What is the process for qualifying for health insurance?

Did you know that in South Africa, every citizen is entitled to some form of health insurance thanks to the National Health Service? The money is funded by Social Security and National Insurance funds. It sounds like an amazing concept right?

Well, no, not exactly. The coverage many citizens receive is bare minimum, unable to keep up with the fast pace and always changing medical field. The coverage does not do justice for the high costs.

A lot of South African businesses are doing there part, by instating health insurance coverage for all their employees. These employees are not only granted with compensation each week for their work, but also insurance coverage that helps pay for basic health costs and more serious issues.

The rest of the nation that is not covered by employee benefits must take an alternative route. Either they can stick with state health coverage and their poor options or upgrade and seek a private insurance company. You can contact these private health insurance brokers in person or online.

After you contact an insurance broker of your choice, the agency will appoint a doctor’s physical which you must attend. Doctor’s physicals allow the doctor to analyze and judge how your body is operating and what state of health it is in. The medical report will outline the state of your vital organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver.

You might even confuse the doctor or medial examiner for an investigator. The reason they ask so many questions is a process for them to gain a better understanding of your current health. Questions that will arise will include statements about your physical fitness, diet, smoking, drinking, or drug habits. The doctor will also take your body weight and comment about whether you are overweight or not.

The doctor must also examine your family’s history of medical problems or mental illness. Through your family tree, the doctor can predict and assess the chances of you catching one of these hereditary diseases.

The culmination of the physical will result in the doctor sending off the final medical report to the insurance company. Experts on the staff will discuss and review your medical information, including the state of your organs, your personal information, and family history. All these factors are weighed into your quote.

In conclusion, if you are a healthy and active individual, you are almost guaranteed to qualify for health insurance. However, individuals that are overweight or smoke are causes for concern and health hazards.

Insurance brokers want to reward individuals that take an interest in their personal health and want to keep an healthy, active lifestyle.

Graham McKenzie is the content Syndication Manager at insurance123.co.zaSouth Africa’s leading Health Insurance information portal.