Make your medical aid work harder for you with smarter healthcare choices

Medical aid isn’t necessarily something we love paying for, so it’s always worth taking the time to see how you can make those savings work better for you.

Here are some helpful strategies to maximise your medical aid benefits and savings.

Ask the pharmacist

It’s not always the best idea to rush straight to the doctor for a check-up. Sometimes, you may simply need a quick over-the-counter solution for a minor issue like a headache, sore throat, or allergy. In this way, you can save on paying out of your medical savings account for an unnecessary doctor visit. Remember though – if your symptoms are getting worse, then it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible.

Stay within your network doctors

Before booking a doctor or specialist consultation, always check if they are covered by your medical aid. Many medical aids have preferred providers or a network of doctors, which means your visits are fully or partially covered. Seeing a doctor outside of this network could leave you with higher out-of-pocket costs, so it’s best to confirm in advance whether your visit will be paid for.

Pay in cash where possible

We don’t want to necessarily use everyday cash for medicine, but in the long run, you may save more. For small everyday items, such as cough syrup and vitamins, try to pay in cash instead of using your medical aid. Small, everyday purchases can quickly eat into your savings or benefits. Paying for these out of pocket helps preserve your medical aid for more expensive or unexpected medical expenses, like hospital visits, surgeries or chronic medications.

Take advantage of free health checks

Your medical aid probably offers free health checks, vaccinations and screenings. Take advantage of these opportunities! Freebies mean that you don’t have to use your medical savings account if you suddenly need a health check that may be free, and staying proactive about your health can help you avoid more costly treatments down the road. While you’re at it, one of the best ways to save on medical costs overall is by staying healthy. Prioritise your health NOW to avoid paying later.

Read the fine print

Take the time to read through your medical aid policy to understand what is and isn’t covered. Some medical aids offer benefits for wellness programmes, dental care or even mental health support. Knowing your coverage limits will help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary costs.

Shop around

Don’t be afraid of shopping around and comparing your current medical plan to others out there on the market. You may decide you can get by with a lower premium plan or even switch to a hospital plan, if that suits your health needs.

Also, regularly monitor how much of your medical aid savings or benefits you’ve used throughout the year. Many medical aids offer online portals or apps where you can track your spending. This is a helpful way to stay on track with your spending, prevent unpleasant surprises and ensure you have the necessary savings left for emergencies or more serious health issues.

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