If you’re pregnant or are planning on having a baby, you probably can’t wait to do the fun stuff, like picking out names and buying cute clothes that you secretly wish came in adult sizes.

It might be the perfect time to review your Medical Aid policy and decide whether you’ll need to upgrade or downgrade your current plan. But, deciding on the right scheme or plan can be daunting, as you’re constantly bombarded with Medical Aid jargon. Luckily, this year you’ll be in the know. We’ve taken a closer look at some Medical Aid terms to help you understand what they mean, so you can make an informed decision.

Many people don't realise it but it's important to reassess your medical aid scheme every year. Schemes themselves will revise their benefits annually, so members should do the same to understand whether they're receiving the optimum value based on their individual needs.

The South African Council for Medical Schemes has just announced their suggested increase percentage margin (5% + utilisation) for the 2023/2024 medical aid scheme premium increases coming up. Let's find out what that means for you and if there's anything you can do to ease the impact of coming changes on your pocket.

Hold on tight because we're about to spill an industry secret: you don't have to bankrupt yourself and join the best-selling Medical Aid provider to get great health cover – you don't want to miss out on finding the best benefits at the lowest price to perfectly suit your needs.

Worried about how to cover the shortfall on Medical Aid co-payments? Use these helpful hacks and focus on healing your body rather than your bank balance.

Choosing the right Medical Aid plan can be one of the most important decisions you make for yourself and your family. Here's how to do it wisely.

Are visits to a psychologist covered if you're on a Medical Aid? And which mental health services are available if you're not? Here's everything you need to know.

Yes, some Medical Aids in South Africa will cover a portion of the costs of refractive-correcting laser eye surgery in certain cases. So, who covers what and how can you make that work for you?

Many parents of teens or tweens know the true price of crooked teeth. But before you 'brace' yourself to break the bank, let's take a look at which orthodontic treatments your Medical Aid plan covers.

In the grand scheme of life, you don't have to worry about trying to decipher the difference between a medical aid and a hospital plan. We know it can feel like you are trying to understand why the chicken crossed the road - we all think we know, but do we really? That's where hippo.co.za comes in to save the day. Let's start with the basics.

South Africa has, in effect, two healthcare systems: public and private. Here’s why access to private offerings is so important – and how Medical Aid helps you get there.

What on earth is Medical Aid Gap Cover? Think of it as the bridge on an unfinished highway: it's how you complete your hospital journey without doubling down on the pain.

Prevention, they say, is better than cure. But very few Medical Aid members know what their free preventative care benefits are — and even fewer claim them. Here's why you should.

Learn about the advantages and disadvantages when it comes to choosing network cover or the free choice option for medical schemes.

There's nothing like having a baby to shift your priorities or catapult your sense of responsibility to another dimension. Among the many major life changes you'll have to make, don't forget your Medical Aid and Life Insurance.

Is vaping bad for you? Or is it different to smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes? And how does it affect your Life Insurance premium?

Between screens, screens and more screens, your eye care is probably not at its best and are quietly taking a beating. Here's how to practise proper eye care for your baby blues, greens or browns.

Between the uncertainties of living in a pandemic and the constant demands of modern life, it's a wonder any of us are coping at all. Use these mental health apps to get a much-needed dose of calm and mindfulness.

Homeopathy is a complementary approach to medicine built on the core belief that the body can heal itself using natural remedies prescribed in small doses. But how do medical aid plans feel about this 'like cures like' homeopathic treatment?

The Western Cape's mandatory dog and horse registration may soon extend to smaller animals. What does this really mean for pet owners in the Cape?

Doing charity work as a volunteer, whether on Mandela Day or simply in your spare time, is known to have health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why it's so good to be – and do – good.

Before you dash off to the doctor, read this and see if that strange ache, pain or rash is something you really need to worry about.

COVID-19 threw a curveball at medical aid schemes in 2020, and they're changing their benefits and costs to cope. Here's what to consider and compare to find out how much medical aid is really going to cost you in 2021.

Your mental health is pretty vital. And in these strange and uncertain times, it's even more important to make sure you're really looking after yourself...

Local and international travel will continue to carry certain risks in 2021. What are your options if your trip is derailed?

What does the COVID-19 vaccine’s listing as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit mean for you as a medical scheme member?

COVID-19 treatment has been listed as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) condition for medical scheme members by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). But what does this mean for you if you get 'long COVID', where you find yourself still experiencing symptoms months after you 'recover' from the initial period of sickness? Will your medical aid cover you?

Hospital plans aren’t all created equal. Here’s what you need to know before you make your choice, and what to do when you are ready to make it.

The opportunity to make annual changes to medical aid plans is almost upon us, so it’s the perfect time to reassess your needs.

Considering changing your medical aid for 2021? Here’s what you need to know before you do.

Discovery Vitality vs Momentum Multiply: we compare SA's two biggest medical aid rewards programmes in the time of COVID-19 and beyond.

Are you paying monthly premiums for medical aid, but always end up paying cash for visits to the doctor because your medical aid savings keep running out? Here's how comparing medical aid schemes can help you find one that fits better.

At a time of increased stress, anxiety and loneliness, your immune system is going to take a beating. Keep yourself safe by knowing the risks, and getting the medical aid coverage you need. If you haven't looked into joining a medical aid scheme, let's show you how.

The majority of people are on medical aid plans that cover in-hospital specialists' charges at 100% of the medical aid rate. In most instances, specialists charge more than 100% of the medical aid rates, potentially leaving you with a shortfall that you have to pay from your pocket. Depending on your medical aid plan, you may be covered for up to 300% of the scheme rate. This means that if the specialist's charges for in-hospital expenses are three times the general medical aid rate, your medical aid is sufficient. Medical gap cover is an insurance that will fill in the difference, should the specialist's charges be higher, rather than leaving you with what could be a large bill.

During times of chaos, do you know how far your medical aid will go to ensure your health is covered? Here’s a look at some common coverage questions.

In South Africa alone, out of a total of 80 different medical aid schemes, there are 20 open schemes of which anyone is free to join. For a first-timer, the choice can be daunting.

More than the struggle to find well-fitting clothing, the volume and weight of disproportionately large breasts cause a woman numerous physical problems that can have far-reaching psychological repercussions.

The new generation of medical aid customers are curious, want to understand the details, and expect great customer service. But the complexities of the medical aid industry makes choosing one – specifically the right one – not a simple matter.

Breast cancer, followed by cervical cancer and cancer of the uterus, is one of the most common cancers among South African women and the number of incidences are increasing.