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Medshield differentiates between a heart attack and a stroke
The heart is often referred to as the body's engine room, and rightly so. It pumps life-sustaining blood throughout the body 100,000 times daily via a 97,000-kilometre-long network of vessels. However, this mighty organ increasingly needs protection against two common disorders – heart attacks and strokes. 17 Dec 2024 Read more

Stay informed about vaccine safety for the well-being of your child, by Medshield
Throughout history, immunisation has helped protect millions of children against infectious and life-threatening diseases. Immunisation helps to strengthen your child's immune system to fight diseases like polio, measles, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tuberculosis (TB) and meningitis. Vaccines have been so effective that some diseases that were once feared are now easily manageable. 17 Dec 2024 Read more

Medshield answers all your questions about arthritis
Chances are good that either you or someone you know has arthritis. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 350 million people globally suffer from arthritis, and despite significant advancements in medicine, it remains the leading cause of disability worldwide. Although arthritis is often linked to older individuals and is more prevalent in women across all age groups, this condition can also affect children. 19 Nov 2024 Read more

Get your skin summer ready with these smart skincare tips from Medshield
People say that beauty is only skin deep, and what is on the "inside" is what counts. Skincare is often mistakenly considered a mere aesthetic pursuit. The #beauty hashtag on Instagram has more than 500 million photos, but skincare is about more than just adding a youthful photo to your social media account. 13 Nov 2024 Read more

Are you thinking about changing medical schemes but not sure of the risks? Medshield shares guidance
Life changes, and so do your healthcare needs. Whether you've just started a family, retired, or are facing an ongoing medical condition, the cover that once worked for you may no longer fit. So, you've decided to switch your medical scheme. You've read the announcements on premiums, and maybe you're looking for something more affordable with better benefits, or you need a change from your current provider. 12 Nov 2024 Read more

Medshield emphasises the importance of prioritising mental health in South Africa
Mental health, a fundamental component of well-being, continues to be a critical global issue. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as "a state of well-being in which every individual realises their potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to their community." Yet over 970 million people around the world struggle with mental illness, underscoring the urgent need to address mental health challenges and the associated stigma. As October highlighted mental health awareness in South Africa, we must commit to continuous efforts supporting mental wellness throughout the year. 5 Nov 2024 Read more

There is opportunity for innovation in South Africa’s healthcare landscape, says Medshield’s Kevin Aron
As South Africa braced itself for yet another round of medical aid contribution increases, it is clear that the healthcare landscape is undergoing significant and challenging shifts. The situation's complexity requires a nuanced understanding of the interplay between regulatory frameworks, economic pressures, healthcare provider costs and the to-be-implemented NHI, which was signed into law on 15 May 2024. 4 Nov 2024 Read more

Medshield launches 2025 benefits, unlocking personalised value for members as their Partner for Life
Medshield Medical Scheme launched its benefit options and contributions for 2025, building on its Partner for Life offering. Medshield remains prudent and consistent regarding annual benefit limits and contribution increases. The 2025 benefit offering and relevant contribution adjustments balance affordability, increase members' access to quality healthcare and ensure Medshield remains a viable and sustainable medical scheme, as evidenced by the latest AA- with a positive outlook GCR rating. 11 Oct 2024 Read more

Understanding your medical aid benefits is crucial to avoid unexpected issues, says Medshield
In a perfect world, having medical coverage would mean zero surprises when paying for healthcare. However, many South Africans are shocked when their medical aid benefits fall short, leaving them with unexpected out-of-pocket expenses – especially towards the end of a benefit year. Whether preparing for a routine check-up, planning surgery or facing an emergency, knowing the ins and outs of your medical aid cover is essential. 1 Oct 2024 Read more

The reality of South Africa's looming healthcare costs: Medshield's Kevin Aron unpacks the NHI
While the NHI promises to revolutionise healthcare in South Africa, it has many challenges. Most commentators and industry stakeholders have raised several concerns regarding its feasibility, sustainability, and potential impact on the quality of care. On the positive side, the NHI aims to provide universal healthcare for all citizens, addressing the inequalities in the current system where only a minority have access to private healthcare. It will cover health benefits costs for every South African, employed or unemployed, poor or wealthy, rural or urban, without any of us having to pay when we need the services. The NHI will ensure no one is chased away because their benefits and funds are exhausted. These are lofty aims, but the reality is that there is not enough money available to fund a healthcare system with such high aspirations. 1 Oct 2024 Read more

Medshield partners with Sanlam and TRA to bring members gap cover at preferential rates
Even the most comprehensive medical aid plans may leave members with out-of-pocket expenses, often at the most inconvenient times. Medshield Medical Scheme (Medshield) understands this challenge and has partnered separately with Sanlam and Total Risk Administrators (TRA) to provide gap cover at preferential rates directly and exclusively to Medshield members. Additional financial protection becomes increasingly important as healthcare costs continue to rise, particularly for specialist treatments and in-hospital care where out-of-pocket payments may arise. 27 Sep 2024 Read more

Medshield explains the difference between medical aid schemes and medical insurance
Many of us have heard the words medical aid scheme and medical insurance used interchangeably, and most likely assumed the two products are identical. In addition to the confusion, how medical insurance has been projected in commercial advertisements may have led some people to conclude that both products operate similarly with similar offerings. 25 Sep 2024 Read more

Care coordination is vital to achieving better health outcomes, by Medshield
Medical care is generally divided into primary and special care. These two distinct forms of medical care serve different purposes in maintaining an individual's health. Primary care refers to the first point of contact for a patient with the healthcare system, usually a general practitioner, family physician, or paediatrician. On the other hand, speciality care involves healthcare professionals with advanced training and expertise in specific areas of medicine, such as cardiology, neurology, or oncology. These specialists provide more focused and in-depth care for patients with particular health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, or cancer. 23 Sep 2024 Read more

Unpacking the NHI Act: Medshield’s Kevin Aron explains the changing healthcare landscape
South Africans have heard the words National Health Insurance or NHI for some time now, but can one really say they fully understand what this means? Many are still at odds with what the NHI entails, how it will work from day to day, how it might impact healthcare quality, whether it will genuinely improve access for the most vulnerable, and most importantly, who will pay for it. 20 Sep 2024 Read more

Medshield shares a guide on how to maximise your healthcare coverage when it runs out
It's a familiar situation: halfway through the year, the cold winter season is at its peak, and you've run out of funds on your day-to-day or savings plan. Every sniffle, ache, or routine check-up suddenly feels like a financial burden. For many South Africans, the middle of the year marks a time of anxiety as the safety net of medical cover dwindles, leaving you to wonder how to manage your healthcare needs without breaking the bank. 17 Sep 2024 Read more

What every expectant parent needs to know about maternity and newborn care cover, Medshield
Becoming a parent is a complex journey filled with anticipation, joy, and anxiety. Expectant parents focus on ensuring all is well with both mother and baby through routine check-ups, scans, hospital stays, and neonatal care if necessary. Without adequate cover, costs related to these services can escalate, putting financial strain on your family during a joyous occasion. Maternity and newborn care cover is crucial for ensuring the best care for both mother and baby during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. 6 Sep 2024 Read more

Medshield's guide to understanding prescribed minimum benefits
Healthcare cover can be a maze of jargon and complexities, leaving many consumers feeling overwhelmed, but one term you should grasp is prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs). They are crucial components of medical schemes in South Africa – mandated by the Medical Schemes Act – that ensure members have access to essential healthcare services without fear of running out of benefits for critical conditions. 5 Sep 2024 Read more

CFAO South Africa announces a new automotive body parts manufacturing plant joint venture
CFAO South Africa is pleased to announce a new joint venture between one of its subsidiaries, Toyota Tsusho Africa, and Ogihara Thailand, to be known as Ogihara South Africa and the construction of a new component manufacturing plant located at the Dube Tradeport in Durban to supply product to Toyota South Africa. The Minister of Trade and Industry in the South African Government of National Unity, the Honourable Minister Parks Tau, presided at the launch ceremony, welcoming the strategic investment of R1.2bn into the South African automotive industry. 23 Aug 2024 Read more

Medshield Mom will empower parents with real talk and practical tips on 27 July 2024
Calling all moms and dads! Medshield Medical Scheme is excited to announce the upcoming Medshield Mom Webinar, a free online event designed to provide parents with invaluable insights and practical advice from top healthcare and child psychology experts. The virtual event is scheduled for Saturday, 27 July 2024, at 9am and is open to everyone. 22 Jul 2024 Read more

Telemedicine can expand universal access to care and improve patient experience, by Medshield
Telemedicine is revolutionising healthcare worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. Telemedicine refers to the use of telecommunication technology to provide medical services remotely through virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and digital transmission of medical information. 5 Jul 2024 Read more


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