Laughter is the Best Medicine (But you Still Need Medical Aid)

Laughter may be the best medicine, but when it comes to staying healthy, there’s no substitute for proper medical aid. Whether it’s a late-night trip to the ER or a routine check-up, knowing you have the right coverage offers peace of mind when you need it most. At Hippo, we’re here to simplify the process of finding a medical aid plan that fits your needs and budget, ensuring you can focus on what matters most—your health, without worrying about unexpected costs.



Comparing South Africa’s Medical Aid Rewards Programmes

Medical aid rewards programmes like Discovery Vitality and Momentum Multiply help South Africans live healthier lives while offering perks like discounts and cashback. This blog compares these two popular programmes to help you understand their benefits and how they work.



Managing Medical Costs and Finding the Right Medical Aid for Pregnant Women

Everyone will tell you that pregnancy is a magical, spiritual journey. It is, but one undertaken with swollen ankles, bouts of nausea and strange cravings as your little miracle starts to take over every aspect of your life.



What to Look for When Comparing Medical Aids (2024)

If you’re an ordinary member of the public, you have 20 open market medical aid schemes to choose from. (The others only being open to certain professional organisations or companies.) So how can you effectively compare them to find the one that’s just right for you? Let’s take you through it.



Things to Consider: Medical Aid and Pregnancy

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.



Medical Aid: Terms You Need to Know

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.



Switching Medical Aids in 2024 Guide

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.



New Suggested Margins for the 2023/2024 Medical Aid Increases Just Announced!

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.



Look Beyond the Hype When Choosing Affordable Medical Aid

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.



How do Medical Aid Co-payments Work?

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.



How to Compare Medical Aid Plans in 2023

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.



Does Medical Aid in SA Cover Psychologists’ Services

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.



Laser Eye Surgery: Will your Medical Aid Cover it?

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?



Does Medical Aid Cover Braces?

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.



What is the Difference Between Medical Aid and a Hospital Plan? (A Comprehensive Guide - 2023)

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.



The Key to Healthcare Access in South Africa

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.



Go for the Gap

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.



Why is Preventative Care So Important?

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.



Network Vs Free Choice – Which One’s for You?

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



The New Parents’ Guide to Insurance

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.



Vaping vs Smoking: How It Affects Your 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?



Is it Time to Book an Eye Test?

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.



Apps to Boost Your Mood and Mental Health

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.



Does Your Medical Aid Cover Homeopathic Medicine?

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?



Pet Peeve? The Truth About Dog Registration

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?



The Health Perks of Charity Work

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.



Weird Body Stuff (That's Totally Normal)

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.



How to Compare Medical Aids in 2021

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.



Plan Your 2021 with Mental Health in Mind

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...



If I Travel and Get Stuck in Lockdown, Will My Medical Aid And/or Travel Insurance Cover Me?

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



The COVID-19 Vaccine Is on the Prescribed Minimum Benefit List. What Does It Mean for You?

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



Long COVID: What to Expect from Your Medical Aid

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?



Here’s How to Find the Right Hospital Plan for 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.



Here’s What We Learned About Medical Aid in 2020

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



What to Look for When Switching Medical Aids

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



Medical Savings Account Already Empty?

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.



COVID-19 Increases Risk of Other Medical Conditions

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.



Medical Gap Cover: Closing the Gap Between What Your Medical Aid Covers and Your Healthcare Costs for In-hospital Expenses

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.



Does My Medical Aid Cover Me During a Pandemic?

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.



A Guide to Your First Medical Aid

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.



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