Cut your medical costs

Whether you are a member of a medical scheme or not, you will have noticed that the cost of medical services and medication have both spiraled in the last couple of years. Unless you've recently inherited millions from an aunt, it would be to your advantage to keep your medical costs as low as possible.

Take action
Phone around until you find doctors and dentists who charge medical scheme rates (Board of Healthcare Funders) – they may give no-frills service, but they trained together with everyone else; ask for generic medication at your pharmacist – this can reduce the cost by as much as two-thirds; pay cash for medical services – you may get a discount; if you have a hospital plan that specifies that you use a designated service provider, it can reduce the cost of your hospital plan instalment by hundreds of rands; ask your pharmacist for advice, especially in the case of minor ailments, such as a cold or a slight skin rash. Find out why medical costs have soared.