A second chance

“We often wonder if we really need to pay so much for medical aid, but this year we realised how important it is after what Medihelp did for us. They exceeded all our expectations and made it possible for us to focus on my mother and our family instead of worrying about paying for her treatment.” When Schalk Backhouse walked into the cardiologist’s office in July 2022, he had no idea about the extent of the turmoil that would ensue – he went from feeling tired for a few days to being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and undergoing emergency surgery within a few hours.

Schalk and his wife joined Medihelp in 2021 and had a one-year hold on coverage for certain pre-existing conditions – in his case, heart conditions – which was due to end on 30 September 2022. However, the medical aid had approved payment for the essential blood pressure medication he was taking because of his enlarged heart and atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heartbeat of the heart’s upper chambers that increases the risk of heart failure and stroke.

When Schalk got the news that he needed to be admitted to the ICU and have surgery urgently, he was worried about the costs involved, as he still had two months to go on the exclusion of heart conditions by Medihelp. But waiting was not an option.

“The cardiologist said that if he sends me home, he is not sure I will wake up in the morning. He said he would rather try to save my life now and worry about the costs later, as time was of the essence.”

Three days later, Schalk woke up in the ICU.

Schalk was absolutely gobsmacked when his wife told him that Medihelp had immediately approved his emergency treatment, which included an angioplasty and stent placement in the heart, the insertion of a pacemaker as well as 12 days in ICU. His wife was in constant contact with Medihelp, who stood with them every step of the way.

He is convinced that if it hadn’t been for his wife, his doctor and Medihelp, he wouldn’t be here today.

“The sick note I received from the doctor stated my diagnosis as end stage heart failure. I truly did get a second chance at life – thank you, Medihelp!”