Back pain during pregnancy and how to deal with it
Back pain is a common occurrence during pregnancy and can be frustrating to deal with. Unfortunately, if you have any […]
Lifestyle diseases and Coronavirus
As the number of Covid-19 infections moves over 10 000, the health minister Zweli Mkhize has expressed concern about the huge risk group of South Africans suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. In other words Comorbidities.
Free virtual medical consultations for all South Africans
Bonitas Medical Fund announced that it has extended its free virtual medical consultations to all South Africans. This facility includes medical advice about COVID-19, other medical problems, the writing of prescription, where necessary and free delivery of chronic medication.
Don’t dread the dentist
Most of us are scared of the dentist which means dental care can easily be overlooked but, taking good care of your teeth will not only leave you with a brilliant smile, it will also keep your mouth healthy. By following a good at-home care regime and regular dental visits, you can decrease the likelihood of health problems in the future.
Ambulances are for emergencies only
Too often we read about emergency services and the police force spending hundreds of thousands of Rands on wasted resources due to prank or non-emergency calls. Some emergency services report receiving up to 50 abusive or hoax calls every day. Not only does this waste valuable time for the highly trained personnel but it also causes disruptions to responses to real emergencies and puts people’s lives in danger.
When you have a pain in the neck or back
Back pain is a common problem – 80% of us will experience an episode at some point in our lives. It is associated with many factors that vary from person to person but can be caused by an injury, a disc or joint problem, an irritated nerve root or poor posture. The pain might be acute or chronic but living with either can be debilitating.
Enhanced maternity benefits in 2020 from Bonitas
Around 9 000 babies are born to Bonitas Medical Fund members annually and while most of these little members are welcomed into the world without any hitches, about 20% of pregnant moms experience complications during childbirth. Many experience challenges of some kind during their pregnancy, or immediately after the birth of their child. For this reason, the Fund is making maternity education and support a focus for 2020. The aim is to offer pregnant members all the support and guidance they need to improve their health and that of their baby. It is about making the pre- and post- birth period as stress-free and healthy as possible.
Membership growth and a weighted increase below double digits for Bonitas
A growth in membership, an increased emphasis on Managed Care, a range of enhancements for members and added value, are just some of the highlights from the Bonitas 2020 Product Launch.
Medical Aid – making the right choice
Private and public healthcare has been in the news lately and will continue to be a topic of discussion around
Addiction – a dangerous trend gripping the nation
It is estimated that around 10 million – or 20% – of South Africans are abusing substances. This is according to the South African Society of Psychiatrists. Whether it is alcohol, codeine, dagga, heroin or other drugs it’s a very worrying statistic that costs the private and public healthcare industry millions annually in rehabilitation and recovery.
Medical aid non-disclosures: What you need to know
Be honest and disclose all information. Don’t forget to read the questionnaire carefully and regardless of whether you think it’s important or not, or whether the medical condition was years previously, include it in your application
Combatting rising healthcare costs
Access to quality healthcare remains a priority for South Africans. However, with healthcare costs consistently outpacing inflation, the challenge for private medical schemes remains finding the right balance between providing a high level of value and care for members, while managing costs effectively.
The big four – know your numbers
‘South Africa is heading for a disaster if the number of people living with chronic lifestyle diseases does not change.’
Five tips to stretch your medical benefits
Lifestyles or Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) – such as diabetes – have become an epidemic in South Africa which is why
Splitting up with your medical aid
Going through a divorce can be extremely harrowing and stressful, not just for the couple themselves but also for their
What you need to know about Pneumonia
Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund talks about pneumonia: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a child
Five facts about ‘flu
Gerhard Van Emmenis, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund gives five facts about flu: Flu strains, like fashion, change every
Deciphering Medical Aid Speak
It can be rather daunting trying to understand the terms in your medical aid plan and all the detailed information
Pre-authorisation and payment: Do you know the difference?
Medical aid members know that pre-authorisation ahead of a medical procedure is always required but does pre-authorisation mean it’s an
Medical tax rebates stable after budget speech
Private medical aid members can breathe a sigh of relief after the budget speech. Treasury has been hinting for a
Bonitas gives back
Members of Bonitas Medical Fund will now have access to free lifestyle vouchers as well as discounted offers on gap
Medical aid unpacked
When it comes to medical aid, affordability is usually the biggest consideration. However, monthly premiums should be weighed and balanced
Medical Aid choices
It’s business as usual for medical aids… While the NHI remains a work in progress in terms of policy and
Medical aid payments
It’s a lament often heard. There are, however, two sides to every story and the problem doesn’t always lie with
Medical Aid and VAT
Since the announcement of the 1% Value Added Tax (VAT) increase by the Minister of Finance last month, there has
Bonitas Talks Babies
When do advise your medical aid that you are pregnant? If you are a prospective member, you need to do
Medical Aid Made Easy
Access to good healthcare remains a concern for most South Africans and choosing a medical aid to suit your financial
Introducing BabyLine
Parenting is a joy but it can also be overwhelming and just a little daunting. There is no degree or
Get bang for your buck
Most medical aids have launched their benefits and premium contributions for 2017 and, as in the past, the increases passed
Choosing Medical Aid
Most medical schemes have launched their benefits and contributions for 2017 and it is the time when you should be
