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Medshield launches 2025 benefits, unlocking personalised value for members as their Partner for Life
Medshield Medical Scheme launched its benefit options and contributions for 2025, building on its Partner for Life offering. Medshield remains prudent and consistent regarding annual benefit limits and contribution increases. The 2025 benefit offering and relevant contribution adjustments balance affordability, increase members' access to quality healthcare and ensure Medshield remains a viable and sustainable medical scheme, as evidenced by the latest AA- with a positive outlook GCR rating. 11 Oct 2024 Read more

Understanding your medical aid benefits is crucial to avoid unexpected issues, says Medshield
In a perfect world, having medical coverage would mean zero surprises when paying for healthcare. However, many South Africans are shocked when their medical aid benefits fall short, leaving them with unexpected out-of-pocket expenses – especially towards the end of a benefit year. Whether preparing for a routine check-up, planning surgery or facing an emergency, knowing the ins and outs of your medical aid cover is essential. 1 Oct 2024 Read more

The reality of South Africa's looming healthcare costs: Medshield's Kevin Aron unpacks the NHI
While the NHI promises to revolutionise healthcare in South Africa, it has many challenges. Most commentators and industry stakeholders have raised several concerns regarding its feasibility, sustainability, and potential impact on the quality of care. On the positive side, the NHI aims to provide universal healthcare for all citizens, addressing the inequalities in the current system where only a minority have access to private healthcare. It will cover health benefits costs for every South African, employed or unemployed, poor or wealthy, rural or urban, without any of us having to pay when we need the services. The NHI will ensure no one is chased away because their benefits and funds are exhausted. These are lofty aims, but the reality is that there is not enough money available to fund a healthcare system with such high aspirations. 1 Oct 2024 Read more

Medshield partners with Sanlam and TRA to bring members gap cover at preferential rates
Even the most comprehensive medical aid plans may leave members with out-of-pocket expenses, often at the most inconvenient times. Medshield Medical Scheme (Medshield) understands this challenge and has partnered separately with Sanlam and Total Risk Administrators (TRA) to provide gap cover at preferential rates directly and exclusively to Medshield members. Additional financial protection becomes increasingly important as healthcare costs continue to rise, particularly for specialist treatments and in-hospital care where out-of-pocket payments may arise. 27 Sep 2024 Read more

Medshield explains the difference between medical aid schemes and medical insurance
Many of us have heard the words medical aid scheme and medical insurance used interchangeably, and most likely assumed the two products are identical. In addition to the confusion, how medical insurance has been projected in commercial advertisements may have led some people to conclude that both products operate similarly with similar offerings. 25 Sep 2024 Read more

Care coordination is vital to achieving better health outcomes, by Medshield
Medical care is generally divided into primary and special care. These two distinct forms of medical care serve different purposes in maintaining an individual's health. Primary care refers to the first point of contact for a patient with the healthcare system, usually a general practitioner, family physician, or paediatrician. On the other hand, speciality care involves healthcare professionals with advanced training and expertise in specific areas of medicine, such as cardiology, neurology, or oncology. These specialists provide more focused and in-depth care for patients with particular health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, or cancer. 23 Sep 2024 Read more

Unpacking the NHI Act: Medshield’s Kevin Aron explains the changing healthcare landscape
South Africans have heard the words National Health Insurance or NHI for some time now, but can one really say they fully understand what this means? Many are still at odds with what the NHI entails, how it will work from day to day, how it might impact healthcare quality, whether it will genuinely improve access for the most vulnerable, and most importantly, who will pay for it. 20 Sep 2024 Read more

Medshield shares a guide on how to maximise your healthcare coverage when it runs out
It's a familiar situation: halfway through the year, the cold winter season is at its peak, and you've run out of funds on your day-to-day or savings plan. Every sniffle, ache, or routine check-up suddenly feels like a financial burden. For many South Africans, the middle of the year marks a time of anxiety as the safety net of medical cover dwindles, leaving you to wonder how to manage your healthcare needs without breaking the bank. 17 Sep 2024 Read more

What every expectant parent needs to know about maternity and newborn care cover, Medshield
Becoming a parent is a complex journey filled with anticipation, joy, and anxiety. Expectant parents focus on ensuring all is well with both mother and baby through routine check-ups, scans, hospital stays, and neonatal care if necessary. Without adequate cover, costs related to these services can escalate, putting financial strain on your family during a joyous occasion. Maternity and newborn care cover is crucial for ensuring the best care for both mother and baby during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. 6 Sep 2024 Read more

Medshield's guide to understanding prescribed minimum benefits
Healthcare cover can be a maze of jargon and complexities, leaving many consumers feeling overwhelmed, but one term you should grasp is prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs). They are crucial components of medical schemes in South Africa – mandated by the Medical Schemes Act – that ensure members have access to essential healthcare services without fear of running out of benefits for critical conditions. 5 Sep 2024 Read more

CFAO South Africa announces a new automotive body parts manufacturing plant joint venture
CFAO South Africa is pleased to announce a new joint venture between one of its subsidiaries, Toyota Tsusho Africa, and Ogihara Thailand, to be known as Ogihara South Africa and the construction of a new component manufacturing plant located at the Dube Tradeport in Durban to supply product to Toyota South Africa. The Minister of Trade and Industry in the South African Government of National Unity, the Honourable Minister Parks Tau, presided at the launch ceremony, welcoming the strategic investment of R1.2bn into the South African automotive industry. 23 Aug 2024 Read more

Medshield Mom will empower parents with real talk and practical tips on 27 July 2024
Calling all moms and dads! Medshield Medical Scheme is excited to announce the upcoming Medshield Mom Webinar, a free online event designed to provide parents with invaluable insights and practical advice from top healthcare and child psychology experts. The virtual event is scheduled for Saturday, 27 July 2024, at 9am and is open to everyone. 22 Jul 2024 Read more

Telemedicine can expand universal access to care and improve patient experience, by Medshield
Telemedicine is revolutionising healthcare worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. Telemedicine refers to the use of telecommunication technology to provide medical services remotely through virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and digital transmission of medical information. 5 Jul 2024 Read more

Liver health matters, by Medshield
Our liver is a remarkable organ critical to keeping our bodies healthy. Responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and nutrient absorption, the liver is essential for our overall well-being. Unfortunately, liver health often takes a backseat until complications arise. Hepatitis, a condition that affects the liver, is a global public health concern. 28 Jun 2024 Read more

Employers' role in health and wellness to promote employee well-being, by Medshield
In today's fast-paced work environment, where emotional health is as critical as physical health, employers are under increasing pressure to ensure their employees are well cared for, balanced, and content. This evolving focus is essential for maintaining a productive and positive workplace. 25 Jun 2024 Read more

How environmental toxins and pollution affect our health, by Medshield
Imagine waking up daily in a world where the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the soil beneath your feet slowly poison you. It may sound like a dystopian nightmare, but for many people around the globe, this is a stark reality. Environmental toxins and pollution are pervasive, and they have profound effects on our health. Environmental toxins are hazardous substances in the air, water, soil, and even our homes and workplaces. Pollution exacerbates the presence of these toxins, contaminating the environment and increasing the risk of exposure. 25 Jun 2024 Read more

Medical aid cover for durable medical equipment and assistive devices, by Medshield
Life is unpredictable. An unexpected circumstance can lead one to depend on durable medical equipment (DME) and assistive devices to maintain independence and improve quality of life. DME refers to equipment and devices prescribed by healthcare professionals for medical purposes, such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and oxygen equipment. On the other hand, assistive devices are designed to help people with disabilities complete daily tasks, such as hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, communication devices, and computer accessories with adaptive features. 14 Jun 2024 Read more

Unlocking in-network healthcare: Tips and perks from Medshield
Imagine being recently enrolled on a new medical scheme plan, eager for the comprehensive healthcare coverage it promises, but you are not entirely sure which doctors, dentists or hospitals are covered on your chosen benefit option/plan. Maintaining good health requires more than just eating right and working out. It also requires access to quality medical care when necessary. Medical scheme coverage is a lifeline that helps pay medical bills. However, navigating the complexities of network coverage and locating in-network healthcare providers can often seem like a complex puzzle. It is critical to understand your network cover and know where to find relevant in-network healthcare providers covered by your medical scheme. 12 Jun 2024 Read more

Walk Your Way with Medshield at the 2024 Suncoast East Coast Radio Big Walk
The 2024 Suncoast East Coast Radio Big Walk is gearing up to unite the Durban community once again to celebrate health, fitness, and community spirit. With this year's theme, "Walk Your Way," the event promises an enriching experience for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Scheduled to take place on 26 May 2024, the Big Walk is a cornerstone event in Durban's social calendar, promoting a holistic approach to well-being. 21 May 2024 Read more

Allergies and sensitivities during seasonal changes, by Medshield
Seasonal changes bring about beautiful transformations in nature, but for many individuals, they also usher in a host of allergy and sensitivity triggers. From pollen and mould to dust mites and pet dander, these allergens can cause various symptoms, whether mild discomfort or severe respiratory issues. 13 May 2024 Read more


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