Medical Aid FAQ

A medical aid is a type of health insurance that provides financial cover for the costs of medical treatment and related expenses, such as hospitalization, doctor visits, and medication.

In general, anyone can join a medical aid scheme. However, there may be restrictions based on factors such as age, health status, and pre-existing medical conditions.

When choosing a medical aid scheme, it is important to consider factors such as the level of cover provided, the cost of the scheme, the reputation of the scheme, and any additional benefits or services provided. It is also important to compare multiple schemes and read the fine print of each policy to understand the exclusions, limitations, and waiting periods that may apply.

A medical aid typically provides more comprehensive cover for a wider range of medical expenses, including hospitalization, specialist consultations, and medication. A hospital plan, on the other hand, provides cover specifically for hospitalization, but may not cover other medical expenses.

A co-payment is a portion of a medical expense that is paid by the patient, rather than the medical aid scheme. Some medical aid schemes require members to pay a co-payment for certain procedures or treatments, while others may not have a co-payment requirement.

A waiting period is a period of time during which a member of a medical aid scheme is not covered for certain treatments or procedures. Waiting periods may vary depending on the specific medical aid scheme and may be applied to certain procedures, pre-existing conditions, or new members who have recently joined the scheme.