Medihelp – your caring holiday partner

Whether you’re jet-setting to a dream destination or savouring a staycation with friends and family, things can get pretty frantic over the festive season. You may spend more time outdoors and in crowded areas, where there’s a higher risk of picking up pesky bugs, or having minor mishaps. And don’t forget that motor vehicle accidents usually increase dramatically during this busy time of the year as hordes of holidaymakers travel to their destinations by road.

Here is what you can do to make the most of your Medihelp membership while on holiday:

Have your membership card handy wherever you are

Download your membership card from the Medihelp app onto your cell phone. That way, if you have your phone with you, you have your membership card. You can also log in to the Member Zone on the Medihelp website and download your membership card to save or print it.

In case of an emergency

As a member, you and your dependants are covered for emergency medical care. A medical emergency is a sudden and unexpected event that needs immediate medical or surgical treatment to protect your health, such as motor vehicle accidents, burns, stab wounds, and more.

In an emergency, we cover the Netcare 911 ambulance or helicopter, the hospital account and the accounts of the doctor, anaesthetist, and other approved healthcare providers.

If you or one of your dependants has to be admitted to hospital for emergency medical care, you (or someone on your behalf) must inform Medihelp within 72 hours of the admission. Please confirm with the hospital that Medihelp has been notified, or call us on 086 0200 678.

Travelling abroad?

When you or your dependants plan to travel to another country, you should inform Medihelp, before you travel, of the duration of your trip and the country you plan to visit. That way, you’ll know what you’re covered for during your trip, and understand the process to follow when you need to submit claims.

The country where you stay will determine your benefits for emergency transport and other medical services, so check your medical aid plan before you go on your trip. It’s also a good idea to have extra travel insurance for the difference between the benefits your plan offers and the cost of medical services abroad.

Contact us on 086 0100 678 to get the necessary documentation to complete and submit, which will help to track and coordinate claims between us and your travel insurance agent.

Submitting claims (except foreign claims)

If you need to claim, simply open the member app on your cell phone, then:

•             select Submit a claim,

•             click Take or choose a photo of your claim,

•             upload your claim and any supporting documents,

•             select the dependant code and type of claim, and

•             click Submit.

Don't forget to pack your chronic medicine

If you need medicine for chronic conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol for more than 30 days while travelling, remember to submit your application form five days before you plan to collect your medicine. You can download an application form from the Member Zone, and complete and email it to enquiries@medihelp.co.za. You will then receive an email to confirm when to collect your medicine from your normal collection point.

Medihelp has you covered for hospitalisation

All our plans have unlimited hospital cover. Hospital admissions must be pre-authorised and are subject to our clinical protocols and case management. For authorisation, email hospitalauth@medihelp.co.za or call us on 086 0200 678. You can also request pre authorisation via the Medihelp app or the Member Zone on www.medihelp.co.za.

 Remember, if you’re on a network plan, you must use a facility in our national footprint of private network hospitals and day procedure facilities to avoid co-payments. However, if you have a medical emergency as defined above in a place where there is no network hospital nearby, there won't be a co-payment if you visit the closest hospital. You can find a network provider near you on the Medihelp app or the Member Zone.

Don't be caught off guard this holiday season. Instead, make the most of your trip or staycation by remembering these tips when planning your holiday. For more information, review your member e-guide or visit the Medihelp website for quick answers to frequently asked questions.