While you can leave a medical and join another at any time, most medical aids have strict policies about changing your plan within the same scheme during the course of the year. This may be restricted altogether or limited according to specific criteria for a number of reasons. If you intend on changing your medical aid plan, whether you wish to move up to a higher plan or downgrade to a lower plan, it is best to do it at the year end.
Joining a medical aid is a simple process. You can either go through an accredited broker who acts as an intermediary between you and the medical aid or you can contact the medical scheme directly and request application forms. Most medical aids now have online platforms where you can enter your details and the scheme will contact you with quotes and email you the application form.
Medical aid cover is somewhat of an essential insurance if you want to access quality health care services. Even if you are young and healthy, you may fall ill at any time, be a victim of crime or have an accident. When you need health care, you want the best medical services available and despite the government’s best efforts to provide quality care, the public health system is overburdened and understaffed. The possibility of a labour strike or budget cuts may mean that you are at the mercy of those with wage disputes or a lack of resources. A medical aid is the way to ensure that you have access to quality health care at any time.
Gallstones are small solid particles that are either found within the gallbladder or the bile ducts which drain bile out of the liver and gallbladder. Most gallstones are cholesterol stones and either dissolve in the bladder or pass out with no symptoms. However, if the stone lodges in the duct, it can cause severe pain and lead to a number of conditions like jaundice.
Jaundice is the yellow tinge of the skin, sclera (whites of the eyes) and inside of the mouth that arises when the bilirubin level in the blood is higher than normal. While it is often referred to as “yellow jaundice”, the word jaundice in itself means yellow tinge. Jaundice is more often seen in newborn babies but can also occur in adults as a result of liver and blood disorders.
Being a member of a medical aid does not mean that you can access medical services from any provider without having to pay any cash fees. At times there is a misconception by medical aid members that a doctor or other medical service provider is forced to treat you and accept payment directly from the medical aid.
Any medical service provider in South Africa, whether a general practitioner, medical specialist, and auxilliary therapists like physiotherapists, psychologists, chiropractors and so on have the right to request cash payments for their services.
Maternity benefits included
Pre-existing conditions covered (excl HIV/Aids)