Medshield’s comprehensive 2010 benefits uncompromised – no savings plans required
Medshield, one of the largest medical schemes in South Africa, today announces that despite the tough economic climate, it won’t be sacrificing benefits across its three core options. While its flat rate increase of 15% won’t be one of the lowest, its comprehensive benefits packages will remain highly competitive.
Staying true to the ‘Always There For You’ brand promise, Medshield’s basket of products for 2010 continues to avoid offerings that don’t meet fundamental medical needs, and instead focuses on the benefits that offer the most value. “With the average South African consumer’s budget being significantly tighter than in previous years, superfluous extras such as free movie tickets or gym membership are simply not enough to warrant choosing one scheme over another,” comments Thabo Mabeta, Medshield Medical Scheme Chairman. Members simply want the peace of mind that they are getting the best value for money, in terms of core healthcare cover.
Given the positive feedback from members and brokers regarding the options launched to market last year, the scheme has decided to focus on consistency. As a result, very few changes have been made to the options, but rather small enhancements where necessary – all refining the healthcare requirements that support the scheme’s ‘For the firsts and many’ medical moments campaign.
MediValue is an attractive option packed with benefit value for young healthy individuals. With an overall annual in-hospital limit of R200, 000 – R300,000, a generous maternity package and excellent wellness benefits, this option is ideally suited to single individuals entering the job market and young married couples, providing excellent additional day-to-day benefits such as stated general GP visits and optometry, which will not have an influence or deplete your normal day-to-day benefits.
Medshield’s prime middle option, MediPlus offers an even more comprehensive package for established families, which includes unlimited In-Hospital benefits. And MediBonus, the scheme’s top-end, comprehensive and unlimited option is targeted to more mature individuals and families with higher claiming patterns, providing generous additional essentials such as excellent cover for chronic requirements.
Despite the challenging landscape, Medshield is one of the few scheme’s to have grown in membership this year, testament to, among other things, its highly effective marketing and distribution teams. Mabeta explains, “Medshield announced that its distribution function was evolving into Medshield Distribution Services towards the middle of this year. As the exclusive distribution arm for Medshield products, the move echoed the scheme’s shift to self-administration a few months prior. The single brand now portrayed to the market has really worked for us.” Medshield Distribution Services currently operates from 6 offices around the country and there are plans to expand further by establishing more regional offices over the coming months.
As the scheme in operation for over 40 years, Medshield continues to provide healthcare options with transparent, stated benefits so nobody is left guessing what they will or won’t be covered for. A trustworthy healthcare partner that listens to what its members need – Medshield continues to maintain its competitive edge for 2010.
