Medical Aids

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Riette on December 2, 2008 at 11:21pm

I just know that Discovery was one of the first Medical aids that paid for the pump ... I think it's best to find out first what they can give you with regards to diabetes. We're at Sefmed - only the hospital plan, but they do pay our insulin and strips in full. We pay for the pump, consumables, dr's appointments, etc...

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by -light- on December 3, 2008 at 4:29am

Hi, well I can only comment on Discovery. Obviously you need to keep in mind which plan you want to go on, no matter which medical aid you want to join, as different plans have different limits etc. I don't know which part of South African you are in, but that may play some part in your decision. I know in Johannesburg the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology has special contracts with certain medical aids which give you special cover, test strips, treatments and doctor's appointments, sometimes far more than would otherwise be covered. An example is that eye tests, doctor's appointments, a dietician;s appointment, podiatrist, and other doctor's are all in the same place and can be utilised without any costs, while the medical aid pays a 'flat rate' to the center. Several medical aids deal with the CDE here, discovery is one of those. I obviously don;t know if there is such a center in your area, but there are several.

Discovery paid for my insulin pump in full. I made the choice, together with my doc, to go for a medtronic 715, which cost 23 000 Rands. Discovery further covers all supplies, i.e. infusion sets (the needles and tubing which connects the body to the pump) and reservoirs (the little vessels which are filled with insulin and inserted into the pump, and are changed every time they are empty). Discovery also covers the insulin. I am on the 'program', the contract that discovery has with the CDE in Johannesburg, so they cover my insulin and test strips. I get 4 boxes of strips at the moment, and can chose a new test strip meter every year.

I was on injections etc. for 14 years. Most of those were spent on the 'program' at the CDE. In other words, all my insulin, test strips, new meters, doctor's appointments etc etc etc. were covered in full.

I'm not sure what other questions you have regarding the medical aid or pump, just comment on my page so I get an email, then I'll come and reply. I am 100% happy with both, which is quite something.

I also deal with Discovery in regards to mental health benefits, which is a different topic in itself.

▶ Reply to This