
Dolphin Having A Jol – Photo Of The Day by Sizanne Beritts
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See also:
Photo Of The Day – Man Holds The Sun
Marine Protected Areas – Dolphins and Whales
In recent months, we’ve been fielding numerous inquiries about medical aid and healthcare. The escalating contributions to medical aid and healthcare plans over the past few years have begun to strain monthly budgets for many, with seemingly diminishing coverage. For a family of four, a well-known medical aid plan can range from R8,000 to R33,000 per month, depending on the chosen option.
This significant financial commitment poses challenges, particularly for retirees and young families. Reflecting on my three decades in the financial services industry, I recall when traditional medical aid covered almost everything. Nowadays, a clear division exists between the insured portion, primarily for hospitalization, and the savings portion, covering day-to-day doctor visits and medication.
As private hospitals and specialists raise their rates annually, it’s not uncommon to find oneself paying out-of-pocket even after routine procedures. I recently encountered this firsthand when a family member underwent a hernia operation. Despite obtaining pre-authorization, they were shocked to discover an additional bill of over R10,000 from the surgeon, well beyond what their medical aid covered.
In some instances, the specialists’ offices may fail to communicate that they charge over three times the rate covered by the medical aid. While the ethical implications are debatable, such scenarios occur frequently.
The bottom line remains that medical aid is a necessity, given the unreliability of state-provided healthcare. Here are some considerations if you’re contemplating your options:
Ensure you have gap cover, opting for a comprehensive plan rather than the cheapest. Gap cover can address in-hospital expenses not covered by your medical aid, offering significant value for a relatively low cost.
Consider moving to a lower plan option on your medical aid and redirect the savings toward a “medical fund.” We recently assisted a family of four in making this transition, saving them R18,000 per month. In three years, they anticipate having around R500,000 in this fund to cover out-of-hospital expenses, supported by a healthy balance in their medical aid savings account and gap cover.
Conduct thorough research before undergoing any medical procedure. Understand what will and won’t be covered and proactively negotiate with specialists regarding their charges or payment terms.
Investigate alternative medical aid providers and their offerings. Some plans cater to lower-income earners with reduced contributions; certain providers even offer affordable student options.
When strategizing with our clients, we assume medical inflation to be 5% higher than normal inflation. Have you incorporated this into your planning? If not, particularly if you’re nearing retirement, addressing this aspect is crucial, as it can significantly impact your retirement plan.
—
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner.
Previous Columns:
It was an awesome evening for the Grand Opening Of River Club St Francis, the ground-breaking facility in the area.
After a blustery afternoon’s southwesterly buffeted across the St Francis Bay zone, on cue the wind started to die down for the grand opening of River Club St Francis Bay. This new-look venue – described thus on social media – ‘River Club is your all-in-one destination for recreation, relaxation and adventure’ – has been much anticipated and opened to incredible support from locals and visitors alike.
There are 3 x SKYPADEL World Championship courts as well as the River Club pro shop to cater to all your Padel accessories needs. Here’s everything you need to know about the sport of Padel – Right Here.
There is an 8 lane, 25 metre waterpolo friendly pool as well, which will undoubtedly be popular amongst the young set and those training for team sports and team events.
Many of you might already be familiar with the Bok Bar as it hosted a good few evenings during the Rugby World Cup to great support from the community and looks to be one of those popular sports bars that will always have great support. There is a bar, restaurant, convenience store and off sales, so the facility offers everything that we need right now.
The River Club is also perfect striking distance for all the epic surf in our area, being Supers Bruces and Seal Point, as well as quick access to the Golf Courses and a number of other sporting activities on the river, on the nearby trails and more.
Off their website
Embrace the great outdoors with a variety of off site activities like golf, hiking, kayaking, and surf ski. The stunning natural surroundings of St. Francis Bay provide the ideal backdrop for these outdoor adventures.
Explore the thrill of kite surfing with convenient shuttles to Kromme Mouth, Seal Point, and Sardinia Bay. For surf ski enthusiasts, we offer shuttles to Oyster Bay and Walskipper, ensuring you make the most of the area’s waterways.
Whether you’re into deep-sea, estuary or rock and surf fishing, River Club has you covered with guided fishing experiences. Plus, if you prefer a more intimate fishing experience, try kayaking on the Kromme for a unique angling adventure.
Discover world-famous surfing spots like J-Bay, Bruce’s, and Seal Point, all within easy reach of River Club. Catch the perfect wave and ride it to your heart’s content.
Take to the trails and explore the scenic beauty of St. Francis Bay on a mountain bike. The diverse terrain offers challenges for riders of all levels.
River Club provides the ideal setting for team-building activities and corporate events. Strengthen bonds, foster teamwork, and achieve your professional goals amidst our beautiful natural surroundings.
Bookings and General Equiries:
+27 (0)87 138 2327
Claudia Harcus:
+27 (0)82 091 5008
claudia@riverclubsfb.co.za
Russell Sadler:
+27 (0)82 927 9130
russell@riverclubsfb.co.za
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