Discovery Health South Africa - 2010 changes released

IHS attended the launch of Discovery Health South Africa’s 2010 medical aid plans. Here is a brief summary of what we believe are the most important points you need to know about. Please note these changes will be effective from the 1st of January 2010.

1. 9.8% contribution increase - we anticipate that this will be lower than the industry average.

2. Insured Network Benefit - provides full cover for GP consultations and pathology in the Discovery Health networks on the Executive, Comprehensive and Priority plans.

Members on the Saver series have defined cover for additional network GP visits when they run out of savings.

3. The introduction of the Classic Delta Comprehensive and Essential Delta Comprehensive plans provides access to extensive in-hospital and day-to-day benefits at a 10% discount to the standard Comprehensive plans.

4. The Oncology Benefit has been enhanced to provide members with increased access to the latest cancer treatments and technologies.

5. The new Overseas Treatment Benefit is available on the Executive and Comprehensive options. It provides access to evidence-based treatment overseas for healthcare services that are not available in South Africa.

6. Children 12 years or younger - there will no longer be a co-payment on the hospital account for dental procedures

7. KeyCare members will now only pay R95 if visiting a preferred provider casualty unit after hours. Gastrointestinal scopes (where the primary reason for admission) will be covered.

8. Vitality – Discovery Health members (excluding those on Core and KeyCare options) who are on Vitality and have a Visa Discovery Card can choose to activate the new Medical Savings Booster. Members will qualify for a saving of up to 75% on over 6000 of HealthyFood items at Pick n Pay. If elected, this Booster would replace the member’s 25% cash-back option. The 75% savings would be housed on the Discovery Card and act as an extended savings balance to be utilised when the regular medical savings account is exhausted.

9. Gym membership – the activation fee will reduce from R850 to R595. The main member and spouse will then pay a monthly fee of 80% off the retail monthly rate. Visa Discovery Card members can further reduce their discount from 90 to 100%.

Adult dependants and child dependants over 18 will receive a 50% discount off the retail rate, which can be further discounted to between 60 and 70% through a Visa Discovery Card.

If you’re considering making changes to your medical aid plan and one of the plans offered by Discovery Health South Africa is of interest to you, why not give us a call or fill in our enquiry form – we’ll give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Wishing you all a healthy 2010!!!