The fact of the matter is this; health insurance is fast becoming a necessity and not a luxury in South Africa. However, it may be daunting to compare health insurance plans and decide which is best for you.
No one plans on getting sick or hurt and many people in their 20s feel as though they are relatively healthy enough to go without any form of healthcare.
But here’s the thing… Everybody needs medical care at some point.
We can’t predict the future – we know this. You never know whether or not you’ll end up in the emergency room today, or if you may even find a strange lump or bump on your body you never noticed before.
That’s why you need health insurance for the peace of mind it can bring to your life.
We also know that doctors, medication and hospitals cost an arm and a leg at times, and it is often money that you do not have at the time – and no one wants to be left in debt.
Whether you are selecting a health insurance plan at work, or you are purchasing one of your own accord, having to wade through the various health insurance plans offered to you can be quite an intimidating and overwhelming experience.
From the terminology to the plan and cover options and prices of the premiums; knowing which plan to choose is not exactly easy!
Related: A step-by-step guide to understanding health insurance plans
So, when it comes time to compare health insurance and determine which is best for your overall health and financial wellbeing, we have put together a list of the top 5 things you need to know when choosing health insurance:
Five things you need to know before you compare health insurance:
Can I visit my doctor and what hospitals can I go to?
A number of us may have a family doctor we have been going to for years now and we feel comfortable with him or her, but the thing is, your doctor may not be covered in your health insurance plan.
The majority of health insurance providers will have an existing network of doctors and hospitals you can visit. Before you sign up for a certain health insurance policy, find out about what doctors and hospitals you can visit and ensure that you also don’t have to travel far to get the healthcare you may need.
Is my prescription medication covered?
Maybe you have a chronic condition that requires constant medication? If so, you will need to find out if these medications are covered according to your health insurance benefits? Or will you have to pay for these out of your own pocket?
This is also true for alternative practices such as chiropractic care and certain extras such as maternity coverage. Bear in mind, even if you are not planning on having a child right now, you may not be able to add maternity coverage to your individual policy should you change your mind at a later stage.
Am I covered for any pre-existing medical conditions?
It is important to keep in mind that some providers will allow for certain pre-existing to be covered and others may only be partially covered. If you have a pre-existing medical condition that you need professional healthcare on a regular basis to treat, then you will need to make sure what extent of these conditions are covered by your chosen plan and healthcare provider.
What medical procedures am I covered for?
Here’s the thing: You never know what could happen to you and what sort of procedure you may need in the near or distant future. For example, if you need to have an appendix removed or have your wisdom teeth taken out – both being routine procedures, then you will want to make sure that you are covered for these sorts of things.
Can I change my plan and how difficult is it to do so?
This is where a bit of a speedbump might hit you, the majority of health insurance providers allow for you to change your plan (at a cost of course) and there are often some hidden T&C’s as to waiting periods and things you might not be covered for whilst the plan is in the process of changing.
There is, however, an insurance provider, Oneplan (that’s us), that gives you the flexibility and freedom you need to customise, change and adapt your plan at any time according to your needs and budget.
A great way to compare different healthcare plans is by visiting Medical Aid.com. They have an easy-to-use tool to compare health insurance plans and quotes and find the best option for your budget and needs.
With this information, it becomes quite clear that there are a few things to take into consideration when you compare health insurance providers and plans. But with our list of the top 5 things to know before picking out a policy, you should be ready to rumble.
Your Health Insurance Family,
Oneplan
