Do not Cancel your Medical Aid

The past few years have undoubtedly been a challenging time for South African consumers, as we faced a series of economic and global crises that have taken a toll on our financial stability.

Inflation, the Covid-19 pandemic, economic struggles, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and frequent power outages have all contributed to the financial strain we are experiencing.

According to a chief economist from Investec, "Household finances are under increasing pressure," and unfortunately, this pressure is projected to persist throughout the remainder of the year and into 2023.

As a result of these financial hardships, many medical aid members have resorted to cutting costs, including essentials like short-term insurance and medical aid.

But, this is a huge risk to take as cutting such insurances may offer temporary relief, but could leave you exposed to unexpectedly high costs that you need to fund in the long run.

Terminating your medical aid is a decision that can have serious and lasting financial consequences for you.
What if you are in need of urgent hospital treatment, due to an accident or unforeseen serious illness, and have no medical aid benefits?
You cannot rely on government hospitals as they will not provide you with the level of care nor quality of treatment you need.

Stopping your medical aid -even temporarily - can lead to higher premiums if you decide to reinstate your benefits later on.

There are several alternatives you can look at before taking the step of self-funding your medical costs.
One such option is with Fedhealth, a medical aid provider that understands the financial concerns faced by many families.

Fedhealth has introduced the flexiFED range of medical aid plans. These unique plans give members greater control over their healthcare costs without reducing the level of benefits they receive.

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Here's how they work:

flexiFED plans let you choose the amount of day-to-day savings that you want to spend.
Unlike other medical aids, who provide a savings fund loan - which you must repay every month by increasing your monthly premiums - Fedhealth do it differently.

Fedhealth require you to repay savings only when you spend them.
Only then is a portion of that spend added to your next and subsequent premium, until the "loan" is repaid.
Then your premium drops back down to that of a hospital only plan.

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You have 3 options to consider when looking at funding your day-to-day costs - as the plans all have the same in-hospital benefits.

1. Use your medical aid only as a hospital plan, giving you a lower premium when compared to a comprehensive plan.
Fedhealth offer unique additional hospital benefits, ensuring that you receive exceptional value for your premium.

They really do pay more from risk than other schemes:

• Unlimited network GP consultations.
• Follow-up treatments for 30 days following hospital discharge, such as physiotherapy, x-rays, and pathology, covered by the scheme.
• Specialised radiology MRI/CT scans covered both in and out of the hospital.
• Trauma treatment, including stitches in a casualty ward, whether you are admitted to the hospital or not.
• Benefits for female contraception.
• In-hospital dentistry for children under 7 years old.
• Extensive maternity cover, including benefits like Doula, scans, amniocentesis, network GP, and antenatal classes.
• benefits for infant hearing screening and paediatrician visits.
• Child rates applicable up to the age of 27.
• Only pay for 3 children, the rest are covered for free.
• Sports and hazardous pursuits benefits.
• Guaranteed ability to upgrade to a higher option within 30 days of a life-changing event, such as pregnancy or diagnosis of a severe illness. No need to pay high premiums for a top plan until it is necessary.
• Access to a 24-hour toll-free Nurse Line for expert medical and health advice from qualified nurses.
• Unlimited benefits for approved chronic medicine.

Now you have peace of mind knowing that you're covered for full hospitalisation from just R1,055 pm!

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2. If you have out-of-hospital costs to pay, you withdraw the required amount from your savings - pay the bills- and repay that advance of money over 12 months, interest-free.
This is unlike other medical aid plans with savings accounts, who add a potion of that savings account as a repayment amount to your premium, regardless of whether you have spent savings or not.

Don't spend your savings, and your premium will not increase!

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3. If you prefer the traditional type of medical aid plan with savings, Fedhealth offers you that option as well.
Like other medical aids, they provide you with a specific amount at the beginning of the year, which you repay as an additional portion of your monthly premium.
Your premium then remains the same throughout the year, irrespective of your savings spend.

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What about discounted premiums?

By using a network of over 150 world-class private hospitals, you can enjoy an 10% discounted premium.

Or, if you opt to pay an excess upon admission to the hospital, you will receive a 25% monthly premium discount!
The excess only applies to planned procedures, such as elective C-sections and not in the case of accidents or emergencies.

Now, you have an ideal medical aid to consider joining during these challenging times.

Don't take the risk of self-funding unexpected private medical expenses—it's simply not worth it.

Talk to me .... I am here to help you - at no charge!
Send me your questions and concerns. I'll answer them for you.

You must consult the schemes/company product brochures and rules for comprehensive benefit descriptions.

We will offer you the best help at no cost!

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Important Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or healthcare advice.
Medical aid benefits are subject to change. Please consult the medical aid brochure and speak to me before making any decisions.

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Last verified: September 3, 2025