Given all of the many other decisions with which we have to deal every day, it is not too surprising that many of us overlook the need to provide for the possibility that our health might, at some future date, take a turn for the worse. Nothing could have been a more effective reminder of our vulnerability than the COVID-19 pandemic. Among its other effects, the threat of infection has been instrumental in prompting many more people to look for affordable hospital plans in South Africa.
For anyone confident that they can meet the routine costs of medical care such as GP visits, prescribed and over-the-counter medication, and these plans can be the perfect way to ease the far costlier option of hospitalisation in the event of a significant accident or a more severe illness. In practice, it was to meet the needs of young, single people with good general health when facing the cost of hospitalisation that affordable hospital plans were first introduced in South Africa.
Unfortunately, the markedly lower cost of these products tends to appeal to those who are inclined to favour price over quality. While undoubtedly the cheapest option, many people fail to realise that they may only qualify for cover during those periods when they are having treatment as an in-patient. For the remainder of their membership year, come what may, all other healthcare expenses that they or their dependents may incur will need to be paid for out of their own pockets. Nevertheless, for those who understand and can cope with these constraints, hospital plans are the most affordable form of private healthcare insurance in South Africa.
However, as is frequently the case with all sorts of products and services, not all of these plans are equal. Some may have hidden snags while others could offer a member some unsuspected benefits. As with any important purchase it always pays to shop around and, before making any final decision, to pay close attention to the finer details.
The cost of healthcare services continues to escalate over the years. It has forced medical aid companies in South Africa to look for ways in which to make products such as hospital plans more affordable to their members. Their main objective has been to minimise any unavoidable increases to membership fees without compromising their member’s benefits. Medshield has been highly successful in its efforts and can now offer not just one but three innovative options for those who are willing and able to meet some or all of their day-to-day healthcare costs in person.
The first of these is MediCore. Not only is it among the most affordable hospital plans in South Africa today but, as well as providing unlimited in-hospital cover, it also pays members at a higher rate for specific procedures. The two remaining Medshield plans are Premium Plus and MediSaver. Both of these focuses mainly on meeting in-hospital expenses but include a savings account from which some members can cover their out-of-hospital costs. At the same time, MediSaver also offers out-of-hospital maternity cover.
To sum up, when searching for the most affordable hospital plans in South Africa and want exceptional benefits, your first step should definitely be to contact Medshield.
