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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AuthorKevin Yeh Archives
January 2025
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