It’s a familiar moment for many: You arrive at the pharmacy to collect your prescription, only to be told that you need to pay a ‘levy’. For many medical aid members, this moment – the unplanned co-payment – is one of the most frustrating parts of managing their health. What makes it worse is that […]
The pharmacy surprise: Why you’re paying extra for prescriptions, and how to avoid it Read More »
A sudden medical emergency nearly cost Consult by Momentum financial adviser Andrew Wolmarans his life – but thanks to prudent financial planning, hospital bills were the least of his worries. I used to think I had time and health on my side. I trained hard, stayed active, kept an eye on my numbers. By most
My R1.8-million lesson: How updating my financial cover saved my life Read More »
With the Easter long weekend just around the corner, many South Africans are gearing up for family getaways, road trips and well-earned breaks. While flights, accommodation, admin and packing tend to dominate the planning process, the one thing many people forget to plan for is what to do if they get sick or injured while
What your medical aid should be doing for you while travelling this Easter Read More »
Between the demands of work, taking care of a family and perhaps even trying to fit in some semblance of social enjoyment, maintaining your own and your loved ones’ long-term health and wellbeing can become less of a priority. You may even wait until a problem arises to get health concerns checked. For those in
The silent risk of ignoring your health: Why annual screenings matter in 2026 Read More »
From tracking steps and calories to getting the gains at the gym and taking care of mental and emotional wellness, South Africans have never been more health-conscious. At the same time, there is a growing disconnect in how we perceive the systems that protect that health. As we step further into 2026, it’s important to
Medical aid myth busting: The misunderstandings we’re leaving behind in 2026 Read More »
For many South African families, January is a time to plan and budget for the year ahead and set smart financial goals. While travel and big-ticket spends are almost always the first to be considered, budgeting for healthcare is often left to chance or ignored altogether. This can leave families in stressful circumstances in the
Prioritising smarter healthcare decisions in 2026 Read More »
It’s medical aid renewal season – a prime opportunity to check and adapt your healthcare plan. With only 16% of respondents in JustMoney’s recent large-scale survey, Money & Me, able to cover a R10 000 emergency, and only 27% insured for medical costs, on average, it’s crucial to ensure your healthcare package balances sufficient protection
South Africans are facing another tough year of rising medical scheme costs in 2026. Weighted average premium increases range between 6% and 9%, depending on the benefit option – despite the Council for Medical Schemes recommending that increases be limited to CPI (3.3%) plus reasonable utilisation. Across the country’s leading open medical schemes, the announced
Planning your private healthcare funding for 2026 Read More »
As we step into 2025, families are diligently re-evaluating household budgets, distinguishing the ‘must-haves’ from the ‘nice-to-haves’, and seeking smarter ways to manage essential expenses. One critical area under scrutiny is healthcare coverage, a universally acknowledged necessity – but at what cost, and what benefit level should it be maintained? Martin Rimmer, CEO of Sirago
Healthcare financial planning resolutions for 2025 Read More »
According to the World Health Organization, malaria has been a priority health problem in the African region for the past few decades, and today, it still remains the leading cause of illness, hospital admissions and deaths on the continent. Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female mosquitoes,
Malaria prevention and treatment – what does your medical scheme cover? Read More »