Following the recent launch of its medical insurance offering, Dis-Chem has launched a second product, Dis-Chem Health Gap Cover.
Whilst it has become clear that quality healthcare is critical, limits within the healthcare sector mean that the gap between what is covered through medical aid membership and what is for a member’s own pocket is widening. This results in a higher rand value and frequency of medical aid shortfalls, which are often unforeseen, and which occur retrospectively.
The Dis-Chem Health Gap Cover provides for the payment of these shortfalls incurred during medical treatments and procedures.
“Traction has been strong in the two months since we launched medical insurance, and the uptake has exceeded our expectations. The success rate so far supports our view of the market and the important role that Dis-Chem plays in promoting much wider access to affordable and quality healthcare,” says Rui Morais, CFO at Dis-Chem.
“Gap Cover is available to existing members of any medical aid and provides peace of mind by cushioning them against unforeseen medical treatment payment shortfalls. We are very mindful of the increased cost of living and growing financial pressures on consumers. A key differentiator of the Dis-Chem Health Gap Cover is that premiums are priced according to age, and on a per person basis, rather than on a fixed cost per family unit. This pricing structure makes premiums more affordable, more widely accessible, easy to understand and transparent,” Morais explains.
Two options are available: Base, priced from R190 per month for the principal policyholder, R65 for adult dependants and R18 for child dependants under 18 years old, is the standard Gap Cover plan that covers tariff shortfalls up to an additional 500%, sub-limits, dental reconstruction as well as Family Protector and Hospital booster benefits. Summit, priced from R235 per month for the principal policyholder, R95 for adult dependants and R25 for child dependents under 18 years old is the comprehensive Gap Cover plan, offering additional benefits, including cover for oncology.
From a group perspective, the addition of the Gap Cover product extends Dis-Chem’s ambition and vision to offer integrated healthcare to all South Africans by improving access to a wider range of interventions designed to improve health outcomes in an affordable manner.
“Our healthcare focus has evolved from in-store clinics to a far broader offering including telemedicine, medical insurance and now gap cover. Dis-Chem is well-placed to play a leading role in extending access to primary healthcare to a much wider and under-served segment of the population,” Morais says.
As with the initial medical insurance launch, the gap cover offering will be administered by Kaelo Risk (Pty) Ltd and will be underwritten by Centriq Insurance Company Limited.
“This addition to Dis-Chem’s insurance basket further cements the partnership between Dis-Chem and Kaelo and reinforces our joint mandate to provide affordable healthcare coverage that significantly improves the lives of all South Africans,” says John Jutzen, CEO Kaelo.
Medical insurance offers members protection against the unforeseen costs of day-to-day healthcare needs and certain accident and medical emergency illness events. Whilst it is not a medical scheme, does not offer the same benefits as a medical scheme and is not a substitute for a medical scheme, medical insurance is a good option for those who cannot afford medical aid membership.
Full details can be found at www.dischemhealth.co.za
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