Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Asthma
Asthma is a common respiratory condition that affects many South Africans. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to Asthma, from symptoms to treatment options.
Furthermore, we will shed light on South African Medical Aid Schemes that include benefits for asthma care. Asthma’s inclusion in these programs emphasizes its significance as a chronic condition requiring ongoing medical attention.
Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Asthma – A Comparison
| 🔎 Provider | 📈 Covers Asthma | 📉 Top Plan Covering Asthma |
| 🥇 Discovery Health | ✅Yes | Executive Plan |
| 🥈 Bestmed | ✅Yes | Beat 1 |
| 🥉 Bonitas | ✅Yes | BonStart |
| 🏅 Cape Medical Plan | ✅Yes | HealthPact Silver |
| 🎖️ Compcare | ✅Yes | NETWORX |
| 🏆 Fedhealth | ✅Yes | FlexiFED Savvy |
| 🥇 Genesis Medical Scheme | ✅Yes | MED-100 |
| 🥈 Sizwe Hosmed | ✅Yes | MED-100 |
| 🥉 Keyhealth | ✅Yes | Essence |
| 🏅 Makoti Medical Scheme | ✅Yes | Primary |
| 🎖️ Medihelp | ✅Yes | MedElect Student |
| 🏆 Medimed | ✅Yes | Medisave Essential |
| 🥇 Medshield | ✅Yes | MediCurve |
| 🥈 Momentum Health | ✅Yes | Ingwe |
| 🥉 Suremed | ✅Yes | Shuttle |
| 🏅 Thebemed | ✅Yes | Universal EDO |
Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Asthma (2024)
- ☑️ Discovery Health – Overall, the Best Medical Aid Scheme covering Asthma in South Africa
- ☑️ Bestmed – Asthma Coverage via Chronic Disease List (CDL)
- ☑️ Bonitas – Asthma Coverage through 15 Plan Options
- ☑️ Cape Medical Plan – Provides Various Healthcare Solutions
- ☑️ CompCare – Affordable Healthcare Solutions
- ☑️ Fedhealth – Tailored Medical Aid Plans
- ☑️ Genesis Medical Scheme – Offers Hospital Plans
- ☑️ Sizwe Hosmed – Trusted Medical Aid Provider
- ☑️ Keyhealth – Simple, easy-to-understand medical aid solutions
- ☑️ Makoti Medical Scheme – Basic Healthcare for Low-Income
- ☑️ Medihelp – Offers Chronic Disease Management Programs
- ☑️ MediMed – Includes Hospital and Savings Plans
- ☑️ Medshield – 200+ hospitals in the Medshield network.
- ☑️ Momentum Health – Strong Dedication to Customer Service
- ☑️ Suremend – Includes a Senior Plan Option
- ☑️ Thebemed – Medical aid for low- and middle-income individuals
What is Asthma?
As a chronic respiratory ailment, Asthma triggers inflammation and contraction of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties. Individuals suffering from this condition experience coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Various factors, including allergies, exercise, or physical activities like workouts, can lead to asthmatic attacks and stressors contributing to its development. Asthma calls for continuous treatment regimens to curtail life-threatening episodes while managing resultant manifestations over time.
Asthma Stats in South Africa
Asthma is very common in South Africa. With an estimated 18.5 deaths per 100,000 asthma cases, the country ranks 25th in the world for asthma prevalence and 5th in asthma mortality.
According to current data, Asthma is a major public health concern in South Africa. According to a study published on NCBI, the prevalence of lifetime and present Asthma is 34.5% and 21.3%, respectively.
According to another source, South Africa ranks 25th worldwide for asthma prevalence and fifth in asthma mortality, with an estimated 18.5 fatalities per 100,000 asthma cases (Lung Wellness).
Furthermore, South Africa remains one of the African countries with the highest prevalence of childhood asthma (Global Asthma Report 2022).
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Asthma Curability and Management
Asthma is incurable, but it can be managed. A combination of medicine and lifestyle adjustments is required for effective control. Long-term control medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids and quick-relief (rescue) medications, are used.
Furthermore, avoiding triggers, frequent exercise under medical supervision, and stress management approaches are examples of lifestyle adjustments. Individuals with Asthma can live a normal, active life with adequate treatment and control.
Asthma Symptoms
The comprehensive list of Asthma Symptoms is as follows:
- ✅ Shortness of Breath
- ✅ Wheezing
- ✅ Chest Tightness
- ✅ Coughing
- ✅ Increased Mucus Production
- ✅ Difficulty Sleeping Due to Breathing Issues
- ✅ Rapid Breathing
Shortness of Breath
Asthmatics frequently experience shortness of breath during physical exertion or at night. It can make normal activities difficult and, if it worsens, may necessitate rapid medical attention.
The sensation is frequently described as an inability to get enough air into the lungs, resulting in suffocation.
Wheezing
Wheezing is distinguished by a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing, especially during exhalation. It is caused by airway constriction and inflammation, which inhibits air movement. Wheezing is most noticeable during asthma attacks, but it can happen anytime.
Chest Tightness
Asthmatics frequently describe a tightness or pressure in the chest. This is a particularly distressing symptom that may be accompanied by pain. Airway constriction causes chest discomfort, which can vary in degree and sometimes mirror the symptoms of a cardiac problem.
Coughing
Another sign of Asthma is a chronic cough that produces clear, white, or yellowish mucus. The cough is frequently stronger at night or early in the morning, making sleep difficult.
Unlike typical coughs, an asthma-related cough is persistent and can last for extended periods if not appropriately treated.
Increased Mucus Production
The augmentation in mucus generation may give rise to the feeling of blocked airways, adding to symptoms like coughing and wheezing. Furthermore, it is capable of engendering postnasal drip, which has the potential to exacerbate a cough.
Difficulty Sleeping Due to Breathing Issues
Asthmatics may find it difficult to sleep due to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These sensations can intensify at night and may necessitate medication to alleviate.
Rapid Breathing
Tachypnoea, or rapid breathing, is less common but can occur during severe asthma attacks. It indicates a lack of oxygen in the body and may be followed by bluish staining of the lips or face, necessitating rapid medical intervention.
Asthma Treatment
Dealing with Asthma entails a multifaceted strategy geared towards symptom control, attack prevention, and enhancing lung function. The following therapeutic methods are often employed:
- ✅ Long-Term Control Medications
- ✅ Quick-relief (Rescue) Medications
- ✅ Inhalers
- ✅ Nebulizers
- ✅ Oral Medications
- ✅ Allergen Avoidance
- ✅ Lifestyle Changes
- ✅ Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Long-Term Control Medications
Managing chronic Asthma requires regular administration of medications to alleviate symptoms and mitigate the risk of asthma attacks. Among these, inhaled corticosteroids are widely used for their ability to reduce airway inflammation.
Individuals with Asthma can also explore alternatives such as leukotriene modifiers and long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs).
Quick-Relief (Rescue) Medications
Albuterol and similar short-acting beta-agonists swiftly alleviate acute asthma symptoms when delivered through inhalers and are employed on demand.
Inhalers
Inhalers are portable medications that are delivered directly to the lungs. They are classified into metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Proper technique is essential for optimal medicine administration.
Nebulizers
Nebulizers are machines that transform liquid medications into an inhalable mist. They are frequently used for small children or people with trouble using inhalers.
Oral Medications
Prednisone and other oral corticosteroids are given to alleviate severe asthma symptoms or minimize flare-ups in the short term. However, long-term consumption is not typically advised due to potential adverse reactions associated with their prolonged use.
Allergen Avoidance
One should identify and steer clear of triggers such as dust mites, pollen, or pet dander to alleviate asthma signs. Actions like regularly cleaning the house, utilizing air purifiers, and opting for hypoallergenic bedding could all help relieve sufferers.
Lifestyle Changes
Asthma symptoms can be affected by diet, exercise, and stress management. A healthy diet high in anti-inflammatory foods, frequent exercise under medical supervision, and stress-reduction practices like mindfulness can all help supplement medicinal therapies.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
The all-encompassing regimen comprises patient instruction, physical fitness coaching, and respiratory workouts, all geared toward improving the overall health of individuals grappling with persistent respiratory ailments like Asthma.
Medical Aid Schemes that Include Benefits for Asthma
Discovery Health
Discovery Health is one of the largest medical aid providers in South Africa. Asthma is covered under Discovery Health’s Chronic Illness Benefit across most of the Discovery Health Plan Options, including:
- ✅ Discovery Health Executive Plan
- ✅ Discovery Health Classic Comprehensive
- ✅ Discovery Health Classic Core
- ✅ Discovery Health Classic Delta Comprehensive
- ✅ Discovery Health Coastal Core
- ✅ Discovery Health Essential Delta Comprehensive
- ✅ Discovery Health Essential Delta Core
- ✅ Discovery Health KeyCare Core
and many, MANY more!
Bestmed
Bestmed is a non-profit, cooperative medical scheme that provides a variety of healthcare plans. Bestmed covers Asthma because it is on the Chronic Disease List (CDL).
The following Bestmed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma:
- ✅ Beat 1
- ✅ Beat 2
- ✅ Beat 3
- ✅ Beat 4
- ✅ Pace 1
- ✅ Pace 2
- ✅ Pace 3
- ✅ Pace 4
The Bestmed Rhythm 1 and Rhythm 2 plans also cover Asthma as a part of the Chronic Disease List (CDL).
Bonitas
Bonitas has been providing medical aid for more than 40 years and has several plans to choose from.
Bonitas provides asthma coverage through its Managed Care Programs. The following Bonitas Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma:
- ✅ BonStart
- ✅ BonStart Plus
- ✅ Standard
- ✅ Standard Select
- ✅ Primary
- ✅ Primary Select
- ✅ BonFit Select
- ✅ BonSave
- ✅ BonComplete
- ✅ BonClassic
- ✅ BonComprehensive
- ✅ Hospital Standard
Through its Managed Care Programs, Bonitas also covers Asthma via the BonEssential, BonEssential Select, and BonCap plans.
Cape Medical Plan
Cape Medical Plan is a regional medical aid program that provides various healthcare solutions. Asthma is covered as part of the Cape Medical Plan’s chronic disease benefits.
The HealthPact Silver, Premium, and, Select Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma.
CompCare
CompCare provides comprehensive healthcare solutions at an affordable price. CompCare covers Asthma as part of CompCare’s chronic disease management programs.
10 CompCare Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma including the NETWORX, SELFNET, and MEDX Plan Options.
Fedhealth
Fedhealth provides adaptable medical aid plans tailored to different stages of life. Asthma is covered by Fedhealth as part of its chronic disease benefits.
The following Fedhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma:
- ✅ FlexiFED Savvy
- ✅ MyFED
- ✅ FlexiFED 1
- ✅ FlexiFED 2
- ✅ FlexiFED 3
- ✅ FlexiFED 4
- ✅ Maxima EXEC
- ✅ Maxima PLUS
Asthma is also covered under the Maxima EXEC and PLUS plans.
Genesis Medical Scheme
Genesis Medical Scheme offers a variety of medical aid alternatives, including hospital plans. Asthma is covered under Genesis Medical Scheme’s chronic disease management programs.
The following Genesis Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma:
- ✅ MED-100
- ✅ MED-200
Benefits and coverage for Asthma are also included in the MED-200 Plus Plan.
Sizwe Hosmed
Sizwe Hosmed provides economical healthcare solutions through a variety of plans. Asthma is covered by Sizwe Hosmed because it is on the Chronic Disease List (CDL).
10+ Sizwe Hosmed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma, including:
- ✅ Essential Copper
- ✅ Silver Hospital
- ✅ Access Saver-25
- ✅ Access Saver-15
- ✅ Gold Ascend
- ✅ Gold Ascend EDO
- ✅ Value
and many, MANY more!
Keyhealth
Keyhealth provides simple, easy-to-understand medical aid solutions. Keyhealth covers Asthma as part of Keyhealth’s chronic disease management programs.
The following Keyhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma:
- ✅ Essence
- ✅ Origin
- ✅ Equilibrium
- ✅ Silver
- ✅ Gold
- ✅ Platinum
Benefits and coverage for Asthma are also included in the Keyhealth Gold and Platinum Plans.
Makoti Medical Scheme
Makoti offers basic healthcare plans to low-income people. Asthma is covered as part of Makoti Medical Scheme’s chronic disease benefits.
The Makoti Primary Option and Comprehensive Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma.
Medihelp
Medihelp provides a comprehensive approach to healthcare coverage. Asthma is covered by Medihelp as part of its chronic disease management programs.
10+ Medihelp Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma, including:
- ✅ MedElect Student
- ✅ MedVital Elect
- ✅ MedVital
- ✅ MedMove!
- ✅ MedAdd Elect
- ✅ MedAdd
- ✅ MedSave
and many, MANY more!
Medimed Medical Scheme
Medimed provides a variety of healthcare plans, including hospital and savings plans. Asthma is covered under Medimed’s chronic disease management programs.
The following Medimed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma:
- ✅ Medisave Essential
- ✅ Alpha
- ✅ Medisave Standard
Benefits and Coverage for Asthma are also included in the Medisave Max Plan.
Medshield
Medshield provides a choice of medical aid plans to meet various needs. Asthma is covered by Medshield because it is on the Chronic Disease List (CDL).
10+ Medshield Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma:
- ✅ MediCurve
- ✅ MediPhila
- ✅ MediSwift
- ✅ MediValue
- ✅ MediValue Compact
- ✅ MediCore
- ✅ MediPlus Prime
and many, MANY more!
Momentum Health
Momentum Health offers several medical aid plans. Momentum Health covers Asthma as part of its chronic disease management services.
The following Momentum Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma:
- ✅ Ingwe
- ✅ Evolve
- ✅ Custom
- ✅ Incentive
- ✅ Extender
- ✅ Summit
Benefits and Coverage for Asthma are also included in the Extender and Summit Plans.
Suremed
Suremed provides a variety of medical aid plans, including senior choices. Asthma is covered as part of Suremed’s chronic disease benefits.
The following Suremed Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma:
- ✅ Shuttle
- ✅ Explorer
- ✅ Navigator
- ✅ Challenger
Benefits and Coverage for Asthma are also included in the Suremed Challenger Plan.
Thebemed
Thebemed is a non-profit organization that provides medical aid to low- and middle-income people. Asthma is covered by Thebemed because it is on the Chronic Disease List (CDL).
The following Thebemed Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Asthma:
- ✅ Universal EDO
- ✅ Universal
- ✅ Energy
- ✅ Fantasy
Benefits and Coverage for Asthma are also included in the Fantasy Plan.
In Conclusion
Multiple South African Medical Aid Schemes include benefits for asthma care. Asthma’s inclusion in these programs emphasizes its significance as a chronic condition requiring ongoing medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does medical aid cover Asthma?
Yes, several South African medical aid plans cover Asthma.
What benefits do medical aid schemes offer for Asthma?
Asthma medication and consultations may be covered by chronic disease benefits or chronic medication programs provided by medical aid programs.
Do I need to register for chronic benefits to receive coverage for Asthma?
Yes, members may be required to register for chronic benefits and adhere to their plan’s chronic disease management guidelines or program.
How do I know if my medical aid plan covers Asthma?
For information on asthma coverage, members should consult their scheme’s policy documents or contact their scheme directly.
Can Asthma be cured?
Asthma is an incurable chronic condition that can be managed with the right treatment and care.
What kind of treatment is available for Asthma?
Inhaled medications, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, are commonly used to treat Asthma by reducing inflammation and opening the airways.
Can asthma attacks be prevented?
Avoiding asthma triggers, such as allergens and irritants, can aid in preventing asthma attacks.
What support is available for Asthma?
Asthmatics can access numerous resources, including healthcare professionals, support groups, and educational materials.
Can you go to a pharmacy for Asthma?
Yes, bronchodilators and other over-the-counter medications for mild asthma symptoms may be available at pharmacies. To properly diagnose and treat Asthma, however, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.
What is the 444 rule for Asthma?
The 444 rule is a guideline for asthma management. It involves inhaling four puffs from a reliever inhaler, waiting four minutes, and then inhaling four additional puffs if symptoms do not improve. If the symptoms do not improve, emergency medical care may be required.
What is the best medical treatment for Asthma?
The optimal asthma treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the patient’s unique circumstances.
Inhaled medications, including bronchodilators and corticosteroids, are typically used to reduce inflammation and open the airways.
In addition to recommending lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers and maintaining a healthy weight, healthcare professionals may also recommend dietary modifications.
What are the 3 types of Asthma?
Non-allergic, allergic, and mixed Asthma are the three types of Asthma. Mixed Asthma is a combination of allergic and non-allergic Asthma. Allergens trigger allergic Asthma, while irritants like smoke or exercise trigger non-allergic Asthma.
What helps Asthma without an inhaler?
If an inhaler is unavailable, asthmatics can manage their symptoms by taking slow, deep breaths, drinking warm fluids, and avoiding triggers. To properly diagnose and treat Asthma, however, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.
How much does an asthma inhaler cost?
The price of an asthma inhaler can vary based on the inhaler’s type and location. In South Africa, a basic inhaler can cost between R50 and R200, while advanced inhalers can cost up to R1000 or more.
How to sleep with Asthma?
Asthmatics can try several methods to improve sleep, such as elevating the head with a pillow, avoiding triggers in the bedroom, and taking prescribed medication. For a proper diagnosis and treatment of Asthma, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider.
How long do asthma attacks last?
Depending on the severity of the condition and individual factors, the duration of an asthma attack can vary. Mild attacks can last a few minutes to hours, whereas severe attacks can last for days.
However, if symptoms do not improve or worsen, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
