Medical Insurance – Braving the Elements… Even on Holiday

As holiday decorations begin the countdown to the end of the year, we are sure your travel plans are in place and the younger family members are ‘counting the sleeps’ — be that a trip to the grandparents’ farm, a camping trip to the bush, or a self-catering cottage by the beach. As excitement mounts in the rest of the house, Dad double-checks the medical insurance benefits and the closest hospital, because — let’s face it — accidents and medical emergencies happen, even on holiday.

No matter how well-stocked your First Aid kit might be, when medical treatment is needed, it will never take the place of medical insurance. Accidents happen — whether at home, by the sea, or out in the bush — making a trip to the emergency room, a hospital, or GP a necessity, even on holiday. So please make sure your medical insurance premiums are up to date before the holidays start.

We’ve highlighted common emergencies that may require your medical insurance to save the day for you as you brave the ‘elements’ — especially on holiday.

EARTH

The summer holidays in South Africa mean time spent outdoors. Kids run free and barefoot in the sand and grass, climbing up mountains and sandboarding down dunes. But we often forget the creepy crawlies that lurk in these habitats — scorpions, crabs, blue bottles, sand spiders, etc.

A camping trip, a farm stay or a beachside resort all harbour certain potential bites and stings. Most are harmless, and besides the element of pain and discomfort, are quickly eased by a mild antihistamine.

But a bite or sting may require a trip to the nearest hospital if the following symptoms occur:

A rash accompanied by difficulty breathing or tight chest
Vomiting
Spasms and shock
A severe headache
Difficulty remaining conscious
Swelling around the sting

Make sure your medical insurance details are on hand on arrival at the emergency room or GP. Check the Ts and Cs of your medical insurance ‘out of area’ GP visits.

FIRE

A holiday is not a holiday without summer braais, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, or a bonfire at the beach to see in the new year. But as the saying goes — ‘You play with fire, you get burnt.’ Accidents around a fire are a common holiday hazard, especially with children running around. Most minor burns can be treated with a burn kit, but often further medical treatment is required. Make sure your medical insurance benefits cover out-of-town GP visits and a hospital plan in case of a ‘burning’ emergency.

Always seek medical attention in the following burn scenarios:

If a child younger than 5 is burnt
If the burn covers an area larger than 7cm, or is in a sensitive (hands, feet, face, genitals or joints)
The burn victim has a fever with a temperature of 38℃ or higher
There are signs of infection
There is blistering and the burn hurts if you apply pressure but doesn’t turn white
A deep burn where the skin turns white, grey or black

AIR

No matter where you holiday in South Africa, the great outdoors and fresh air beckon. Lazy days at the beach, or inland in the bush, involve much time under the African sun. But as the sun beats down, many holidaymakers underestimate the potential medical danger of sunstroke/heatstroke, sunburn and dehydration. (Do not be fooled by cloudy days — the UV rays are just as harsh)

Heatstroke should always be considered a medical emergency requiring professional medical care. Stock up on SPF creams and consider upscaling your medical insurance day-to-day benefits to include a hospital plan that will suit your family’s needs.

WATER

Summertime is synonymous with fun outdoor activities involving watersports, surfing the waves and swimming. Unfortunately, it can also be a time fraught with tragedy, indicated by the increased statistics of holiday drownings among adults and children.

‘David Stanton, head of clinical leadership at Netcare 911, asserts that emergency medical services providers tend to receive more calls related to drowning and water-associated emergency incidents during December and January than any other months.’

Please be vigilant and never leave children unattended around water. Stay near lifeguard towers when at the beach and heed any warnings.

DAY1 HEALTH

Day1 Health is practical medical insurance committed to addressing the needs of those who cannot afford conventional medical aid cover. Our benefits will not only cover you over the holiday period, but all year round, with plans to suit every budget and stage of life.

Day1 Health’s Day to Day Planwill allow 3 ‘out-of-area’ visits per family per year to an alternative Network GP or GP of your choice.

If signing up for a medical insurance plan, or upscaling is part of your holiday to-do list, be aware that most medical insurance schemes implement specific waiting periods that might impact any medical treatment over the holidays. Day1 Health’s Accident Cover benefit, however, is immediate — no waiting period involved!

Contact usif you have any queries or simply apply online.

Medical Insurance 101 — Know the Basics

‘Nothing in life is free.’ At Day1 Health, we agree — even basics, like bread and milk, will cost you something. We also believe that certain things, though not free, are a basic human right and should not be so unaffordable that they become inaccessible. Medical Insurance should be one of these.

Statistics indicate that Medical Aid options have priced a large proportion of the South African population out of the healthcare market. At Day1 Health, we are committed to providing access to basic primary medical insurance and hospital cover that is not beyond anyone’s financial reach.

But when it comes to healthcare options, terminology can be confusing, misdefined and easily misrepresented.

Medical Aid and Medical Insurance are not interchangeable terms.

Despite the belief that ‘an apple a day may keep the doctor away’ — when it comes to Medical Aid and Medical Insurance — we are not comparing apples with apples. They are two completely different paid-for services that have ‘medical’ in common but offer very different benefits.

If you carefully investigate Medical Insurance for its unique benefits, you are likely to come away pleasantly surprised.

What does it cost? (Pricing)

At first glance, the biggest difference is that Medical Insurance is generally priced at a considerably lower rate than Medical Aid options in South Africa. This is significant, but you need to know what you are paying for and what your money will buy you.

It is true that you get what you pay for, but it is more important to pay for what you need and can afford.

As a Medical Insurance provider, Day1 Health offers primary medical cover from as little as R265/month and hospitalisation options from R385/month — regardless of age, stage of life or economic bracket. (But please be aware that there is a price increase on your monthly premium for each additional dependant.)

Addressing the needs of those who cannot afford conventional Medical Aid cover and their rights to access affordable healthcare is the primary focus for Day1 Health. This puts you in control of your medical care.

What do I get? (Benefits)

This is where you need to look closely and understand what makes Medical Insurance tick.

Note the following unique benefits:

Pays a specified lump sum for your hospital stay which will vary depending on which plan you are on.
Focuses more on major life events and is very helpful in the case of accidental injuries, paralysis, permanent disability, or illnesses that occur after you have joined.
Includes death and funeral benefit payouts. (This is a huge advantage). Some plan options also include accidental permanent disability pay-outs.
Offers primary and basic day to day benefits, including doctor’s visits, pathology, radiology, dentists, optometry, chronic medication et al.

What don’t I get? (Exclusions)

It is always advisable to read the fine print of any Medical Insurance scheme you are considering. Make sure you are advised of exclusions and waiting periods:

All pre-existing medical conditions carry a 12 month waiting period.
There is a specific list of hospital procedures that are not covered. Medical Insurance is not, by law, compelled to cover these medical procedures.
The different plans will require specific waiting periods before certain benefits kick in. Make sure you are aware of these when you sign on.
With Medical Insurance, there is often a network of doctors and dentists, and you will only be covered if you visit those who are registered with the scheme you are on.

Day1 Health

Medical Insurance provides significantly different healthcare package to a Medical Aid. It has affordable pricing and excellent benefits that make it a good fit for the majority of South Africans. You won’t be left unprepared or uncovered when medical emergencies occur or medical treatment is required!

To find out more about Day1 Health’s different plans, please visit us to learn more so you can make an informed decision that will suit your budget, your age and your specific health needs. You can’t afford not to.

SENIOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN — MEDICAL AID PENSIONERS

DAY TO DAY BENEFITS INCLUDE

Unlimited Managed Doctor Visits

Via a registered 1Doctor Health Network Provider. A co-payment of R75.00 will apply for all additional visits after the 5th visit. A 1 month waiting period applies.

Acute Medication

Acute medication is covered according to the 1Doctor Health formulary. A 1 month waiting period applies.

Chronic Medication

Chronic medication is covered according to the 1Doctor Health formulary. A 3 month waiting period applies on chronic medication for unknown conditions and a 12 month waiting period on pre-existing conditions. A standard 12 month waiting period applies for persons aged 65 and over for chronic medication. (All chronic medication is subject to preauthorisation. An additional administration fee is levied on all approved chronic medication).

Radiology

Basic radiology according to the 1Doctor Health formulary via a 1Doctor Health Network GP. Black and white diagnostic x-rays only. A 1 month waiting period applies.

Pathology

Diagnostic blood tests on referral by a 1Doctor Health Network GP and subject to a list of basic pathology tests approved by Day1 Health. A 1 month waiting period applies.

Basic Dentistry

Basic treatment includes preventative cleaning, pain control, fillings, one emergency root canal treatment and extractions via 1Doctor Health Network Dentist. A 3 month waiting period applies.

Optometry (Iso Leso Optics)

One eye test and one set of glasses every 24 months per the specific Iso Leso Optics agreed protocol range. A 12 month waiting period applies.

Out-of-Area Visits

In the event that you cannot see your Network GP, the Plan will allow 3 “out of area” visits per family per annum to an alternative Network GP or GP of your choice, subject to pre-authorisation. A 1 month waiting period applies.

Day To Day Benefits Via 1Doctor Health Provider Network

Medical Aid Pensioners — Senior Plan (55+)

DAY TO DAY BENEFITS INCLUDE

Unlimited Managed Doctor Visits

Via a registered 1Doctor Health Network Provider. A co-payment of R75.00 will apply for all additional visits after the 5th visit. A 1 month waiting period applies

Acute Medication

Acute medication is covered according to the 1Doctor Health formulary. A 1 month waiting period applies.

Chronic Medication

Radiology

Basic radiology according to the 1Doctor Health formulary via a 1Doctor Health Network GP. Black and white diagnostic x-rays only. 1 month waiting period applies

Day To Day Benefits Via 1Doctor Health Provider Network

Pathology

Diagnostic blood tests on referral by a 1Doctor Health Network GP and subject to a list of basic pathology tests approved by Day1 Health. A 1 month waiting period applies.

Basic Dentistry

Basic treatment includes preventative cleaning, pain control, fillings, one emergency root canal treatment and extractions via 1Doctor Health Network Dentist. A 3 month waiting period applies.

Optometry (Iso Leso Optics)

One eye test and one set of glasses every 24 months per the specific Iso Leso Optics agreed protocol range. A 12 month waiting period applies.

Out-of-Area Visits

THE BEST HOSPITAL PLAN IN RSA

Hospital Plan Rsa – Your ideal Entry Level to Healthcare in RSA

A Hospital Plan, as the name suggests, is designed to assist RSA citizens with covering healthcare costs incurred as a result of a hospital visit. Unlike a Day to Day plan, a Hospital Plan Rsa provides you with In-Hospital Illness Cash Benefits from the day you are admitted to hospital until the day you are discharged. A Hospital Plan, while being a limited form of cover, allows any individual with a general clean bill of health to enjoy affordable insurance cover against an unexpected hospital visit.

Who benefits from a Hospital Plan?

Healthcare has become increasingly price-sensitive, with the spiralling costs of private healthcare now outside the reach of many RSA citizens. As such, a Hospital Plan acts as an ideal entry level healthcare package for the younger individual who is generally healthy and may not require a comprehensive medical aid package. For a family member with dependants or an older individual that needs to juggle out of hospital GP and medical expenses, it is recommended to upgrade, for a little extra, to a Comprehensive Plan such as a Value or Platinum Plan. Are you a recent graduate, starting your first job and requiring basic medical cover on a limited disposable income? A Hospital Plan is a more than adequate option at a highly affordable price.

Added Benefits

With Day 1 Health you can choose between a number of hospital plan Rsa benefit options, to suit you and your family’s needs. As a fully accredited health insurance market leader, Day 1 Health provides In-Hospital Benefit from the day you are admitted, with policies underwritten by African Unity Life Limited. Depending on the Hospital Plan you choose, RSA citizens also stand to enjoy additional benefits such as Accident and Dread Disease Benefit, Death and Funeral Benefit, and the support 24 hour Emergency support through Africa Assist.

Apply Online today to enjoy the peace of mind that you and your family are protected from a crippling financial burden should the unexpected occur.

A SOUTH AFRICAN HOSPITAL PLAN RSA – AS A STEPPING STONE TO HEALTHCARE COVER

Acquiring full medical cover for your entire family has become obscenely expensive with monthly combined premiums that can veer close to your Bond repayments. While it may seem unjustifiable to be paying exorbitant amounts for the “guarantee” of medical services, it remains essential to have some degree of health insurance in South Africa. Hospital Plan RSA is the ideal stepping stone into affordable medical insurance, with the safeguard that your medical bills will be covered should you require hospitalisation. No matter how healthy you may deem yourself to be, you cannot foresee a sudden hospitalization, the consequences of which can have far reaching financial implications.

Basic Health Insurance in uncertain Economic Times

With the current economic uncertainty, rising inflation and civil unrest, family budgets are being closely scrutinized for any opportunity to cut back on expenses. South African citizens who are strongly considering leaving their medical aid scheme are now finding a comfortable middle-ground by cancelling their policies and downsizing to a hospital plan. In effect, it allows you to closely monitor your your primary healthcare expenses but remain covered against an unforeseen hospital emergency. Credible Hospital Plans offer a daily cash payout that offsets the cost of medical bills, payable from your first day of admission.

Choosing a Hospital Plan that plugs the gap in potential Income Loss

Being hospitalized is a tough situation in its own right – without a reliable hospital plan in RSA, the financial pain of medical bills and out of pocket medical expenses can pose a more long-term negative impact. Day 1 Health bridges that income gap by offering a range of tailored hospital plans, underwritten by African Unity Life Limited, which provide an in-hospital illness benefit payable from your first day in admission. Depending on the plan you choose, benefits are extended to accident benefit, funeral benefit and 24 hour emergency support, to facilitate your admission. Apply Online Today and step on board to affordable and reliable healthcare.

A HOSPITAL PLAN IN RSA YOU CAN AFFORD

Section 27 of the South African Constitution states that ‘it is everyone’s fundamental human right to be able to access quality healthcare’. However, for millions of RSA citizens, excessive premiums combined with employment uncertainty means that even the most basic hospital plan RSA is unobtainable. If this is the reality that your family faces, bear with us, as there are encouraging signs that the tide has shifted, with the emergence of low-cost hospital benefit options that place people before profit! By focusing away from the dominant players in the market, progressive South African hospital benefit plans have enhanced the value of their healthcare benefits for every South African, kept operating costs down, while passing the savings on to their members.

Finding a Plan you can Comfortably Remain On

Did we already mention that price is the key factor in choosing to remain on a healthcare package in RSA? The 2016 Healthcare Consumer Survey reported that 41% of survey respondents who left their medical scheme did so as it was no longer affordable.The availability of tailored hospital plans and hospital cash plans at cost-effective monthly contributions allow ordinary South Africans to save on their medical bills while vastly improving health outcomes across the board. Such plans are also inclusive of private hospitals and practitioners, ensuring that you get the best medical attention available without being encumbered with crippling medical bills.

No longer the Luxury of a Select Few

The provision of affordable healthcare offerings to the public with equal access for all is a basic human right. This is the underlying focus of the new National Health Insurance bill which is being drafted before coming into effect. Day 1 Health represents the perfect working model of this framework, adopting a non-discriminatory entrance to its stated benefit plans combining a solid hospital plan alongside a generous allowance of primary healthcare services at a low monthly premium. From just R385 per month for a Value Plus plan, South African citizens can utilize a hospital plan that assists in covering your expenses from your first day of hospitalization. Our Executive Plan, the perfect substitute for a medical aid scheme, offers extended benefits while reducing healthy customers with an annual reducing premium. Apply Online today to enjoy the benefits of affordable and quality hospital cover. Should the unforeseen ever occur., you’re in safe hands.

SOUTH AFRICAN HOSPITAL PLAN RSA – FACTORING IN THE POTENTIAL CO-PAYMENTS INCURRED THROUGH

When considering basic healthcare coverage to protect you and your family, hospital plans RSA are the quintessential low-cost options which help to offset the financial costs of hospitalization. Healthcare is something we simply can’t compromise on, yet the steady increase in medical aid premiums has put increasing strain on household finances. The source of these rising premiums is partly related to the co-payment system This often crippling extra bill, is an amount you must pay above what is determined by your medical aid provider to utilize a specific hospital or specialist. This can be easily overseen when reading the initial T&C’s for various South African hospital plans. Read further to learn how you can avoid these nasty bills and make the most of your hospital plan.

The Importance of Designated Service Providers

A reliable medical aid or insurance provider is one that has established and continues to maintain a network of reputable GP’s, clinics and specialists to its networks (commonly known as Designated Service Providers – DSP’s). Through the agreements put in place, co-payments are not applied and members can enjoy the peace of mind of transparency while they focus on recovery. Should you need an in-hospital procedure, it is equally important to query which South African hospital plans offer the most extensive network of facilities. In the majority of cases, you won’t incur co-payments and enjoy easier admission, treatment and effective rehabilitation. It is highly advised to prioritize network hospitals as much as you can.

Hospital Cover that pays out from the day you are admitted.

Many South African hospital plans pay their members a stated benefit from only their third day of hospital admission. Don’t settle on this shocking waiting period! Day 1 Health as the name proclaims, cushions the costs and subsequent income less of hospitalization, by providing generous cash payouts from your first day of admission (*Benefits vary according to plan option)

Join the health insurance provider that is unrelenting in their mission to negotiate discounted rates with private specialists to avoid co-payments. Apply Online today

DISCOVER AN INEXPENSIVE YET RELIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO MEDICAL AID

Medical Aid membership has come under intense scrutiny in the current economic uncertainty that engulfs RSA. While the increasing cost of living in South Africa and slow growth shows no immediate signs of easing, tough choices are being made around the family table as to whether a household should retain their medical aid plans at exorbitant premiums. However, while cancelling your medical aid South Africa subscriptions is as simple as phoning your broker and waiting through your cancellation period, removing your healthcare plan completely can have devastating consequences, should an unexpected medical emergency present itself. You’ll be glad to know there is a far more cost-effective alternative to medical aid, which still provides a wide array of day to day and hospital cover for you and your family.

Finding the affordable Substitute to Medical Aid

If you find you can no longer afford conventional medical aid cover, take the time to go through the range of affordable medical insurance plans that can offer practical and affordable health insurance solutions which are tailored to meet your specific needs. By choosing an appropriate benefit plan, you are striking a balance between, living within your financial means without sacrificing the reassurance of adequate healthcare in the event of an accident or illness. Medical Insurance premiums are not inflated by the compulsory addition of PMB conditions which are placed upon medical aid companies by the Council of Medical Schemes. With a stated benefit offering specific day to day and hospital cover, you and your family are financially protected in the case of unexpected illness or injury.

Discover your corridor to affordable Healthcare

You can’t predict how much a medical procedure or hospital stay will amount to, but with the right medical insurance plan, you can protect yourself from the financial burden. Day1 Health was established in 2003 to address the needs of those who cannot keep up with the spiralling costs of medical aid cover. Whether you are looking for a combined hospital and day to day plan (Value Plus Plan) or more comprehensive Executive Plan, Day 1 Health offers an array of stated benefit insurance options to meet your healthcare needs at a monthly premium that doesn’t stretch your budget. Apply Online Today and emancipate yourself from overpriced healthcare.

WHERE DO SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS STAND, IN TERMS OF MEDICAL AID

There is no doubt that medical aid has been very prominent in the news lately, primarily centred the NHI and Medical Schemes Amendment Bill drafted by the Health Department and currently sitting with Parliament. Truth be told, this is long overdue and is set to shake up the healthcare in South Africa, and for the better. Medical Aid South Africa premiums have been spiralling out of control, to the stage where affordable healthcare has become unobtainable to the masses. With this inequality finally being addressed, we ask, what does it mean for the medical aid industry, and will it make healthcare affordable to everyone?

Protect your Family’s Health in the Meantime

Similar to the Land Reform Act, the NHI Bill will take time, deliberation and amendments before South Africans know where they stand, in terms of affordable medical aid. Family Health is simply too important to be deferred! Affordable healthcare already exists in this country in the form of medical insurance with generous waiting periods for primary healthcare and hospital cover that payout from your first day of admission. The alternative to medical aid is both affordable, obtainable and a critical choice for safeguarding your families healthcare access in these testing times.

Stated Benefit Plans – a ‘Medical Aid-like product for all’

Finding a doctor, dentist or credible hospital when in need, should not be compromised by the daunting financial implications of such a visit. South Africans’ can enjoy comprehensive Day to Day and hospital cover, from as little as R265 per month. Day 1 Health, founded in 2003, addresses the needs of the working class who cannot afford conventional medical aid cover with a solid alternative. RSA citizens can choose between a number of tailored benefit plans at exceptional value for money. Offering a stable network of doctors and dentists, Day 1 Health operates nationwide and represents you and your families’ ideal healthcare solution. Apply Online Today