Time to review health plans

MEDICAL AID: WHY YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THE BENEFITS, COSTS AND IMPLICATIONS

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It is that time of the year again where medical scheme members have to decide on their health care options in their medical scheme plans. This is also when you find out how much more your medical scheme contributions will cost in 2025 and therefore it is important to make the right decision.

Medical schemes, health insurance providers and gap product companies are now announcing their contribution or premium increases and benefit changes for 2025. Therefore, it is a crucial time for reviewing your health care options and adjusting them where necessary.

Annelé Oosthuizen, consulting manager at Alexforbes Healthcare, says health care decisions are rarely straightforward and you may feel overwhelmed by the choice of cover you will need for yourself and your dependants in the year ahead. "It is essential to understand any changes to your current plan's benefits and whether they meet your future needs. However, remember that if you are satisfied with your current level of cover, you do not have to make any changes."