medical cover for the rest of us

[dudesweet]

Hi guys,

I've recently started a new job, and am looking to organise health insurance.

I've had a read of past posts and scoured the medical aid sites directly as well. It's clear that med cover is going to be quite costly -
I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations on a circa R1000 (+/-100) plan that covers hospitalisation.

I don't really feel it's worth it getting GP visits covered if I can leave it out and get lower premiums per month.

The Bonitas BonEssential looks pretty good on the balance of things.

 

[RiaX]

dont mise on medical aid its a bad idea. Most people can afford basic medicines and procedures cash, its the more advanced forms of treatment thats the issue and the smaller less known medical aids will bitch and moan to pay for these.

Medical aids are full of **** IMHO as a health professional it saddens me when patients are turned down because some idiot half way across the country thinks it not the right option and the way they colour it like they doing some greater good when all they doing is saving a buck.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Discovery CoastalSaver does the job for me.

The MSA covers any doctors or dentist visits I need, as well as my glasses.

 

[krycor]

Discover CoastalCore and inland Key----something plans are the hospitalization plans which essentially come in about about R983/mo? Why i prefer the discovery one vs others which are typically +/-100-150 bucks cheaper is that with vitality(which is free on/with some products e.g. life) you get gym costs cheaper + other savings.

Essentially you want to be on some form of medical aid prior to age +/-30 or face hefty joining penalties/fees.

 

[dudesweet]

Thanks dudes!
Discovery isn't looking too bad there.
Krycor can you explain what "inland Key" is please? and how much do you pay for your vitality subscription? Coz I get the impression that I'll get coaxed in for a deal on vitality and pay the extra R100/200 and then get tempted by a discounted virgin active subscription and end up paying 1.5k a month in total anyway...haha.

 

[krycor]

Well i pay like +/-1.6k for Discovery Life, Vitality(free) and Health...

Just checked now.. last time i paid directly for Health/Med Aid[Classice Delta Core] it was 10080 (went up by +/-100 bucks) and 580 for Life(which comes with Vitality free).

I actually need to change medaid plan as I took basic cover just as a temp measure but since I no longer am in Cape Town with parents(docter) I need to prepare more for illnesses(I just have a symptom list and lots of pills)

 

[Freaksta]

My hospital plan (stand to be corrected) costs R980 I pay R240 for GAP cover because my hospital plan only covers up to 200 or 250% and gap cover extends to 500%.

My hospital plans has very little extras but I do get to spend a little on dental and like have I think 3000 for over the counter and general doctors.

 

[Jings]

Discover CoastalCore and inland Key----something plans are the hospitalization plans which essentially come in about about R983/mo? Why i prefer the discovery one vs others which are typically +/-100-150 bucks cheaper is that with vitality(which is free on/with some products e.g. life) you get gym costs cheaper + other savings.

Essentially you want to be on some form of medical aid prior to age +/-30 or face hefty joining penalties/fees.

Isn't Coastal Core a network plan? The benefit schedule shows a R5000 penalty on admission and then only covers 70% of the hospital bill if you don't use one of the hospitals on the Delta network.

Late joiner penalties only kick in at age 35 if not covered previously on a medical aid.

 

[cavedog]

I'm doing my apprenticeship so no money for medical aid..... I took the Keycare Plus option and only pay R638 because of my salary.

Very impressed with this. I went to casualty on Wednesday night cause of a swollen gland in the side of my neck. Got admitted. Went xray/ultrasound and cr scan and then for a operation on Thursday afternoon. Discharged on Friday morning and I just had to pay extra for my medecine from the pharmacy.....

Discovery paid for everything..... CT scan alone was R5000......

Have to see the specialist next week again and they said they will pay in full for that too.

Keycare Plus is really a awesome plan for low earning people. Wow I'm so impressed. The hospitals they cover are also really good.

 

[dudesweet]

Shot for the practical experience there cavedog, and good to hear you were treated well.
Anyone have any experience with Bonitas?