The saying goes that an apple a day will keep the doctor away. Unfortunately, it is not always that simple. South African health care is amongst the most expensive in the world. A good medical aid scheme can help you overcome very high costs in a time of trauma. Use the following useful guidelines when deciding on the scheme for you.

The first thing an individual has to make sure of when selecting a medical scheme, is to check that the scheme is registered under the Medical Schemes Act in South Africa. This act came into operation in February 1999.

Gather information on the benefits, contributions, limitations and exclusions the different schemes offer. Compare these with each other to get a general idea on the various schemes.

You don't have to decide on your own. There are professional experts, called brokers, available to act as an intermediary between you and the different schemes. Ensure that the Council of Medical Schemes has accredited the broker before you acquire his or her services.

Get acquainted with the medical aid company's financial status by requesting their latest financial statements. This way you won't be disappointed when it turns out that they are not able to pay out your claim.

A member s entitled to a copy of the scheme's rules - if you haven't received it, request for it. Members are also allowed access to financial statements and annual reports, but there might be a fee connected to these documents. The medical scheme is compelled to give a new member a summarized copy of the aid's rules, indicating the mutual rights and obligations, benefit options and contributions of both the member and the aid.

Request an online medical aid quote


Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. All trademarks property of their owners.
Insurance South Africa | Dial Direct | Life Insurance | Medical Insurance