Did you know that in South Africa, every citizen is entitled to some form of health insurance thanks to the National Health Service? The money is funded by Social Security and National Insurance funds. It sounds like an amazing concept right?
The country’s budgets struggle to meet the needs of the people, providing only very basic forms of coverage or sometimes none at all while the growth in medicine and costs rise.
A lot of major businesses are finding more peer pressure to adopt a company wide insurance plan that helps employees pay for basic medical needs as well as more severe and life threatening medical needs. This will hopefully in turn allow more citizens around the world access to primary health care.
For the percentage of the population who lacks sufficient funds, they must turn to alternate means. They can either stick with the state provided health insurance or consult a private insurance broker. Private health insurance brokers are located in offices around the country or even online.
The most important stage when searching and finding the appropriate private insurance company is the process of running the client through a medical physical. Medical physicals are a way for the insurance agency to analyze your current and past health. At the physical, the doctor will examine your heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, as well as other important vital organs.
The doctors are required to ask you personal questions at the appointment. These questions will range from your diet and exercising habits, to whether you smoke or do elicit drugs. While these questions are embarrassing, you must answer them honestly. The doctor will also take into account your weight and if it could improve.
The doctor must also examine your family’s history of medical problems or mental illness. Through your family tree, the doctor can predict and assess the chances of you catching one of these hereditary diseases.
The culmination of the physical will result in the doctor sending off the final medical report to the insurance company. Experts on the staff will discuss and review your medical information, including the state of your organs, your personal information, and family history. All these factors are weighed into your quote.
In conclusion, if you are a healthy and active individual, you are almost guaranteed to qualify for health insurance. However, individuals that are overweight or smoke are causes for concern and health hazards.
Take care of your body, eat properly, and exercise. These three simple steps will leading to a more satisfied and happy you, and will also greatly reduce the odds of an insurance agency accepting you into their family.
Graham McKenzie is the content Syndication Manager at insurance123.co.zaSouth Africa’s leading Health Insurance information portal.