to use the funds available in your savings account for over-the-counter medication. Rather keep it at hand to cover possible deposits and co-payments on procedures. Another option is considering a fund that has an additional over-the-counter benefit.
7. Ask for generic medicine where possible, they have the same active ingredients and cost a lot less than some of the original medication. Your medicine benefit will last longer this way.
8. Acquiring hospital insurance in addition to your medical aid can help relieve the financial burden a hospital stay puts on you. These hospital insurance plans pay out a certain amount per day you spend in the hospital. These funds can be used to cover the costs your medical aid does not cover.
9. Some of the medical aid plans have clinics available for certain illnesses such as diabetes. The funds usually receive discounted fees for these. Use these clinics to your financial advantage. They sometimes even provide the medication at a lowered cost.
10. If you realize something is wrong, go and see your doctor before it gets too serious, a faster diagnosis will mean fewer costs involved.

Following these simple tips will help you save money and you can have a more affordable medical aid. © Medical Aid Plan.

NOTES:

Your medical aid quote will include options to suit your pocket. Please ensure that the cover you select is exactly what you need and that you understand exactly what insurance you are buying. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the medical aid or hospital cover you choose.