Festive season is finally approaching and that means it’s time for holidays. After many countries being on lockdown for the past 18 months and more people getting the vaccine, we can see that more and more countries are opening up for tourists. In the time of such a pandemic it also reminds us how important it is to have medical cover abroad. This cover is known as, The International Travel Benefit covers costs associated with a relevant health service obtained outside of South Africa for a condition or health event that occurs as a result of an accident or emergency. Most medical schemes include International Travel Benefit for members. With some medical schemes you need to ensure that you need to activate your International Travel Benefit before you travel. With Discovery Health you do not need are to phone ahead to “activate” this benefit, all you need is your departure and re-entry stamps in your passport as proof! Depending on your chosen medical aid option, your cover limit will either be R5 Million or $1 Million and that will alleviate the burden off your shoulders knowing that you will be able to receive the best medical attention whilst on your travel adventures. Principal members and beneficiaries are covered for up to 90 days from the date of departure. Benefits apply to medical emergencies, and are limited to between R5 million and R10 million per trip. Cover can extend to an emergency medical evacuation or repatriation. It's important to note that International Travel Benefit is often excluded from low cost entry level plans. Members of the Discovery Health KeyCare Series and the BonCap option by Bonitas, for instance, are not covered, and will have to make alternative arrangements. What's excluded from cover? There are certain instances when medical aids will not pay for emergency treatment overseas. Common exclusions are:
The medical emergencies claims process If a medical emergency requires surgery, expensive procedures and/or an extended stay in hospital, you need to get authorisation and a payment guarantee from your medical aid's travel partner. In less expensive scenarios, you'll usually be expected to pay the costs from your own pocket, and claim the money back from your medical aid on your return to South Africa. A nominal co-payment may apply for treatment conducted out of hospital. Travel insurance Whether your medical aid option offers international travel benefits or not, it's a good idea to optimise your cover. In some cases – like when you pay for your air ticket with your credit card – you'll automatically get free travel insurance. If you'll be travelling for more than 90 days, or are planning to go dividing, skiing, summit a mountain peak or visit potentially dangerous areas, it's best to purchase comprehensive travel insurance as a separate product. This also means you'll enjoy benefits such as cover for lost baggage, stolen goods and cancelled flights. Important when travelling during Pandemic You may require a vaccine certificate, you may download on website https://vaccine.certificate.health.gov.za/ or contact EVDS tel: 0800 029 999 to request a vaccine certificate. They will need the below information:
If you would like to activate your International Travel Benefit, please contact Namhla or Jo in our Health department, email service@daberistic.com, Tel 011-6581333, Option 2 for Medical Aid. Source: IFC
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Spring season is finally here and that means the year is coming to an end. We can see a trend that more and more countries are opening up for tourists. In the time of such a pandemic it also reminds us how important it is to have medical cover abroad. Most medical schemes include international travel medical benefits, but each company's benefits are different. With some medical schemes you need to ensure that you need to activate your International Travel Benefit before you travel. With Discovery Health you do not need are to phone ahead to “activate” this benefit, all you need is your departure and re-entry stamps in your passport as proof! Depending on your chosen medical aid option, your cover limit will either be R5 Million or $1 Million and that will alleviate the burden off your shoulders knowing that you will be able to receive the best medical attention whilst on your travel adventures. Should you wish to find out more about International Travel Benefit topics such as:
If you will be travelling and may require a vaccine certificate, you may contact EVDS on 0800 029 999 to request a vaccine certificate for travel. This is a special request that they do and they will provide the member with an email address to send their information. They will need the below information:
If you have any other queries, please contact Namhla, Tammy or Jo in our Health department, email service@daberistic.com, Tel 011-6581333, Option 2 for Medical Aid. Please be reminded that Medical aid upgrades for 2021 will end soon, please make sure you have submitted your change by 30 November. For clients on Discovery KeyCare plan, Momentum Ingwe plan, Bonitas Boncap plan and have been selected to do income verification, please make sure all required documents are submitted to prevent your service provider resulting to default to the highest income band and therefore the highest contribution will apply.
Please note: Members joining Momentum health Ingwe option with effect 01 October 2020 onwards will not be required to submit information for income verification (declaration and proof of income). They will remain on their current income bracket moving into 2021 and the new premium will automatically be applicable from 01 January 2021. For more information on medical aid plans, please see below videos, brochures and links to assist you with change of option decision. Discovery Plan series and videos
Below are Discovery Health Plan Guides Brochures for 2021
To help you stay healthy and informed on the COVID-19 situation, Discovery will continue to provide the most up-to-date information and guidance through COVID-19 Information Hub Below are Momentum Health Plan Guides Brochures for 2021 Below are Bonitas Plan Guides Brochures for 2021 The International Travel Benefit offers medical emergency cover outside the borders of the Republic of South Africa to members for members on different medical aid plans. What is covered? The provider pays claims for emergency medical and related expenses, while on an insured journey, to the provider of the medical expenses. Cover is: Provided for up to 90 days per trip, irrespective of the number of trips made during the year Limited to R5 million per person up to a maximum of R10 million per family Subject to certain exclusions (such as pre-existing conditions and certain sports activities) The following is covered: • Emergency medical expenses • Medical evacuation and transport • Hospitalisation • Out-patient and in-patient treatment • Optical and dental expenses • Mandatory vaccine expenses • Travel assist services • Emergency telephone charges. • Limits, terms and conditions apply. These are outlined in the policy wording and documents. How to make sure you’re covered? Contact your medical aid provider to activate your international travel cover when you are planning to travel out of the country. Read the policy document carefully to ensure that you understand all the terms and conditions. To activate your International Travel Benefit cover please contact Namhla in our Health Department health@daberistic.com,tel (011)658 -1333 Source: Bonitas |
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January 2025
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