|
Category:
Insurance
News /
Medical
Aid / December 2009
South
Africans Choose Healthy Medical Schemes
A recent
survey has revealed that 80% of South African consumers regard the
financial strength of a medical scheme to be as important as
generous healthcare benefits.
Steadily
recovering from the effects of the global economic recession, many
South Africans are still struggling financially. Now more than ever
they need true value for money from a medical scheme that will be
around for the long term. With the window period that allows
private sector consumers to change medical schemes without liability
closing mid-December, the majority of South Africans have ranked the
financial health of a medical scheme as a top priority.
One of South
Africa's largest medical schemes, Medshield, conducted a national
member survey in August 2009 to determine the healthcare needs and
priorities of South African consumers.
"The Council
for Medical Schemes as well as Global Credit Ratings (GCR), one of
Africa's top ratings agencies, monitor schemes annually and assess
them according to specific financial and operational criteria,"
comments Medshield Chairman, Thabo Mabeta. He continues, "For the
third consecutive year, Medshield has scored an AA- rating with GCR,
the second highest rating a medical scheme can achieve."
Benefits
vs. Frills
The survey
also revealed that only 35% of consumers prefer additional paid
benefits such as gym memberships and discounted offers on movie
tickets and groceries, whilst the vast majority agreed that
comprehensive yet cost effective medical cover remains a
non-negotiable necessity.
Claim Is
King
Consumers
have also placed significant importance on all claim-related queries
handled by medical schemes, such as the effortlessness and speed at
which claims are processed, specifically those surrounding
in-hospital benefits. Communication with members, whether written,
electronic or verbal, is also important to consumers.
Mabeta
concludes, "With over 100 registered medical schemes to choose from
in South Africa, it is crucial for consumers to do their homework
and find the best scheme to suit their lifestyle and their pocket."
 |
