Whether you are on medical aid RSA or medical insurance policyholder, there is no escaping the reality of waiting periods which place restrictions on your ability to claim. Waiting Periods have been around since the dawn of the insurance industry and are too often overlooked when deciding on the most suitable medical aid policy for your family. With a better understanding of these individual waiting periods, you can not only make an informed decision on what medical cover to take out, but also avoid any nasty shocks should you need to submit a claim during the early inception of your medical cover policy. It’s imperative you know beforehand what you are signing up for – the detail is in fine print!
Knowing your Waiting Periods before you sign on the dotted line.
Waiting Periods in the medical aid RSA and health insurance marketplace are defined as “the periods of time which must pass before some, or all of your health benefits can take effect” (Source)
When considering a policy, the first aspect you should look at is the Initial Waiting Period – the period of time which must lapse before any claim can be submitted (with the exception of accident cases). This can vary from 1 to 3 calendar months, depending on the medical aid provider’s Ts and Cs. Following initial restrictions, Pre-Existing Condition Waiting Periods will remain. These vary by condition and in essence mean that coverage for specific conditions will only kick in after a specified timeframe has passed after signing up on a medical aid policy.
Waiting Period Timeframes for Day 1 Health Stated Benefit Plans
Initial Waiting Period – 1 Calendar Month (most primary healthcare benefits)
Pre-Existing Chronic Conditions 12 Calendar Months
Maternity Benefit 3 Calendar Months (Maternity Benefit limited to R20,000)
Optometry/Dentist Benefits 12 Calendar Months
Don’t Wait to find out when it’s too late!
No matter what medical aid companies tell you, or how many zeros are advertised in the range of benefits elegantly broadcasted on tv, radio, and digital, waiting periods are the reality which you have to factor in, when signing up for health cover. Treat the contract of a medical aid or health care policy just as you would a cellphone contract or home bond. Day 1 Health has one of the most generous waiting period concessions of any healthcare provider in RSA. Offering a range of Stated Benefit Plans, a comprehensive list of the most important elements of medical cover is explained and answered on their Frequently Asked Questions page.
Make sure you know what you’re covered for, but more importantly, when each coverage type kicks in. Make an informed choice and Apply Online Today.
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