Overview
If you are a frequent traveller or simply arranging a vacation abroad, you must know the value of medical travel insurance. Medical travel insurance protects you from financial hardship in the event of an unexpected medical emergency while you are away from home. Having medical travel insurance gives you financial security and peace of mind in case of unforeseen injuries, medical emergencies, or evacuation.
In this guide, we will explore the various Bonitas medical aid options that offer this essential coverage, helping you to choose a plan that ensures you are well-protected on your travels, no matter where your adventures take you.
Choosing the best medical travel insurance
When choosing medical travel insurance, several key considerations are crucial to ensure you select a policy that adequately meets your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most important factors to consider:
Coverage Scope
Be sure to inquire about coverage for typical travel-related medical emergencies, such as unexpected illnesses, accidents, and emergency medical evacuations. Although some policies do offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, this is far from guaranteed and usually comes with certain restrictions.
Destination Specifics
Consider the healthcare standards of your destination. Some countries have very high medical costs (like the USA or Switzerland), and therefore, higher coverage limits might be necessary. Also, check if the policy covers regions you plan to visit; some policies may exclude certain countries or areas deemed high risk.
Duration of Coverage
Ensure the policy covers the entire duration of your trip. Some medical aid are flexible and allow you to extend the coverage if your travel plans change.
Financial Limits and Deductibles
Make sure the maximum coverage limits are enough to cover any medical expenses that may arise while you are away. Your out-of-pocket costs and the cost of your policy can be greatly impacted by the deductible amounts, which are the portions of expenses you’re responsible for before insurance kicks in. Make sure you understand these amounts.
Repatriation and Evacuation
Ensure that the policy includes coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation. This is crucial if you need to be transported to a facility with appropriate care or returned to your home country for treatment.
Exclusions and Limitations
Carefully read the exclusions and limitations of the policy. Common exclusions might include injuries from high-risk activities (like skydiving or scuba diving), alcohol or drug-related incidents, and travel for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment.
Claim Process
Understand the process for filing a claim. Check if it can be done electronically and what documentation is required. A simpler, more straightforward claims process can be very beneficial in stressful situations.
Bonitas Medical Aid Plans that Include Travel Insurance
Bonitas offers a range of medical plans that include international travel insurance benefits. For example, the plans include coverage for medical emergencies up to R10 million per family and a special quarantine benefit up to R10,000 per person in the event of a positive COVID-19 test while traveling.
These benefits are available under specific conditions, such as prior registration before travel. The price range for these plans varies, with comprehensive plans like BonComprehensive starting at around R8,990 per month.
BonComprehensive
- ✅ Overview: This plan offers comprehensive medical cover, including extensive in-hospital and certain out-of-hospital medical expenses.
- ✅ Price: Approximately R9,853 per month for the main member.
- ✅ Eligibility: There are no specific eligibility criteria mentioned beyond being a member.
- ✅ Registration for Travel Insurance: Members must register for this benefit before departure to activate coverage up to R10 million for medical emergencies abroad.
BonClassic
- ✅ Overview: Similar to BonComprehensive, providing good in-hospital coverage along with some out-of-hospital benefits.
- ✅ Price: Around R6,732 per month for the main member.
- ✅ Eligibility: Standard eligibility for Bonitas members applies.
- ✅ Registration for Travel Insurance: Requires pre-travel registration to access international medical emergency coverage.
BonComplete
- ✅ Overview: Offers a balance between in-hospital coverage and out-of-hospital benefits.
- ✅ Price: Approximately R5,359 per month for the main member.
- ✅ Eligibility: Available to all members without additional eligibility requirements.
- ✅ Registration for Travel Insurance: Activation of the travel insurance benefit is necessary before traveling.
BonSave
- ✅ Overview: Focuses on savings, allowing members to allocate funds according to their medical needs.
- ✅ Price: About R3,447 per month for the main member.
- ✅ Eligibility: Standard membership criteria apply.
- ✅ Registration for Travel Insurance: Pre-travel registration required to utilize the travel insurance.
Standard and Standard Select
- ✅ Overview: These traditional plans offer a mix of in-hospital and out-of-hospital benefits with a focus on comprehensive health coverage.
- ✅ Price: Standard starts from around R4,922, and Standard Select from R4,448 per month for the main member.
- ✅ Eligibility: Open to all members of Bonitas.
- ✅ Registration for Travel Insurance: Must be arranged before departure.
Conclusion
Choosing the right medical aid plan from Bonitas that includes travel insurance is an essential step for any traveller. By considering the scope of coverage, destination specifics, duration, financial limits, and additional features like repatriation and customer support, you can select a plan that offers comprehensive protection tailored to your travel needs.
Bonitas provides a range of options that cater to diverse requirements and budgets, ensuring that whether you are traveling for leisure, work, or study, you remain covered in any medical situation abroad.
