Health insurance/Medical Insurance is a crucial part of financial planning and overall well-being for most working professionals in South Africa. It comes with many benefits that will ensure you never have to worry about access to private healthcare.

In this article, we will look into Health Insurance benefits, overcoming common excuses, and how to get the best Health Insurance coverage by comparing the best offers.

The benefits of Health Insurance

Determining how to get the best Health Insurance will depend on your healthcare needs. It would be best if you thought about the benefits it comes with first.

We have summed up 4 benefits of Health Insurance:

Financial protection against unexpected medical expenses

Unfortunately, our health can take a downturn at any time. If there is anything that not only inconveniences you but also leaves you financially strapped, it is unexpected medical expenses. Getting Health Insurance will save you from financial strain by covering day-to-day medical needs and based on the plan you choose, will also cover emergencies including accidents and illnesses like strokes or heart attacks.

Access to quality private healthcare

One of the reasons to take up Health Insurance is to have access to private healthcare. You want to be able to see the doctor without standing in long queues and for your case to be made a priority. Health Insurance covers doctor visits, so you can have regular check-ups, and receive treatment as well as maintain good health and overall well-being.

Peace of mind

Picture this: You just found out that you have a chronic condition/illness that will require you to be a regular at the doctor’s room. You have never thought you would be in that position, but it has come. Then you remember that you took out Health Insurance some time back and the benefits include managing some chronic illnesses/conditions. A smile creeps in because even with this devastating news, you know your decision to invest in health insurance has come in handy. This could happen to anyone and in times like these, you need assurance that you’ll receive the best medical care. How heartwarming when you realise that your Health Insurance policy also has counselling benefits, so you have someone to talk to and support you on your health journey.

Cheaper alternative to traditional Medical Aid policy

Health insurance does not offer the same benefits as a medical aid and is not a substitute for it. However, affording medical aid is hard for average South Africans, which is where getting Health Insurance comes in. It helps average citizens access essential and basic private healthcare without having to pay high premiums they cannot afford.

Overcoming common excuses

Many justifications come with not taking up Health Insurance. For most people, the cost factor plays a huge role in postponing taking up cover. This ends up being a regrettable mistake because health issues can arise at any time, despite our best efforts to stay healthy. Another common issue is finding a Health Insurance provider that suits your needs. These challenges can be overcome with practical solutions. Comparing quotes from different insurance providers to find the plan that suits your budget, is the best way to go.

Finding the right Health Insurance

Getting Health Insurance online has become easy and accessible to anyone, thanks to online platforms. Many insurance providers have an online presence that allows you to have easy access to information, compare plans, select coverage based on the number of dependants, health conditions and many more specifications that can help you choose the best suited provider and plan.

When comparing, it is important to look at the benefits a plan comes with versus the costs. Some insurance providers give access to private doctors, dentistry, medication, health screenings, and additional benefits at a premium of less than R500 per month. Some even have an option for additional cover for emergencies like accidents or sudden illnesses so you get a more comprehensive cover.

Conclusion

There is no number of excuses that can substantiate not taking up Health Insurance. So, if you ever asked yourself, “How can I get Health Insurance?” then hopefully this article has assisted you in putting things into perspective. It is time to invest in private healthcare.

Not all Medical Insurance plans are the same and benefits as well as limitations may vary. Descriptions of benefits given are meant to be for general educational purposes only and you must ensure that you seek the advice of a broker to ensure any product choice you make suits your individual needs.