Stretch your medical savings: smart strategies for the year ahead
This edition of Cover to Cover looks at how members can plan, track, and optimise their medical savings to reduce out-of-pocket costs and get the most from their benefits.
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MediCheck claims win as Discovery Health writes off up to R170m in ATB recoveries
Discovery Health has abandoned recovery action against more than 16 500 members, agreeing to absorb up to R170 million in overpaid ATB claims after sustained pressure from MediCheck,
From spouses to parents: understanding medical scheme dependants
This edition of Cover to Cover explains medical scheme dependant rules, required documentation, and how advisers can help clients keep their families covered.
Family-wide gap cover: a budget lifeline for single-income households
For single parents, a ‘one-family, one-premium’ gap policy turns unpredictable medical shortfalls into a fixed monthly cost, protecting household cashflow.
Huge shortfall in critical illness protection leaves most income earners exposed
ASISA’s research shows formally employed South Africans face a major liquidity risk: R4 trillion in earnings versus only R1.1 trillion in critical illness cover.
ASSA launches national Climate Index to guide risk management
South Africa now has a publicly available Climate Index, developed by actuaries and meteorologists, that tracks extreme weather events.
Waiting periods – how they affect medical scheme benefits
This edition of Cover to Cover explains waiting periods, helping advisers guide clients on when benefits start and strategies to avoid gaps in cover.
The future of healthcare financing: why brokers must stay agile
In a landscape defined by rising costs and digital disruption, brokers who embrace technology and tailor gap cover to individual life stages will lead the way.
Decoding medical plans for your clients
The first edition of our new series unpacks the types of medical plan, who they suit, and why the cheapest option isn’t always the smartest choice.
Medical scheme hikes: CMS calls for restraint, but will schemes listen?
The Council for Medical Schemes recommends capping 2026 contribution increases at 3.3% plus “reasonable utilisation estimates”, yet past trends show schemes often push far higher.
Health insurance benefit increases for 2025 published
The annual benefit escalations for policies that fall under the Demarcation Regulations.
Medihelp’s solvency dips again, but scheme says recovery plan is working
Medihelp says its recovery plan is on track, with strong cost controls, younger members, and CMS-approved funding measures set to restore financial stability by 2026.
Bestmed marks sixth year of membership growth
Despite economic headwinds and high claims ratios, Bestmed grew net membership by 4.4% in 2024, bolstered by strong solvency and a R164.4m surplus.
NFO’s Life Division recovers over R202m for consumers in 2024
Complaints about life-benefit payouts climbed to 36% of the Division’s cases, from 34% in 2023.
HFA warns: NHI will slash healthcare, raise taxes, and drain the economy
The Health Funders Association, which represents nearly half of SA’s private healthcare market, is the latest organisation to launch a legal challenge against the NHI Act.
Suicide-related life claims surge by 62% over five years
Discovery Life’s claims data reveals rising risks, with increasing concerns about mental health and skin cancer.
CMS extends exemption for primary healthcare policies
Insurers are allowed to offer primary healthcare policies for an additional two years pending the finalisation of a framework for low-cost benefit options.
