July Jolt: South Africans turn to medical apps to save on medical aid funds
Image: Picture: Freepik
As the calendar flips to July, many South Africans are facing an unsettling reality: their medical savings have been depleted, forcing them to shoulder the costs of healthcare out of their own pockets for the remainder of the year.
This situation has become particularly dire amidst soaring inflation, rising fuel prices, and escalating food costs, placing healthcare access in jeopardy for a significant portion of the population.
The scenario plays out in homes across the country: doctor's visits, blood tests, and even necessary prescriptions are increasingly being sidelined as families attempt to navigate their financial constraints.
However, healthcare experts are urging South Africans not to compromise on their health. Instead, they should explore innovative solutions that reduce costs while maintaining quality care.
'South Africans need to start looking at smarter ways to access quality healthcare without breaking the bank,' says Tania Joffe, founder of Unu Health. Joffe highlights the availability of credible alternatives that are not only fully covered by medical aids but can save users up to 40% compared to conventional healthcare routes.
One standout solution is telemedicine, which allows patients to consult with qualified doctors through apps, phones, or online platforms. This modern approach to healthcare is gaining traction throughout South Africa.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
'Instead of spending R500 or more on a face-to-face GP visit, patients can speak to a doctor for a fraction of that cost through telemedicine apps with the consultation often covered entirely by their medical aid,' Joffe explains. 'And it's not just consultations — pathology and diagnostic testing services are also up to 40% cheaper when compared to traditional channels.'
Experts stress that the healthcare landscape is evolving, necessitating a shift in how consumers approach health services.
'The old model of always visiting your GP or specialist in person for everything just isn't sustainable anymore,' Joffe points out.
'It's time to embrace the hybrid model that includes telemedicine — especially when you can access trusted, convenient, and safe care that's also far more affordable.'
Ways to maximise your healthcare budget
Amid this financial strain, here are practical steps South Africans can take to stretch their medical rands further: Switch to virtual consultations: Utilise telehealth services that are covered by your medical aid to minimise costs.
Utilise telehealth services that are covered by your medical aid to minimise costs. Shop around for blood tests: Seek out approved partners through your medical aid or platforms like Unu Health for discounted rates.
Seek out approved partners through your medical aid or platforms like Unu Health for discounted rates. Prioritise prevention: Make use of free or low-cost screening tools and lifestyle advice to avoid expensive treatments down the line.
Make use of free or low-cost screening tools and lifestyle advice to avoid expensive treatments down the line. Track your spending: Keep a close eye on how much of your savings you've already used and plan your healthcare needs for the rest of the year accordingly.
Keep a close eye on how much of your savings you've already used and plan your healthcare needs for the rest of the year accordingly. Use digital health apps:
Access healthcare services while on the go, avoiding time-off work or additional transport costs.
'Healthcare is not something you can afford to neglect,' Joffe asserts. 'But you also shouldn't have to go into debt to stay healthy. It's about using what's available wisely — knowing there are alternatives that can make a real difference.'
As the cost-of-living crisis intensifies, South Africans are encouraged to rethink their approaches to healthcare access.
By adopting digital health solutions and engaging in more strategic planning, maintaining good health can be achieved without sacrificing financial stability.
IOL
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Athlone Park Clinic and co uplift the community
PATIENTS at Athlone Park Clinic were educated and empowered on a number of vital topics as part of the clinic's annual open day programme on July 25. Also read: Amanzimtoti CPF empowers community Role players that stepped in to offer a helping hand included the Amanzimtoti CPF, Sparrow Trust, the National Prosecuting Authority, and Amanzimtoti police. Clinic staff went into depth on topics such as HIV/Aids, the importance of using contraceptives, tuberculosis and other diseases. They also informed people how to prevent certain health-related issues in the long term, thereby avoiding the need for chronic medication once such ailments worsen. For example, to prevent high cholesterol, cut down on oil, or to stave off diabetes, limit sugar intake. Merlene Matthews, Amanzimtoti CPF chairperson, touched on World Drowning Prevention Day, which fell on the clinic's open day, harkening back to a near drowning at Warner Beach. She advised attendees of the open day to steer clear of non-bathing beaches. Amanzimtoti CPF PRO and founding director of Sparrow Trust, Estelle van Eeden, advised on cyber safety. She touched on novel and common cybercrime South Africans fall prey to, as well as warning signs to look out for during any online interactions, and where to report such encounters. The pair also brightened the day of little ones by handing out little plush animals to them. Also read: eThekwini commits to engaging Lower Illovo residents 'It is an awareness event as it is information the community doesn't have access to. This is a very proactive clinic in terms of how it empowers the community,' said Van Eeden. NPA senior prosecutor Nokukhanya Gcwabaza explained maintenance laws to the public, their right to access to court, and which documents they need to bring when making an application for maintenance. 'Contrary to popular belief, maintenance does not end when a child is 18 years old, but when they are fully self-sufficient. I did my best to empower the public on spousal maintenance, the civil remedies if there is a breach of a protection order, area maintenance and jurisdiction,' said Gcwabaza. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Free health screenings at local clinics this week
Certain KZN communities can this week access life-saving, free mobile health screenings and primary healthcare services. Rio Tinto, PinkDrive, and the National Department of Health are bringing vital cancer and health checks directly to clinics including Khandisa, Ngwelezane, eNseleni and Mbonambi. This initiative offers mammograms, pap smears, prostate tests and more, all free of charge. 'We are proud to once again collaborate with PinkDrive to bring these services closer to those who need them most. 'Through this collaboration, we can extend our reach and make a meaningful impact even in areas where we are not physically present. It is an extension of our core values of CARE,' said RTIT Africa Operations & RBM MD Werner Duvenhage. This important initiative is funded by the Rio Tinto Social Investment Fund. Last year, the outreach successfully reached 7 695 people over a two-week period, and the goal for this year is to screen over 12 000 individuals and provide health education to many more. CEO and founder of PinkDrive, Noelene Kotschan said, 'Far too many South Africans are diagnosed late because they simply don't have access to screening facilities. Our model of mobile healthcare has proven both innovative and effective in bridging this gap.' The mobile clinics will provide essential services such as mammograms, pap smears, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, clinical breast examinations, skin and lung cancer screenings, as well as general health screenings. Qualified doctors, nurses, radiographers and health educators will provide these services, with referrals to public health facilities arranged where necessary. Schedule: Tuesday, 5 August – Khandisa Clinic Wednesday, 6 August – Ngwelezana Clinic Thursday, 7 August – eNseleni community hall Friday, 8 August – Mbonambi Clinic Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Living by the ocean may help you live longer
A new study has found that coastal residents live a year or more longer than those who live inland. Researchers from Ohio State University have found that people who live by the ocean tend to live longer than those who don't, especially when compared to those living in urban areas near rivers or lakes. While many South Africans already seek out coastal properties for lifestyle or leisure, the findings offer scientific backing to the idea that living near the sea could be as beneficial for your health as a balanced diet or regular exercise. Published in the journal 'Health & Place', the study analysed data from more than 66,000 people, looking specifically at the connection between proximity to bodies of water - referred to as 'blue spaces' - and life expectancy. The results showed that people living by the coast were expected to live a year or more longer than the average life expectancy of 79. In contrast, those in urban areas near inland waters had a lower average life expectancy, around 78 years. Dr Jianyong Wu, an environmental health scientist involved in the research, explained that, 'Overall, the coastal residents were expected to live a year or more longer than the 79-year average, and those who lived in more urban areas near inland rivers and lakes were likely to die by about 78 or so.' The researchers were initially surprised by the sharp contrast between coastal living and urban inland living, given previous studies have shown general health benefits associated with all types of blue spaces.
