Why You Should Consider Joining a Medical Aid Today!
Joining a Medical Aid is super important – especially now!!
"As of October, 2021, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Africa amounted to nearly 3,000,000. Total reported deaths are 88 500.We have experienced 3 pandemic waves and expect the 4th shortly.
Source: sacoronavirus.co.za
"Evidence has clearly shown that vaccinated people have less chance of hospital admissions and death." University of Cape Town
But wait, is there more to know?
People don't just pass away because of COVID-19 alone. It's often because they already have other health issues that get worse because of this virus. Since COVID-19 is new, we don't have all the info we need about how it affects people with other medical problems..
Based on what we know now, folks with the following conditions are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (a lung disease)
- Having a weak immune system from an organ transplant
- Being really overweight
- Serious heart problems
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes
And some might also be at risk if they have:
- Asthma (the bad kind)
- Problems with the blood vessels in their brain
- Cystic fibrosis
- High blood pressure
- A weak immune system from a blood or bone marrow transplant, HIV, or certain meds
- Neurological issues, like dementia
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Scarred lung tissue
- Smoking
- Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Treating any of these conditions costs money!
Sure, you can go to a public hospital for free.
But, there might not be enough oxygen or ventilators, or even enough beds.
It's a risk, right?
Dr David Stead an Infectious Diseases specialist and Head of Medicine in East London says, "We have been offering very little intensive care for Covid and that is some of the hard decisions I have to make. It's generally younger patients without co morbidities that would be candidates."
Is that a risk you're happy with? If not, you might need to pay for private healthcare. But that can be crazy expensive! ICU oxygen therapy alone can cost more than R350,000, according to a big medical aid.
Or, you could join a affordable, low-cost medical aid!
With plans available from as little as R 589 pm (income-related premiums) you are crazy not to investigate it!
Take Momentum Health's Ingwe network plan, for example...
Momentum knows that their members shouldn't have to worry about COVID-19 treatment costs.
If you test positive, they'll cover everything, from tests to meds to x-rays.
They will send communication to members, to inform them that if they test positive for COVID-19, they will pay all the treatment costs, including pathology tests, medication, x-rays and other required treatment.
They will also pay for the cost of the test, provided the member is presenting with an acute respiratory infection, has been in close contact with a confirmed case and their treating doctor referred them for the test.
Plus, you get:
In-Hospital
- benefits for stuff like car accidents, strokes, and cancer treatment while in the hospital
- No limit on how long you can stay in the hospital
- Choose from any, network or state hospitals for an even lower premium!
- Benefits for high and intensive care wards!
- Cover for everything from when you're admitted to when you leave the hospital.
- Some special procedures that don't need a hospital stay.
- Maternity care, including emergency C-sections.
- Care for newborns in intensive care.
- Joint replacements.
- Scans like MRIs and CT scans.
- Mental health support.
- Help with HIV treatment.
- PMB Cancer and kidney treatments.
A Day-to-day benefit provides for out-of-hospital medical expenses. There is no savings fund, instead there are set benefits with limits.
- Unlimited network GP doctor visits and listed prescribed medicine.
- Limited GP referred specialist visits.
- Listed blood tests and x-rays.
- Basic dental care, like fillings.
- Basic eye care.
A Chronic Illness benefit covers 26 Listed life-threatening conditions that need ongoing treatment.
There are Disease Management Programmes to help you live with your condition.
And there's more!
They have a Health Platform Benefit that helps you stay healthy and gives you peace of mind.
It includes things like: • preventative care and early detection • maternity programme • management of certain diseases • health education and advice; and • local emergency evacuation.
For just R 589 a month, this plan is a great way to protect yourself from COVID-19 and other health problems!
Private healthcare providers can charge up to 500% of medical scheme rates.Medical aids add procedure co-payments as well.
These are significant costs you must consider.
Protect yourself by joining Zest's GAP or top-up insurance plan.
This separate insurance will cover most in-hospital claim shortfalls and any co-payments. It is a vital safety net, ensuring you have enough to cover medical treatments, without having to pay for unexpected costs.Protect yourself from soaring medical expenses by bridging the gap between medical scheme rates and the charges imposed by private providers.
Specialised Dental treatments can be extremely expensive!
The costs of braces, root canal, implants and so on, can run into thousands of rand.Most treatments are done out-of-hospital, and are paid from your savings.
That can result in less money available for other medical needs and family limits being used on one member only!
Dental treatment is something we all need and it is vital you consider the Best Dental Insurance Plan
OR Most Affordable Dental Plan in South Africa.
No Medical Aid or have a Hospital Plan only?
This plan will help you meet the high costs of both normal and specialised dentistry!
Please contact me for advice.
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083 655 2164
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Peter Pyburn - Authorised Financial Services Provider has been fully licensed to provide expert financial services since 1991.Based in Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, we specialise in comprehensive financial planning including: Death and Disability Cover, Retirement Planning, Investment Strategies, Medical Aid, Estate Planning
FSP Licence 2995 and Medical Aid Accreditation BR 7428.
Why Choose Peter Pyburn?
Over 30 ears of experience in financial services - Fully Licensed and Accredited for medical aid and other Personalised financial advice.
Council of Medical Schemes
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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: November20, 2025