Hello Summer!
Schools have closed their doors on the 2022 academic year and bags are being packed as South Africans gear up for the summer holiday season. Most of us are fairly vigilant when it comes to preparing for our time away in terms of servicing our cars, booking flights and organising house and pet sitters. But, just as important, is taking care of your health and making sure you are covered in the case of a travel medical emergency, especially when holidaying outside of South Africa.
‘Having some down time to relax and unwind is an important part of living a balanced lifestyle,’ says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund. ‘However, we still need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and be prepared in case of an emergency.’
Here are some tips for travel during the festive season, whether within our borders or to neighbouring states or abroad.
Medical aid card
Remember to carry your medical aid card and details with you. In the case of an emergency, it will streamline the process of getting care quickly or being admitted to hospital.
Chronic medication
Maintaining a medicine regime when you have a chronic condition is vital. You certainly don’t want to run out of your essential meds if you are somewhere remote. Make sure you pack enough of your chronic medication to see you through your time away. It’s also advisable to pack other medication such as asthma pumps, antihistamines and, of course, sunscreen.
Covid is still around
We have seen some spikes in Covid-19 numbers which means it’s wise to continue to sanitise and stay away from crowds. If you feel ill, get tested or isolate.
Virtual consultations
If you are on holiday and concerned about your health, then explore the option of tapping into telephonic or virtual appointments where the doctor can engage with you, virtually, wherever you are. Virtual consultations are available for Bonitas members through the Bonitas app.
Travelling internationally
Remember that if you are leaving the country and crossing a border you may need to produce proof of a negative Covid-19 test, proof of vaccination and/or will need to complete a travel health questionnaire. Different rules apply in different countries. Familiarise yourself with the immigration and health entry requirements of the country you are visiting to ensure you comply and don’t encounter any problems.
Alert your medical aid
It is important that you notify your medical aid scheme and activate the international medical travel cover when you are planning to travel out of the country. Medical expenses when travelling in Africa or other international destinations can be prohibitively expensive. To avoid having your holiday and finances totally ruined, check what medical conditions will be covered and then, if necessary, top this up with additional travel insurance.
Callakoppen says that the international medical cover offered to Bonitas members includes:
- Mandatory vaccine expenses (ie when a country you’re travelling to requires certain vaccinations)
- Emergency medical expenses
- Medical evacuation and transport
- Hospitalisation
- Out-patient and in-patient treatment
- Travel assist services
Paying for travel by credit card
Almost all credit card providers have some form of automatic travel insurance if you use your credit card to book your air tickets. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the medical benefits offered will be adequate. Make sure you know what is covered, what the total monetary value for the cover is and where there might be a shortfall.
‘It’s holiday time and none of us want to think about or consider a possible medical emergency or ill health,’ says Callakoppen. ‘But there’s nothing worse than being caught out. Life can be unpredictable so it’s best to be prepared to make sure you stay healthy and safe these holidays.’
