Medshield Medical Scheme is a healthcare fund where all members contribute towards the fund monthly to cater for medical cover should the need arise. Medshield has been in operation since 1968, making us one of the most experienced, knowledgeable, and reliable medical schemes in South Africa. Our extensive experience in the healthcare sector guides our understanding of our members' needs. Our excellent cover and benefits combined with the best quality systems and services have resulted in our exceptional size and strength. For more information, visit medshield.co.za

Medshield Medical Scheme Newsroom

Medshield Medical Scheme is a healthcare fund where all members contribute towards the fund monthly to cater for medical cover should the need...

Articles to help you make informed decisions.

English (South Africa)

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JOHANNESBURG - Life changes, and so do your healthcare needs. Whether you've just started a family, retired, or are facing an ongoing medical condition, the cover that once worked for you may no longer fit. So, you've decided to switch your medical scheme. You've read the announcements on premiums, and maybe you're looking for something more affordable with better benefits, or you need a change from your current provider.

What you need to know before switching medical schemes

JOHANNESBURG - Life changes, and so do your healthcare needs. Whether you've just started a family, retired, or are facing an ongoing medical...

JOHANNESBURG - Throughout history, immunisation has helped protect millions of children against infectious and life-threatening diseases. Immunisation helps to strengthen your child's immune system to fight diseases like polio, measles, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tuberculosis (TB) and meningitis. Vaccines have been so effective that some diseases that were once feared are now easily manageable.

Be informed about immunisation and vaccine safety for your child's sake

JOHANNESBURG - Throughout history, immunisation has helped protect millions of children against infectious and life-threatening diseases...

Understanding out-of-pocket expenses, procedural co-payments, and pre-approvals

Don't be caught off-guard by your lack of medical aid benefits

JOHANNESBURG - In a perfect world, having medical cover would mean zero surprises when paying for healthcare. However, many South Africans are shocked when their medical aid benefits fall short, leaving them with unexpected out-of-pocket expenses – especially towards the end of a benefit year. Whether preparing for a routine check-up, planning surgery or facing an emergency, knowing the ins and outs of your medical aid cover is essential.

Medical Aid is still the best choice for healthcare cover 

Medical Aid Schemes vs Medical Insurance 

JOHANNESBURG - Many of us have heard the words Medical Aid Scheme and Medical Insurance used interchangeably and most likely assumed the two products were identical. In addition to the confusion, how medical insurance has been projected in commercial advertisements may have led some people to conclude that both products operate similarly and offer similar offerings.

Care coordination is vital to achieving better health outcomes 

The process of speciality care

JOHANNESBURG - Medical care is generally divided into primary and special care. These two distinct forms of medical care serve different purposes in maintaining an individual's health. Primary care refers to the first point of contact for a patient with the healthcare system, usually a general practitioner, family physician, or paediatrician. On the other hand, speciality care involves healthcare professionals with advanced training and expertise in specific areas of medicine, such as cardiology, neurology, or oncology. These specialists provide more focused and in-depth care for patients with particular health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, or cancer.

What to do if your day-to-day or savings plan runs out

Making the most of your healthcare cover

JOHANNESBURG - It's a familiar situation: halfway through the year and you've run out of funds on your day-to-day or savings plan. Every sniffle, ache, or routine check-up suddenly feels like a financial burden. For many South Africans, the middle of the year marks a time of anxiety as the safety net of medical cover dwindles, leaving you to wonder how to manage your healthcare needs without breaking the bank.

A guide to understanding Prescribed Minimum Benefits

How to navigate PMBs effectively

JOHANNESBURG - Healthcare cover can be a maze of jargon and complexities, leaving many consumers feeling overwhelmed, but one term you should grasp is Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs). They are crucial components of medical schemes in South Africa – mandated by the Medical Schemes Act – that ensure members have access to essential healthcare services without fear of running out of benefits for critical conditions.

What every expectant parent needs to know

Maternity and newborn care in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG - Becoming a parent is a complex journey filled with anticipation, joy, and anxiety. Expectant parents focus on ensuring all is well with both mother and baby through routine check-ups, scans, hospital stays, and neonatal care if necessary. Without adequate cover, costs related to these services can escalate, putting financial strain on your family during a joyous occasion. Maternity and newborn care cover is crucial for ensuring the best care for both mother and baby during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum.

Improving patient access and experience through telemedicine

Telemedicine can expand universal access to care 

JOHANNESBURG - Telemedicine is revolutionising healthcare worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. Telemedicine refers to the use of telecommunication technology to provide medical services remotely through virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and digital transmission of medical information.

Employers' role in health and wellness

Promoting employee well-being

JOHANNESBURG - In today's fast-paced work environment, where emotional health is as critical as physical health, employers are under increasing pressure to ensure their employees are well cared for, balanced, and content. This evolving focus is essential for maintaining a productive and positive workplace.

The unseen threats to our health

Environmental toxins and pollution

JOHANNESBURG - Imagine waking up daily in a world where the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the soil beneath your feet slowly poison you. It may sound like a dystopian nightmare, but for many people around the globe, this is a stark reality. Environmental toxins and pollution are pervasive, and they have profound effects on our health. Environmental toxins are hazardous substances in the air, water, soil, and even our homes and workplaces. Pollution exacerbates the presence of these toxins, contaminating the environment and increasing the risk of exposure.

Be aware of hepatitis and how to avoid it

Liver health matters 

JOHANNESBURG - Our liver is a remarkable organ critical to keeping our bodies healthy. Responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and nutrient absorption, the liver is essential for our overall well-being. Unfortunately, liver health often takes a backseat until complications arise. Hepatitis, a condition that affects the liver, is a global public health concern.

Consumer articles