Medihelp, one of the prominent medical aid providers in the country, has specific waiting periods that new members should be aware of. This blog post will delve into the details of these waiting periods, ensuring you have all the information you need before making a decision.
What is a Waiting Period?
A waiting period is a set duration during which a new member is not entitled to certain benefits from their medical aid scheme. This period is designed to prevent individuals from joining a medical aid scheme only when they need immediate medical attention, which helps in maintaining the financial stability of the scheme.
General Waiting Period for Medihelp
For Medihelp, a general waiting period of up to three months applies from the date you join. During this time, you will not be entitled to any benefits except for Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB). PMBs are a set of defined benefits that ensure all medical scheme members have access to certain minimum health services, regardless of the plan they are on.
Specific Waiting Periods
In addition to the general waiting period, there are specific waiting periods for certain conditions. For example, if you have a pre-existing condition, you might face a waiting period of up to 12 months. During this period, you will still be entitled to PMBs, but other claims related to the pre-existing condition will not be covered.
Why Are Waiting Periods Important?
Waiting periods are essential for the sustainability of medical aid schemes. They help prevent the adverse selection where individuals only join a scheme when they need expensive medical treatment. By having a waiting period, Medihelp ensures that all members contribute fairly to the pool, which in turn helps in providing better services and benefits to everyone.
Conclusion
Understanding the waiting periods for Medihelp is crucial for anyone considering joining this medical aid scheme. The general waiting period is three months, with specific conditions potentially extending this period to 12 months. During these waiting periods, only PMBs are covered, ensuring that you still have access to essential health services.