Top 10 Things to Look For In a Medical Aid Scheme
Here are the top 10 things to consider when choosing a medical aid scheme:
Top 10 Things – Your medical needs
Take a look at your and your family’s needs and what you would require from the scheme. You may be young and healthy and happy with a hospital plan, or you may require a more comprehensive cover for illnesses and optometry, for example.
Top 10 Things – The Cost of the various schemes
The right cover must fit your pocket and you should feel that you are getting the most cover possible for your budget. Take a look at added value items such as Medical Savings Accounts or the opportunity to earn cash back.
Top 10 Things – Solvency ratio
It is crucial to take a look at a scheme’s solvency ratio compared to other schemes. A scheme with a low 
solvency ratio is more likely to impose hefty premium increases annually.
Top 10 Things – Administration of the scheme
Find out who the administrator is and how they will offer assistance, the level of client services offered and the process of paying out claims. Check the names of the scheme out on HelloPeter.co.za – how do the compliments compare to the complaints?
Top 10 Things – In-hospital benefits
Compare the cover that different schemes will offer you. One of the most important questions should be how you will be covered in hospital. The majority of schemes will cover you 100% of the normal medical scheme rate. Others may offer more, or less. This is why it is crucial to negotiate rates with medical providers such as specialists, doctors and surgeons. Failing to do so may mean that you become liable for additional expenses.
Top 10 Things – Medical aid exclusions
Make sure you read the fine print and are fully aware of what your option will exclude. Some schemes will exclude items such as back operations. You need to know exactly what your plan will and won’t cover.
Top 10 Things – Co-Payments
You should be aware of all co-payments on a plan. Many schemes will require you to pay co-payments out of your own pocket for certain procedures such as a gastroscopy.
Top 10 Things – Out-of-hospital cover
Many schemes will offer savings within plans whereby members are given a portion of the monthly premium upfront for a year. Such funds can be used to cover out-of-hospital, expenses such as consultation fees or over-the-counter medication.
Top 10 Things – Chronic medication cover
Make sure chronic medication is covered on your desired option. Be sure your condition is regarded as chronic and that any medication you require is covered too.
Top 10 Things – Oncology and Other Treatments
Find out if the plan you choose covers treatments such as dialysis, HIV and oncology (cancer).
All info was correct at time of publishing