Running out of medical aid savings? Consult a doctor, get a script/sick note for R189 to R249

Zain Johnson, standing in for CapeTalk and 702's Africa Melane, speaks to Tania Joffe, Founder of Unu Health.

Listen below:

A growing number of South Africans are finding themselves without medical savings halfway through the year. According to Joffe, several factors contribute to this trend:

• Increased doctor visits during winter: Flu season often brings more frequent and severe illnesses, leading to higher medical expenses.

• Rising medical aid premiums: Some schemes have increased their monthly rates, adding to the financial strain.

• Lack of understanding of benefits: Many members are unaware of the full extent of their scheme’s coverage, leading them to use savings unnecessarily.

Joffe emphasises the importance of understanding your medical aid plan to maximise its benefits:

“Study your medical aid and understand what’s covered and at what rate.”

For instance, if you have a chronic condition, make sure it's registered with your scheme. This typically requires a letter from your doctor or specialist. Once approved, your chronic medication can be covered under insured benefits, rather than eating into your day-to-day savings.

Tips to stretch your medical aid benefits:

• Consult a broker: Medical aid brokers are provided for free through your scheme. They can help you navigate your plan and get the most value from it.

• Use contracted providers: Stick to healthcare professionals who are part of your scheme's network, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or negotiate where necessary.

• Consider separate plans for students: If you have a student dependent on your plan, placing them on their a student-specific plan can be more cost-effective.

• Make use of telemedicine tools: Digital healthcare platforms like Unu Health offer convenient, affordable access to doctors.

What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine or telehealth is the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients through digital platforms.

For example, with Unu Health, you can consult a doctor on your phone for as little as R189 to R249.

"They treat pretty much 70% of acute conditions, and if they don't, we give you a refund within 24 hours... You get a script and sick note. There's no after-hours rates or weekend rates... pathology is also available on demand. There are quite a few options like this in the market now, so do your research and review the ratings..."

- Tania Joffe, Founder - Unu Health

"These are typically funded by your savings, so if you can see a doctor at R189 or R249, get a script that is not costing you more than R500 - you're definitely ahead."

- Tania Joffe, Founder of Unu Health

To use virtual healthcare services, download the Unu Health app from the App Store or Google Play.

Doctor's services are available on demand during these hours:

• Weekdays (Monday to Friday): 7 am to 7 pm
• Saturdays: 8 am to 3 pm
• Sundays: 9 am to 1 pm

"It's really, really driving convenience leveraging technology."

- Tania Joffe, Founder - Unu Health

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.