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 Rating agencies may come knocking
It is only the middle of February, but the rand has already made two big moves. The first was the rand moving from R14.60 to R 13.20 at the beginning of the year, as emerging markets (EM) became fashionable again. The second was where the rand gave away nearly 90 cents in 2 weeks as the EM rally ran out of steam, and local events started to hit the headlines.
Read moreThe cost of sending money home to neighbouring countries
Transferring money home within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) provides vital financial support for many households in neighbouring countries.
Read moreStudent bank accounts: Which come out on top?
Being a student signals budgeting and not having a lot of money at your disposal. This means streamlining expenses such as your grocery costs and entertainment budget. But what if your bank account is in fact costing you more than you can afford?
Read moreCan you afford an ambulance in South Africa?
When a loved one is straddling the line between life and death, you won’t hesitate to call an ambulance. This week, Justmoney found out how much an ambulance ride costs in South Africa, whether you can refuse to get into an ambulance, and who pays the bill if you’re unconscious.
Read moreSign Up
To our weekly newsletter for advice you can bank on
Deals
President Hotel Easter Special
Price: From R1,500
When: 15 March to 30 April
Where: Cape Town
Kulula-Preskil Island Resort Special
Price: R16,999
When: 11 May -14 September
Where: Mauritius
A Touch Of Madness Tuck In Tuesday Special
Price: R70
When: Tuesdays
Where: Cape Town
Our suppliers and companies we review
