COVID-19: Medical Aid During Uncertain Times

It could be COVID-19. It could be any kind of pandemic, or even a complicated personal medical issue. Whatever the reason, you might have some – or lots of – questions about your medical aid coverage.

Good news, your medical aids must cover COVID-19

You may have heard that COVID-19 won't be covered by your medical aid. That's fake news. The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), which regulates the industry, has ruled that all South African medical aid schemes must pay for any positive COVID-19 cases from the scheme's benefits, and not from members' savings or day-to-day benefits. That means that if you test positive for COVID-19, your medical aid scheme – even if it's just a basic hospital plan – will cover the medical expenses.

Pneumonia, asthma etc. are already covered!

COVID19 has been classified as a prescribed minimum benefit condition by the Council for Medical Schemes. This includes related consultations, clinically appropriate diagnostic testing and any hospitalisation required.

Those are the basic rules, and of course some medical aid funds will add their own spin in terms of additional services like, on-line GP consultations, on top of those, but it is advised that you speak to your provider if you have questions. That's why it's so important for you to understand your medical aid provider's rules and how they apply in various circumstances.

And please always remember to stay at home, and stay informed

If you're worried that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, remember to stay at home and away from other people, and consult a doctor. COVID-19 has the potential to become a massive burden on the national healthcare system. After all, during a pandemic one person's cough today might turn into many people's very serious problems tomorrow. This is why private healthcare is so critically important during this crisis, and why Hippo is here to help you compare products easily to find the best fit for you.

Make sure you're taken care of during the COVID-19 pandemic by comparing your medical aid options and getting covered. Hippo can help you do that in a few clicks. Get free online medical aid quotes.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice.