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YOU SHOULD BE MORE THAN A NUMBER TO YOUR MEDICAL SCHEME A medical scheme “should show up for you and your family by understanding the people behind the purchases”. THE final quarter of 2021 is underway and families are turning their thoughts to what matters most as they begin to make plans for the year ahead, with conversations around health remaining prominent. “As the SA economy struggles to get up from its knees, the wise private healthcare consumer is looking for healthcare cover that is not only affordable, but will also provide benefits that align to the health goals of his or her family,” says Josua Joubert, chief executive and principal officer of CompCare Medical Scheme. Joubert says that, as any astute healthcare adviser will attest, pricepoint is a key driver in the decision making process. “Important to consider is the scheme’s average weighted contribution increase for 2022, and a scheme that has managed to keep increases to a level below that of the pre-Covid era clearly understands the financial position of consumers. “At the same time, reliability is paramount, and maintaining
a good solvency ratio places a scheme in a league of its own when it comes to a stable and predictable financial future,” he says. So, with the basics covered, what kind of value are people looking for? FAMILY FIRST “As a family man I can relate to the need to provide the best possible groundings for one’s children, no matter the challenges faced. Many medical scheme members will start here, and they are right to do so. “For example, a scheme that provides kids with a nutritional assessment and a healthy eating plan specially developed for children, is a partner in health worth seeking out. Likewise, a consultation with an occupational therapist, a fitness assessment and an exercise prescription programme for your children can set them on a path of lifelong physical fitness,” notes Joubert. “And while some parents may not think it particularly important just yet, cover that includes the HPV vaccine for young girls provides the
option of added protection from cervical cancer in later years of their life – a priceless gift.” Joubert points out that many parents, especially young families who are starting out, need all the support they can get, particularly in times of economic difficulty. He says a medical scheme that provides the most important healthcare benefits with extras that add tangible value across a variety of benefit options at a price that realistically suits member budgets, is a scheme that has the member’s best interests at heart. “Naturally, every young family will want cover for those building blocks in the early years – baby wellness visits and childhood immunisations, preschool eye, hearing and dental screenings as well as a school readiness assessment. “With little ones under the age of six who are starting out at preschool, exploring a wider world and building their immune systems, it can be a lifesaver to have unlimited cover for GP visits and basic dentistry, as well as an
