Gap cover, the medical insurance that takes care of the in-hospital shortfall that mainstream medical aids do not cover, is growing in both scope and market take up. This is the view of Stratum Benefits which is due to take its newest differentiators to market through releasing the offering to their broker network.
Stratum general manager, Chanique Fonto, says that the company will be introducing improved client benefits, including unlimited gap cover for hospital stays, increased from the former ceiling of R1million.
Stratum’s existing gap cover for maxillofacial procedures is being extended to cover all in-hospital dentistry procedures, such as the removal of wisdom teeth or the removal of teeth in young children, where the procedure has to be done under general anaesthetic.
A third new offering from Stratum is designed to complement the Discovery Health Delta Plan. Here Stratum will cover the co-payment liability of R4, 550.00 that Delta Plan subscribers incur when they do not use a hospital in the Delta network. Co-payment on in-hospital dental procedures on the Discovery Plans is also covered included with this offering.
Stratum is confident that its members and 280 brokers located nationwide will benefit from these improvements to its offering. “Medical aid benefits have become so complicated that customers prefer to be guided and advised by a trusted broker and our strong network of brokers has been key to our company’s growth,” says Fonto.
She advises that, in the medical insurance industry, exceptional customer service is key. This requires the implementation of advanced operational systems to ensure best turnaround in dealing with customer applications and queries and rapid claims payments.