I would like to find out the average cost of normal dental (eg. would include cleaning) and eye checkups. I have been doing them under medical aid in the past and would like to know how much they cost in cash. Phoned a few establishments to find out but it seems they are on holiday. I only need to do these checks at least once a year so I'm considering taking up Hospital-only cover and paying for these cash. I'm weighing up paying a monthly premium against paying once-off when the need arises.
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Dental and Optometry costs
- Thread starter Redeemed
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Like more and more young people I am on a hospital only medical plan. Therefore I pay cash for drs, dentists etc. For a small filling in on of by back teeth that didn't require anesthetic I paid R300 at a reputable dentist recommended by friends (ie not dr Spicy Samoosa who graduated "summa cum laude" from the university of Bosnia). A checkup and a polish will set me back around the same amount. 2 deep fillings in my front teeth set me back almost a grand. A mouth-guard, crown etc varies from a grand to 5000 ie not cheap.
A regular doctor will charge between 200 and 350 for a consultation. That will obviously not include any medication, additional tests etc. Many medicines have generics available. I was at the doc short while back for high blood pressure. 2 types of medication, for the bp and for the headaches I was getting set me back all of 30 rand.
FWIW I am on one of Discovery's best hospital plans - it costs me 1 100 a month for complete cover. I'm in my late 20s, an active gym-goer, non smoker, don't drink etc so I reckoned the hospital plan is the way to go. Here's the problem: I'm only covered if I'm admitted to hospital. So if I'm in a skydiving accident I will get treatment no hassle. But if I slip off my office chair right now, crack my head and drive to the local private hospital for 10 000 rands worth of x ray, stitches etc, that will not be covered by my hospital plan because I'm not admitted. I'll have to pay for that out of my own pocket.
Thats the reason why I'm changing to a plan with out of hospital and other benefits. The savings amount is small (4500 a year) but it only costs 400 more than my current hospital only plan and I don't have to worry about whether I can afford to have a tooth looked at.
Personally I feel that if you're able to cough up 1000-3000 any given month for unforseen medical bills then go for it. If you're doing this to save 500 bucks a month then reconsider because one day you will have to fork out a few grand for a crown, or x rays or whatever, and what then?
my (long) 2 cents...
Like more and more young people I am on a hospital only medical plan. Therefore I pay cash for drs, dentists etc. For a small filling in on of by back teeth that didn't require anesthetic I paid R300 at a reputable dentist recommended by friends (ie not dr Spicy Samoosa who graduated "summa cum laude" from the university of Bosnia). A checkup and a polish will set me back around the same amount. 2 deep fillings in my front teeth set me back almost a grand. A mouth-guard, crown etc varies from a grand to 5000 ie not cheap.
A regular doctor will charge between 200 and 350 for a consultation. That will obviously not include any medication, additional tests etc. Many medicines have generics available. I was at the doc short while back for high blood pressure. 2 types of medication, for the bp and for the headaches I was getting set me back all of 30 rand.
FWIW I am on one of Discovery's best hospital plans - it costs me 1 100 a month for complete cover. I'm in my late 20s, an active gym-goer, non smoker, don't drink etc so I reckoned the hospital plan is the way to go. Here's the problem: I'm only covered if I'm admitted to hospital. So if I'm in a skydiving accident I will get treatment no hassle. But if I slip off my office chair right now, crack my head and drive to the local private hospital for 10 000 rands worth of x ray, stitches etc, that will not be covered by my hospital plan because I'm not admitted. I'll have to pay for that out of my own pocket.
Thats the reason why I'm changing to a plan with out of hospital and other benefits. The savings amount is small (4500 a year) but it only costs 400 more than my current hospital only plan and I don't have to worry about whether I can afford to have a tooth looked at.
Personally I feel that if you're able to cough up 1000-3000 any given month for unforseen medical bills then go for it. If you're doing this to save 500 bucks a month then reconsider because one day you will have to fork out a few grand for a crown, or x rays or whatever, and what then?
my (long) 2 cents...
satanboy
Psychonaut seven
Dental visit incl one filling R800.00 +
Doctor visit = R 250.00 (consultation only)
Doctor visit = R 250.00 (consultation only)
satanboy
Psychonaut seven
(If you are with Discovery) A portion of the remaining amount left (at the end of the year) in your savings will be lost (to Discovery). I rather pay out of pocket.
I won't dare suggest that medical schemes aren't a rip-off. But I don't make 60k a month. Could I swing a filling or two and a doctors visit every now and then? No problem. But I have both my front teeth knocked out right now, will I have 5000 to have that sorted out? No chance in hell.
Not many people will and that's my point. Its easy to say oh I'll pay the few 100 cash for the drs visit and not let Discovery rip me off. but not every dr/dentist/chiropractor/optician etc visit will be 500 or a 1000, now will it?
Billy
Expert Member
I replaced our medical aid with a Hospital Plan 15 years ago. The money saved, less what I had to pay myself was invested into Satrix. This year I bought a new car, cash at R250000 from the account. and still have sufficient reserves for emergencies.
Self insurance works as long as you are diligent in putting the money away, and don't have big expenses early on.
Self insurance works as long as you are diligent in putting the money away, and don't have big expenses early on.