Make sure you review your medical scheme cover for 2021

With many South Africans feeling the pinch of a tough economy, many are looking at their medical scheme cover and wondering if they can afford it in 2021. There is many a medical aid review under way among South African families.

If they do decide to continue with their medical aid, they are wondering what they can do to review their particular option and reduce their premiums just a bit.

When you start to review medical schemes for 2021, you’ll come across names such as Fedhealth, Genesis, Topmed, Bestmed, Discovery, Bonitas and others. If you're already on a medical aid, it will need to be reviewed to see if the plan you have still suits your needs.

People choose their medical scheme cover based on what they can afford and the levels of cover they can get. A person has to review all the benefits available to them and look at costs.

COMPLETE THIS FORM TO GET YOUR MEDICAL AID QUOTES!

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.

Premiums are always high – know what you’re paying for

The medical aids have had a field-day with COVID-19 and the reason for this is that many members stopped going to doctors. They only went to the doctor when they were seriously sick, and even lots of procedures were delayed.

Medical schemes have saved and therefore scored a lot during COVID, seeing a significant increase in reserve levels. They're not parting with any of it however.

Even though they will be keeping premium increases lower in 2021, there will simply be bigger increases in 2022 and enormous co-payments on essential medications. Do research and know where your money is going.

Is your dread disease covered by your medical aid?

Have you got a serious disease for which you need cover?

Diabetes is the leading cause of death for men and women, affecting millions and that includes young people.

Heart disease, stroke and cancer are also dread diseases. While medical schemes will offer different levels of cover, if you have a family history of one of these dread diseases, you’ll want to check what your medical aid plan has to offer regarding it before you sign on the dotted line.

Not everyone automatically gets cover

The reason you need to review your medical scheme cover for 2021 is that not everyone automatically ‘qualifies’ for dread disease cover.

The medical scheme, when underwriting your application for medical cover, will take a look at your medical history and take into account your health status and chronic conditions.

Do you smoke and drink as these can count against you too? 

They will look at your age, knowing full well that as you age, your chances of getting one of these dread diseases increases.

Medical aid can protect you from major medical costs

People have to take responsibility for their own lives. Medical aid schemes are designed to support your health care. There are many schemes, all with different options and being on a good plan can protect you from the burden of major medical costs.

With the new year well on a roll, maybe you’ve already made some new year resolutions. Are you hoping for better medical care during 2021?

You can get the most out of your medical aid by focusing on knowing what their offerings are. You don’t want to be fretting about your medical cover or lack of it. The amount of money that you’re parting with each month on premiums can have a huge influence on your satisfaction, your health and your happiness.