Changing medical aids is a not a difficult task provided that various procedures are followed to ensure that it is done properly. The greater challenge lies in taking the risk of changing from one medical aid to another and whether this will work in your favour or not. Many medical aid members make decisions rather impulsively, blinded by the price factor, with little thought of how changing medical aids can impact on their cover. While it is always good to shop around, one should not be hasty in making a decision without first comparing the benefits of the new medical aid plan with that of the old one. After all, you either need the same cover or better cover over time as you get older and the risk of various diseases increase.
Joining a Medical Aid After Falling Pregnant
Medical aids usually do not cover any procedure or treatment for a pre-existing condition within the first year of joining a scheme. This applies to pregnancy as well and almost all medical aid schemes will not cover the pregnancy and delivery costs for a new member who joins the scheme when pregnant.
The list of registered South African medical aids was sourced from the Councils of Medical Schemes website. Some of these medical aids may have discontinued business or changed their contact details. This list serves as a guide and Vitacare Health will not be held liable for any incorrect information. Always refer to the medical aid’s website or phone the call centre for more information. New medical aids may not be listed here.
A restricted medical aid means that only employees of a certain company or workers of a specific sector of industry can join the medical scheme. It is not open to the general public. Always refer to the contact numbers on your latest medical aid card for the most up to date details. Your medical aid may have different contact numbers for general enquiries, hospital authorisation and emergency services.
The elderly often need financial and medical support from younger family member as they reach their twilight years. In a country where most senior citizens cannot afford to retire and pensions are barely enough for everyday living expenses, medical aid is often forgone in order to continue affording to live. It is also the years where medical expenses increase as age-related conditions and chronic diseases set in.
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Certain medical aids only cater for professionals and are therefore restricted schemes. This means it is not open to the general public and there are certain criteria that an applicant has to meet in order to qualify for membership. With medical aids for professionals, the criteria almost always involves having a recognized degree from a reputable tertiary institution. Some of these medical aids will accept a graduate from any field, while others are restricted only to professionals working in certain sectors of industry.
