Top Medical Aid Wellness Programs in South Africa
Chronic diseases associated with lifestyle account for almost a quarter of all deaths in South Africa, second only to the mortality rate of HIV and AIDS. This deadly statistic is prematurely splintering the family unit, taking its toll on productivity in the workplace and adding an unsustainable burden on medical aid schemes in South Africa.
Medical Aids in South Africa under Pressure
A sedentary lifestyle coupled with ever-increasing volumes of work and monetary related stress is adding fuel to an already blazing fire. A quarter of the population is reputed to have some form of heart disease, while the actual figures of South Africans suffering from high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes – all avoidable conditions – is alarming.
The reactive or symptomatic medical response to dealing with health care is no longer a viable solution. To have any chance of arresting the burgeoning increase of costly lifestyle diseases, it is essential to focus on a preventative, proactive approach.
Preventative Approach to South African Health Care
Leading medical aids in South Africa are taking control of the situation by blazing a wellness path. Members are encouraged to join health care programs aimed at prevention, rather than cure, with rewards an additional incentive to overall good health and wellbeing.
Popular wellness programs are designed to enhance positive behaviour change that can and will negate the negative effects of an inadequate fitness regime and bad lifestyle choices - smoking, excessive drinking and poor nutrition.
Voluntary membership participation in risk assessments or health appraisals, as well as stress management, fitness and nutrition programs, is actively encouraged by allocating points to each member. Points are accumulated and exchanged for a wide variety of retail, health, travel and lifestyle benefits.
Selecting a Medical Aid Wellness Program
Although we have selected what we consider to be amongst the most comprehensive medical wellness programs in South Africa, you are invited to delve a little deeper into the choices available online.
Independent financial consultants provide ‘live’ medical aid quotes and medical aid comparisons, including wellness programs, via their websites. Browse http://www.medicalaid-quotes.co.za/ as an example.
Our Pick
Vitality by Discovery Health – offers fabulous discounts of up to 80 percent at selected gyms and fitness partners, up to 25 percent off healthy nutritional products at Pick n Pay, a bouquet of great lifestyle rewards including discount domestic flights, big brand hotel accommodation and movies, plus cash back when using the Visa Discovery Card at designated shopping partners.
Multiply by Momentum – provides discounted access to products and services at over 35 retail, travel and fitness partners including reduced membership at select health and fitness clubs; significant savings on low cost flights, car hire, cruises, rail travel and hotel rooms; up to 40 percent off goods at selected retail stores, free access to Virgin Life Care, Health 24 and Money Wise as well as a host of maternity benefits.
Zurreal4life by Resolution Health – presents a medley of lifestyle benefits at reduced rates including automotive products and services – car tracking companies, service centres and car washes – up to 15 percent off tertiary education at Intec, Lyceum, Damelin and UNISA, savings on health and beauty services and attractive rates at a host of home & leisure providers and retail outlets including Zurreal4golf, Kalahari.net, Wine-of-the-Month Club, ADT and Axxess ADSL.
