Every health insurance provider has its own packages, and hospital plans may vary from scheme to scheme. However, some typical points distinguish these from medical aid. One obvious aspect is that it only covers procedures and treatments done at a hospital. That’s the main fact to remember when choosing between packages. If you want a safety net for those unexpected accidents or large bills that come with being admitted, then this option could work for you.
Pros and Cons of a Hospital Plan in South Africa
If you’re seeking full cover for day-to-day benefits, specialist appointments and regular trips to your general practitioner, medical aid might be the best option for you. Still, less expensive hospital cover can be better in certain cases. Benefits include:
- Cheaper premiums as opposed to full cover options
- Little to no restriction on service providers you can use without co-payments
- It is available when you need it most, like when a dependant is hospitalised suddenly
- It has to include benefits for a set list of chronic conditions
The negatives of this type of plan are:
- No cover for simple medical services outside of the hospital
- Fixed limits for days admitted
- PMBs not included in all plans
Who Should Get a Hospital Plan?
Individuals who don’t have health issues, and rarely need to go to a doctor or use medicine regularly can consider a package like this. Another factor that might make hospital plans seem like a safer option is your budget. It doesn’t matter if you have the best medical aid, but you keep missing payments because you can’t afford it.
If you aren’t spending a big part of your salary on medical expenses each month, you could benefit from a cheaper option. This way, you’re assured that you’re covered in cases of emergency, and you can still occasionally visit a doctor if you are unhealthy.
This option is typically popular among younger folks for the abovementioned reasons.
What Does a Hospital Plan Cover at KeyHealth?
The cheapest package available is our Essence Option, which does include prescribed minimum benefits with an unlimited value. It also features unlimited cover for medication related to conditions on the chronic disease list. And, as with all our packages, it gives you three free additional benefits which are:
Other than this, you get benefits with unlimited value that include cover for emergency ambulance travel, scopes, hospital bills, injuries due to accidents, and in-hospital specialist fees. Terms and conditions apply.
Lastly, members also receive set cover for MRI and CT scans, oncology and medical appliances. To read more in-detail facts of this package, see this designated page.
Do You Save Money with a Hospital Plan in the Long Run?
The answer to this question depends on your lifestyle. If, for example, you have a family of four – two kids and a spouse that you have to take care of, a more inclusive package may be more advantageous. Even if you’re all fairly healthy, there is a higher likelihood that someone in your family will get sick. This means that you will have to visit a health practitioner or purchase medication.
If you can say that your loved ones don’t require healthcare services more than once or twice a year, you can save on not paying a high premium monthly for medical aid, and only take out an emergency option like a hospital plan.
However, a simple plan is better than not having any type of cover at all and can save you from financial disasters if any of those included in the plan are hospitalised. And, with accidents and critical conditions usually being unexpected it is safer to have this type of insurance in the long run.
Be Safe – Take Out Health Cover
Don’t wait until it’s the last minute and you’re in an unmanageable situation. Seek out medical insurance, whether it’s a simple plan or complete package. Avoid the risk of overwhelming financial loss due to healthcare costs by making sure that you and your loved ones are covered.
Get a quote from us online and sleep easy knowing that you and your family are taken care of.
