Did you know that in South Africa, every citizen is entitled to some form of health insurance thanks to the National Health Service? The money is funded by Social Security and National Insurance funds. It sounds like an amazing concept right?
Well, no, not exactly. The coverage many citizens receive is bare minimum, unable to keep up with the fast pace and always changing medical field. The coverage does not do justice for the high costs.
Employers have done their best to help support their employees, as some public and private sectors offer health insurance benefits to their employees. It’s a nice feature but once again sometimes the coverage lacks or isn’t offered at all.
For the percentage of the population who lacks sufficient funds, they must turn to alternate means. They can either stick with the state provided health insurance or consult a private insurance broker. Private health insurance brokers are located in offices around the country or even online.
The insurance broker will request a medical physical after coming into contact with the provider. They will schedule a date and time that fits with your busy schedule. At the medical physical, a doctor or medical assistant will study your health. One of the most important aspects of the physical is determining the quality of your vital organs, including heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver.
The doctors are required to ask you personal questions at the appointment. These questions will range from your diet and exercising habits, to whether you smoke or do elicit drugs. While these questions are embarrassing, you must answer them honestly. The doctor will also take into account your weight and if it could improve.
The doctor will also study hereditary health problems in your family. The reason doctors do this is to predict whether or not you could experience some of the same health conditions. The doctor also must study your occupation and the levels of stress that are associated with it. The working environment and levels of stress play large roles in your health.
The culmination of the physical will result in the doctor sending off the final medical report to the insurance company. Experts on the staff will discuss and review your medical information, including the state of your organs, your personal information, and family history. All these factors are weighed into your quote.
If you smoke or drink heavily, do drugs, or perform any other activities detrimental to your health, an insurance industry is going to think twice about covering you. They will also weigh in how much you weigh, because several diseases derive from poor weight.
Insurance brokers want to reward individuals that take an interest in their personal health and want to keep an healthy, active lifestyle.
Graham McKenzie is the content Syndication Manager at insurance123.co.zaSouth Africa’s leading Health Insurance information portal.
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