158 replies to this topic Post Order

[DubbelBuys]

I've always been a very lucky person when it comes to sickness, accidents etc. but don't want to risk it anymore.

I'm going to start working for myself & willing to spend +- R1000 on a medical aid. Should I rather just go for a good hospital plan (& save a bit) or rather the whole package?

I'm not much of a "brille & pille" guy. Like I said I'm actually very healthy, but on the road a lot, ride mtb & hike in the mountains & this would be just to cover for that unlucky day.

Then the BIG Q is: Which medical aid fund is 'best'?

Thanx

[TNT1]

me and the kids have been on a hospital plan for the last two years almost. No problems.

[Joe_Cogs]

Personally go for what you can afford. I decided against a hospital plan because firstly they only cover certain hospitals and secondly, sometimes the most expensive stuff starts as soon as you leave hospital.

It's a personal thing. Do some research and decide on the best package suited to your lifestyle.

And remember. You get what you pay for.

Edit: I am on Discovery. I find them to have looked after me the best... and I have sniffed around for other options. Besides, medical aid aside they also tend to give you fringe benefits.

Edited by Joe_Cogs, 08 August 2012 - 11:39 .

[Tumbleweed]

Not Bonitas…

Okay, maybe I'm being unfair about a very bad experience…

[TNT1]

Joe_Cogs, on 08 August 2012 - 11:37 , said:

Personally go for what you can afford. I decided against a hospital plan because firstly they only cover certain hospitals and secondly, sometimes the most expensive stuff starts as soon as you leave hospital.

Guess it depends on the company and the package? Mine covers any hospital, and all out-patient visits related to the original hospitalisation event.

Hell, they even cover flu shots and stuff.

[Mojoman]

Joe_Cogs, on 08 August 2012 - 11:37 , said:

Personally go for what you can afford. I decided against a hospital plan because firstly they only cover certain hospitals and secondly, sometimes the most expensive stuff starts as soon as you leave hospital.

It's a personal thing. Do some research and decide on the best package suited to your lifestyle.

And remember. You get what you pay for.

For sure here, many years back I was involved in a motorcycle accident, I broke my leg. I had a hospital plan and thought I was OK.
I pretty much was, except for some item such as crutches, the cost of the special leg brace,  repeated follow up visits to the specialist and some odds and sods.
That cost me a bit of money so watch out for the additional costs as well.

[DubbelBuys]

Thanx for the replies.

I was also leaning towards discovery. Heard good things about them & also some bad, but you know you can't satisfy everyone.

Sometimes you don't get what you pay for. Like when insured with Old Mutual.

[DubbelBuys]

@TNT1: What hospital plan you on?

Do they also cover eg: crutches & follow up specialist visits?

@ Tumbleweed: What was your bad experience if I may ask?

[TNT1]

jdb10810, on 08 August 2012 - 11:44 , said:

Sometimes you don't get what you pay for. Like when insured with Old Mutual.

Ah, crap. I just moved to them.

[Jigghead]

I'm a broker, and to be honest, the best options are Discovery and Momentum. Those are the one's I deal with.

Having said that, I believe that Fedsure is pretty good, but not dealing with them, I'm not in a position to comment with any degree of certainty.

Hope this helps.

J

[TNT1]

jdb10810, on 08 August 2012 - 11:47 , said:

@TNT1: What hospital plan you on?

Do they also cover eg: crutches & follow up specialist visits?

BestMed. They have been brilliant with my thumb incident. Cover my weekly follow ups with the surgeon and everything. You just need to box clever, right? So I see him at the hospital not his rooms (they're across the road from each other) and stuff like that.

Also, remember, that anything thing you spend that isn't covered by the hospital plan, you claim back in full from SARS at tax time, so you get the money back.

[Falco]

Getting medical aid is like buying a bike or choosing a cell phone service provider ~ everyone will have a different opinion, all will have their good and bad. I've been with Spectramed for six years, no issues whatsoever with any claims including two bike accidents. If it's covered by the plan you choose, they pay.

[mikeMT]

TNT1, on 08 August 2012 - 11:50 , said:

BestMed. They have been brilliant with my thumb incident. Cover my weekly follow ups with the surgeon and everything. You just need to box clever, right? So I see him at the hospital not his rooms (they're across the road from each other) and stuff like that.

Also, remember, that anything thing you spend that isn't covered by the hospital plan, you claim back in full from SARS at tax time, so you get the money back.

which option you on for interest sake?

[TNT1]

mikeMT, on 08 August 2012 - 11:53 , said:

which option you on for interest sake?

Beat One, I think... Beat "something" at any rate.

[Cippo]

Discovery, just not their Key Care plan because hey are limited to certain hospitals. Choose a plan with a savings option so when you leavethe fund you can cash in yoyr savings. Remeber with a hospital plan you can only start claiming when you have been admitted to hospital. Doctors fees at GP's dont count or emergency unit fees if you are not admitted to hospital. If you are admitted you can claim the emergency unit fees. Find out as well i your plan is limited to a certain hospital group and if so can you use other hospitals if that particular one is not in your area. Also check to which ambulance service your hospital or medical aid uses as a service provider. Good luck.

[DubbelBuys]

TNT1, on 08 August 2012 - 11:50 , said:

BestMed. They have been brilliant with my thumb incident. Cover my weekly follow ups with the surgeon and everything. You just need to box clever, right? So I see him at the hospital not his rooms (they're across the road from each other) and stuff like that.

Also, remember, that anything thing you spend that isn't covered by the hospital plan, you claim back in full from SARS at tax time, so you get the money back.

I lost you there TNT1: I thought you can only claim back your medical expenses from your total annual income & not get the full amount 'refunded' to you?

@ Jigghead: Thanx will be checking out those.