These days no one can afford to get sickness or injuries. Especially if you land up in hospital, private hospital bills rack up to tens of thousands of Rands in a matter of days. For this reason many South Africans choose to get medical aid cover, with a cash back plan being the most cost-effective option.
What is a hospital plan?
Hospital plans offers medical cover for hospitalization rather than for all other day-to-day medical expenses. You can join a hospital plan from an insurance company or medical scheme. By paying a monthly premium (the amount differs from scheme to scheme), you can be assured that you will be covered for most, if not all hospitalization expenses.
So I can get cash back with a hospital plan?
Yes, with some hospital plans you can actually get some cash back if you haven’t claimed from your medical aid within a certain period of time:
Sanlam Hospital Cash Back Plan
Sanlam is one of the most well-recognised insurance provider and financial service provider in South Africa. They offer a hospital cash back plan that not only helps with hospital fees and any medical expenses that you may incur in hospital, but also contributes towards the a loss if income while you are in hospital. This helps not only your recovery, but also the loved ones who depend on you. If you become physically or mentally disabled, the Sanlam Hospital Cash Back Plan will provide a cash payout. To help you and your family while you take time to get better.
To find out more about the Sanlam Hospital Cash Back plan, you can call the Client Contact Centre: 0861 235 433. Or visit Sanlam’s website for more details.
Clientele Life Hospital Cash Back Plan
From as little as R100 per month, the Clientele Life Hospital Cash Back Plan will pay out between R350 and R3000 per day if you are hospitalized for over two days. The benefit is paid out starting on the third day of hospitalization.
Benefits include:
- Maternity Benefit
- ICU Benefit
- Accidental Death Benefit
- Accidental Disability Benefit
- Pre-existing medical conditions are covered after a waiting period
- AND you are eligible for cash back from the scheme every 60 paid premiums (5 years)
To apply for a hospital plan from Clientele Life, you can visit their website and complete a “Call me Back” from to the right of the page, or SMS the word “hospital” to 32849 and a consultant will be in touch with you shortly.
Edgars Hospital Cash Back Plan
You may be surprised to hear that clothing outlet Edgars offers a hospital plan with a cash back benefit. While you are in hospital, the plan will ensure that you are covered for other day-to-day expenses such as school fees, groceries, and other expenses your family needs taken care of. This hospital plan does not cover actual medical costs. Rather, you will receive a lump sum payout when you have been discharged from the hospital, intended to help you cover expenses at home while you were in hospital and unable to work.
Premiums vary depending on your monthly income and expenses.
To apply or find out more:
- Call 0860 55 334
- SMS ‘Web’ to 42934
- Apply in-store at your local Edgars.
Tip #1:
There are a number of medical aid plans and insurance schemes that offer hospital plans; some that offer cash back, others that don’t. With this kind of variety you can afford to be choosy about which scheme you choose so be sure to do your research before picking the right plan for your needs.
You can also leave your contact details with different companies who will be able to give you further details on the plans they offer and which will suit you best.
Tip #2
When doing your research, be sure to investigate plans that give cash back as well as schemes that don’t. Even if a scheme doesn’t provide cashback, it may be more cost effective overall and have lower premiums. Approach medical aid “shopping” with an open mind and an understanding of your unique needs.