THESE are the best medical aids for South African pensioners

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Finding the best medical aids for South African pensioners is not just about cost, it’s also about finding the best coverage per Rand. As The South African has explored, it’s a difficult time of year for the elderly, with many reaching out to us saying they’re battling to make ends meet.

Many over 60s may receive South African Social Security Agency grants, which increase by 4.8% from April 2024 onwards, however, this is rarely enough to pay the bills at the end of the month. More often than not chronic medication or house maintenance is neglected in favour of putting food on the table. That’s why we wanted to find the best medical aids for South African pensioners.

BEST MEDICAL AIDS FOR SOUTH AFRICAN PENSIONERS

These are the best medical aids for South Africans on a state pension. Image: File

Therefore, we turned to the experts at MedicalAid.com, who compared the best medical aids for South African pensioners. Here’s what they came up with:

Rank Medical Aid Plan Cost Best for
1. Momentum Medical Aid Evolve Option R1 687 p/m Overall best medical aid
2. FedHealth myFED Option R1 590 p/m Best extensive medical aid
3. Discovery Health Discovery KeyCare Plan R1 102 p/m Best low-cost medical aid
4. Bonitas BonStart Plan R1 378 p/m Best pay-as-you-go plan
5. BestMed Beat1 Hospital Plan R1 873 p/m Best customer service
*follow the highlighted links to explore each product.

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WHY MEDICAL AID IS IMPORTANT

best medical aids for South African pensioners
Many old-age pensioners are forced to prioritise food over chronic medication they may need. Image: File

Understanding which are the best medical aids for South African pensioners is difficult. Often pensioners find their health risks rise as their disposable income declines, putting them in a difficult situation financially. Everyone is different and will want slightly different cover. That’s why we listed what is each plan is best for, too. This is in case you prefer a pay-as-you-go, the most extensive, or simply the cheapest plan available.

If possible, you should join one of these best medical aids for South African pensioners as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will be subject to a late-joining penalty fee that can increase your monthly premiums by as much as 75%. Someone in their 60s will pay a smaller penalty than someone in their 70s or 80s.

Also, medical-aid plans have the right to exclude coverage for any pre-existing conditions for a minimum of one year. Likewise, when you first join there is generally a waiting period of three months when no claims will be reimbursed.

NEXT READ: HELP for South African Old-Age Pensioners to make ends meet

What do you think of this list of best medical aids for South African pensioners? Do you agree and are they affordable enough considering SASSA grants? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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