Against the backdrop of criticism of private hospitals made by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi at both the labour federation Cosatu's central committee and the Board of Healthcare Conference earlier this week, South Africa's fourth largest hospital group, National Hospital Network has challenged medical schemes and walk-in patients to shop around when seeking help for elective procedures.
'Not all hospitals charge the same,' said CEO of National Hospital Network, Otto Wypkema.
National Hospital Network's members include 93 independent private hospitals, day clinics and psychiatric clinics and ophthalmic clinics. The group is the fourth largest private hospital group with solid representation in South Africa's major cities and represents almost 18% of the private sector beds.
'We have received positive feedback from the Council for Medical Schemes as well as many medical schemes that our prices are competitive and cost effective,' he said.
'In our experience some consumers of healthcare are becoming very adept at seeking out the most favourable prices. Patients who suffer from chronic conditions and who have frequent contact with the medical profession, for example, are becoming more and more medical scheme literate, which is certainly to their advantage.
'Secondly, people seeking plastic surgery treatment which is not covered by medical schemes, are very astute when seeking the best price and quality treatment they can find.
'As a group we are committed to transparency in pricing and to containing costs wherever we can,' he said.
The same should be considered when you are choosing a medical aid scheme. With so many schemes on the market, it can be quite tricky to find one that is perfectly suited to your needs.
Comparing medical aid schemes will ensure you not only have adequate medical aid cover, but also the most affordable cover.
Justmoney.co.za makes it easy to compare medical aid options. Simply fill in a quick medical aid quotation form and medical aid consultant will get back to you.
Shop around when looking for healthcare
Recent Articles
Featured What’s the deal with underwriting?
When you apply for a long-term insurance policy, a financial adviser will ask some personal questions about your lifestyle, family history, health, and even ask you to take some medical tests. This process is called underwriting, but is it really necessary?
How are you taxed on your retrenchment package?
Unemployment is one of the biggest problems in South Africa. The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation with a lot of companies retrenching their employees. When retrenched, you’ll receive a retrenchment package, but do you know how much tax you’re liable for?
Car repossessed – don’t be taken for a ride
When the country is facing an economic downturn, chances are your finances will feel the pinch. This can lead you to make bad financial decisions such as skipping your vehicle payments. But every decision has consequences and if you don’t pay your instalment, the bank will repossess your car. But what can you do when this happens?
Why you should consider gap cover
Your medical aid should protect you from incurring large medical bills when you’re sick. But what if your plan doesn’t cover the full cost of your medical expenses? We got in touch with insurance experts to find out whether gap cover is worth having.
Deals
Office furniture at discounted prices at BDK
Price: Available on request
When: Daily
Where: Johannesburg
Da Vincis Happy Hour Special
Price: Available on request
When: Daily
Where: Cape Town
Use your Absa card and get 30% cashback at Dis-chem
Price: Available on request
When: Daily
Where: Nationwide
Our suppliers and companies we review
