A dreaded disease is considered by the medical world as a condition that is life-threatening. Also called critical illness, the most common dreaded diseases to affect South Africans include stroke, heart attack and cancer.
The statistics are quite alarming. One in three men in South Africa and one in four women in this country will suffer a heart attack in his or her lifetime. When it comes to strokes, this type of medical calamity is the third most common killer of South Africans. And the rates of stroke sufferers are increasing.
As if being life-threatening conditions wasn’t enough, the costs of medical treatment for critical illnesses are exorbitant. On average a stroke victim would have to fork out between R500,000 and R1 million for treatment of the condition.
That being said, it seems pretty clear that one needs to take precautionary measures to cover oneself for the financial burden of being struck with one of the conditions considered to be critical.
Most critical Illnesses fall under the Prescribed Minimum Benefits, which need to be covered by every medical aid in South Africa.
The importance of being protected in case of a medical emergency like this cannot be overstressed.
What is a Critical Illness?
Also known as Dreaded Disease, these are illnesses which are regarded by the medical profession as being life threatening.
The most common critical illnesses in South Africa are heart attack, stroke, cancer and coronary artery by-pass surgery.
Other conditions include:
Alzheimer’s disease
blindness
deafness
kidney failure
A major organ transplant
multiple sclerosis
HIV/AIDS contracted by blood transfusion or during an operation
Parkinson’s disease
paralysis of limb
terminal illness
What medical aid options are available to cover yourself in the event of a diagnosis?
Most Critical Illnesses fall under the Prescribed Minimum Benefits that have to be covered under every medical aid in South Africa.
However, each medical aid or hospital plan scheme may impose limits regarding the way they cover these conditions.
Some schemes might make use of specific networks of hospitals and service providers i.e. oncology networks (these are also called designated service providers).
If you make use of a provider that does not form part of this network, you might land up with a co-payment.
Some schemes limit the amount of MRI or CT scans that they allow. (Take note of these as you might need more than 1 per year should you be diagnosed with a critical illness).
Medical Schemes also offer certain treatment programmes which provide benefits and information to equip you to deal with your condition.
Please note that even if you are on a hospital plan only, you will still enjoy certain cover for these listed conditions.
Interesting statistics regarding Critical Illness in South Africa
One in three men and one in four South African women will suffer a heart attack before their 60th birthday.
Stroke is the third most common cause of death in South Africa and it is on the increase.
One in six South African men and one in seven South African women will get cancer during their lives.
The cost implications of treating a critical illness
The cost of healthcare in South Africa is extremely high and here are few examples of the cost of treating certain illnesses:
.
Preventing Critical Illness Diseases
Many Critical Illnesses can be avoided by living a healthy life.
Watch what you eat, do exercise and avoid smoking. Smoking almost triples the risk of heart disease.
Most medical schemes provide certain screening benefits. The idea of preventative care is quite simply; Prevention is better than Cure.
By going for these tests a critical illness can be identified in its early stages and the treatment and recovery therefore will be much more hopeful.
Preventative screening benefits include testing of cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, prostate screening, mammograms, pap smears and HIV.
Even though you think you are healthy, you can be diagnosed with a critical illness at any time, so please ensure that you make use of the preventative screening tests on your medical scheme and if you are looking at a new medical scheme or new option for 2013, do look at the offering they have for critical illness cover.
Reference: Junction.co.za
The statistics are quite alarming. One in three men in South Africa and one in four women in this country will suffer a heart attack in his or her lifetime. When it comes to strokes, this type of medical calamity is the third most common killer of South Africans. And the rates of stroke sufferers are increasing.
As if being life-threatening conditions wasn’t enough, the costs of medical treatment for critical illnesses are exorbitant. On average a stroke victim would have to fork out between R500,000 and R1 million for treatment of the condition.
That being said, it seems pretty clear that one needs to take precautionary measures to cover oneself for the financial burden of being struck with one of the conditions considered to be critical.
Most critical Illnesses fall under the Prescribed Minimum Benefits, which need to be covered by every medical aid in South Africa.
The importance of being protected in case of a medical emergency like this cannot be overstressed.
Protecting Yourself from Critical Illness
Also known as Dreaded Disease, these are illnesses which are regarded by the medical profession as being life threatening.
The most common critical illnesses in South Africa are heart attack, stroke, cancer and coronary artery by-pass surgery.
Other conditions include:
Alzheimer’s disease
blindness
deafness
kidney failure
A major organ transplant
multiple sclerosis
HIV/AIDS contracted by blood transfusion or during an operation
Parkinson’s disease
paralysis of limb
terminal illness
What medical aid options are available to cover yourself in the event of a diagnosis?
Most Critical Illnesses fall under the Prescribed Minimum Benefits that have to be covered under every medical aid in South Africa.
However, each medical aid or hospital plan scheme may impose limits regarding the way they cover these conditions.
Some schemes might make use of specific networks of hospitals and service providers i.e. oncology networks (these are also called designated service providers).
If you make use of a provider that does not form part of this network, you might land up with a co-payment.
Some schemes limit the amount of MRI or CT scans that they allow. (Take note of these as you might need more than 1 per year should you be diagnosed with a critical illness).
Medical Schemes also offer certain treatment programmes which provide benefits and information to equip you to deal with your condition.
Please note that even if you are on a hospital plan only, you will still enjoy certain cover for these listed conditions.
Interesting statistics regarding Critical Illness in South Africa
One in three men and one in four South African women will suffer a heart attack before their 60th birthday.
Stroke is the third most common cause of death in South Africa and it is on the increase.
One in six South African men and one in seven South African women will get cancer during their lives.
The cost implications of treating a critical illness
The cost of healthcare in South Africa is extremely high and here are few examples of the cost of treating certain illnesses:
- On average, a stroke would cost between R500 000 and R1 million over the lifetime of the patient
- The lifetime cost of Alzheimer’s disease is more than R1 million.
.
Preventing Critical Illness Diseases
Many Critical Illnesses can be avoided by living a healthy life.
Watch what you eat, do exercise and avoid smoking. Smoking almost triples the risk of heart disease.
Most medical schemes provide certain screening benefits. The idea of preventative care is quite simply; Prevention is better than Cure.
By going for these tests a critical illness can be identified in its early stages and the treatment and recovery therefore will be much more hopeful.
Preventative screening benefits include testing of cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, prostate screening, mammograms, pap smears and HIV.
Even though you think you are healthy, you can be diagnosed with a critical illness at any time, so please ensure that you make use of the preventative screening tests on your medical scheme and if you are looking at a new medical scheme or new option for 2013, do look at the offering they have for critical illness cover.
Reference: Junction.co.za
WHAT TO DO NEXT? PROTECT YOURSELF FROM
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