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The costs of health care in South Africa is extremely expensive. The average citizen who has an insurance coverage plan, usually still has to struggle just to make the lowest payments. The benefit of having a medical aid scheme is that there is at least some assistance when it comes to the bills because any portion paid by the program, is a bit less that comes from the patient's pocket. Only about 20 percent of the more than 50 million people who call South Africa home have any type of coverage plan, private or hospital, in place. This is mainly because the monthly premiums on the schemes are often more than the average person can handle on their budgets. Even though the National Health Insurance agency is attempting to make basic health services available to every citizen that requires it, even the government programs must be paid for by the consumer. It is the thought of paying such high fees each month that turns most people away from maintaining a medical aid scheme. Most tend to feel it is unnecessary unless they, or one of their family have a need for regular medications, a chronic health issue or expect to have need of an expensive procedure. Those are the ones who realize what they are paying for. What being covered by one of the programs actually gives the patient, more than a little financial assistance, is the freedom of choice regarding their treatments. A plan will allow the consumer to choose who they wish to have as their doctor, which facility they wish to be seen at and even the pharmacy at which they will pick up their prescriptions. When covered by a scheme, a person can go to an appointment for routine exams without the hassle of having to take a number and wait in extensive queues for hours. The premiums may be expensive but they do offer some benefits along with the extra help on the bills. Most schemes will cover a few procedures completely. They use the risk benefit portion of the plan instead of the savings to offset the cost of these exams. Many people neglect to take advantage of these services simply because they are not advertised well. Childhood vaccinations and the shots to prevent flu, are covered under this benefit. Pap smears and mammograms are offered at no cost as well. Standard screenings for cholesterol and blood sugar issues, HIV/AIDS and prostrate testing are all included in the plan as well. The reason these particular services are covered is because they are preventative actions that could lower the risk of more involved issues. Insurance companies actually save money by keeping their clients healthy. It is often said that a little prevention is easier than a lot of treatment. Premiums must be paid on any type of medical aid scheme chosen, that is just fact. The benefits may not appear to be worth the cost until they are actually needed and the statement of charges is received. In South Africa, it is no secret that most providers will charge more than 300% the average recommended cost of a procedure, so every bit of help in paying is useful. Find a complete review of the advantages and benefits of having medical aid coverage and information about a fantastic online financial management platform, now.
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