Prioritise your healthcare with your new-year resolutions
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2012
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23
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Given the economic tribulations we’ve endured during the past few years, you may have identified budgeting as one of your most important new year’s resolutions. As such, you’ll be looking to cut certain costs – but make sure that medical insurance isn’t one of them.
As a healthy person, it’s probably not often that you consider your wellbeing – especially if you’ve only consulted a medical professional once or twice during the past year. In these cases, it may very well seem that the money you invest every month in your medical aid could be put to better use elsewhere.
“But think again,” warns Dr James Arens, Clinical Operations Executive at Pro Sano Medical Scheme. “Just because you’re not making use of your medical aid every month doesn’t mean that it’s not one of your most important purchases.” To put this in perspective, imagine what it would be like to have a car accident if you are not insured. Imagine the enormous cost of repairing your vehicle – money that could be spent in other, more productive ways.
“Now, imagine how much more critical the situation would be if the ‘vehicle’ to be ‘repaired’ were your own body,” adds Arens. “Medical expenses are known to be significant; you may even find yourself paying over your entire life savings simply to cover a hospital stay. What’s more, without a medical plan, many private hospitals will decline treating you. This means, in the case of an accident, you will be transported to a public hospital where, despite the staff’s best efforts, an enormous patient load could mean you have to wait a bit until you receive treatment.”
The reality is that no one can predict when an accident will happen. Nor can you be sure that you will continue to enjoy your current state of good health. Indeed, our fast-paced modern lifestyles put us at risk for many stress-related illnesses, from high blood pressure to heart conditions, depression and even cancer. “Such chronic diseases can only be managed through medication and regular medical check-ups, both of which can become costly without a medical insurance,” says Arens.
True, you may be able to pay for such expenses out of your conventional savings. But is this the wisest choice? Yes, the point of savings is to have a fund for that ‘rainy day’ or emergency, but wouldn’t it be more efficient to put away a little every month for the same purpose in a more structured fund like a medical insurance? That way, your savings will still be available should you face an emergency of a different sort.
“In many ways, opting against medical insurance is a case of being ‘penny wise and pound foolish’. Perhaps you will succeed in economising and reducing your monthly expenditure, but if you find yourself having to make a large payment because of an unexpected hospital or healthcare bill, any savings you’ve made will be instantly negated,” advises Arens.
Moreover, your monthly medical aid payment needn’t be exorbitant. It’s easy to choose a cost effective option, depending on your age, general health and lifestyle. For example, if you don’t remember the last time you had a doctor’s appointment, a hospital plan will probably suffice. “Pro Sano’s medical cover options have been simplified to make it easier for interested individuals to pick a suitable medical cover for themselves hence our emphasis on a no nonsense, just healthcare offering. It is often the jargon and sophistications of medical cover packages that created the perception that medical insurance is not affordable. Simplicity is key in helping individuals or families choose a suitable package.
“The new year is one of the best times to make your health a priority as you make your new resolutions. But even more than a priority, it’s an investment – and one of the most important ones you can make,” concludes Arens.
Source: The Riverbed Agency
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