How Are Medical Aids Compared in South Africa?

How is South African medical aids compared?
Before this question is answered, you should first understand the difference between a medical aid and a medical aid scheme.

Medical Aid and Medical Scheme Compared

What is the difference between a medical aid and a medical aid scheme? Members become part of the medical scheme, which is a non-profit organization. The medical aid scheme provides the best and most cost-effective medical aid to its members. The medical aid is therefore part or the medical scheme. The monthly payment to your medical aid is the cover, your insurance, against financial obligations incurred with health care. This is dependent on the plan you chose and how comprehensive it is. 

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Criteria for Medical Aids Comparison

What should you compare with medical aids in South Africa? Comparing the features and benefits of the different schemes is probably the best way to do it, but it can be very confusing. Here are a few pointers to help you in the comparison.

• The Type of Plan. Most medical aids have more than one plan to choose from. These plans cover from a basic hospital plan to a complete coverage of all medical aspects. Choose the ones that complement your way of living. When comparing medical aids, compare the plans that coincide.
• An affordable scheme. The medical aid can have the best plan, but can you afford it? Medical aid plans become more costly the more complete the package is. However, the prices of different medical aid schemes differ. It is a worthwhile exercise to request medical aid quotes and to compare the prices with the benefits offered.
• Basics Covered. A hospital plan is the basic that should be covered by any medical aid. The important medical aid comparison is comparing what is covered as an outpatient. Often the scheme covers the tests when the patient is hospitalized but not as an outpatient. Coverage of specialized tests and services should be considered as well. Make sure the essential features are covered. 
• Acute and Chronic. Does the medical aid cover chronic illnesses and to what extent? If you or a family member has a chronic illness, this is vital. There are different regulations for acute and chronic illnesses. Compare the yearly amount of money available for acute medication as well. It can become very expensive to start paying medication out of your own pocket.
• Reputation. When comparing medical aid plans, consider the reputation of the different medical aid. Do not waste your time with unreliable medical aids, no matter what is offered as part of the package. South Africa has a variety of established medical aids that have been there for years and is still growing.

On most of the websites of the different medical aids, you will find information about the features and benefits of the specific medical aid. Normally there are options on the website to request a free quote and also to compare the specific medical aid with other medical aids.

Are you still at a loss how are medical aids compared? South Africa has many brokers who will advise you on medical aids. Many brokers represent different medical aids. They can give you a comparison of the features and benefits. They can also explain it to you in simple terms, allowing you to make  an informative decision. © Medial 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.