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Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Cancer

Cancer is a major public health concern in South Africa, with rising incidence rates and varying curability based on type and stage. Due to the prevalence of cancer and the high cost of treatment, Medical Aid Schemes frequently include cancer benefits to provide essential healthcare support and alleviate financial burdens for patients.

This article presents a detailed examination of Cancer and the Medical Aid Schemes that provide coverage for its treatment. You will learn:

✅ The Best Medical Aid Schemes that Covers Cancer Treatments in South Africa (2024) – A Comparison
✅ Does Bonitas, Discovery Health, and, BestMed cover Cancer?
✅ The Best Medical Aids for Pensioners and Patients with Cancer – Revealed
✅ Oncology Benefits and Authorization Forms – Explained
✅ Can You Get Medical Aid Coverage or Free Medical Treatment in SA if You Have Cancer?
✅ Funding and Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients

and much, MUCH more!

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Cancer – A Comparison

🔎 Provider	▶️ Covers Cancer	💙 Top Plan for Cancer Cover
🥇 Discovery Health	✅ Yes	Executive
🥈 BestMed	✅ Yes	Beat 1
🥉 Bonitas	✅ Yes	BonStart
🏅 Cape Medical	✅ Yes	HealthPact Silver
🎖️ CompCare	✅ Yes	Networx
🏆 Fedhealth	✅ Yes	FlexiFed Savvy
🥇 Genesis Medical	✅ Yes	Med100
🥈 Sizwe Hosmed	✅ Yes	Essential Copper
🥉 KeyHealth	✅ Yes	Essence
🏅 Makoti	✅ Yes	Comprehensive
🎖️ MediHelp	✅ Yes	MedSelect Student
🏆 MediMed	✅ Yes	MedSave Essential
🥇 MedShield	✅ Yes	MediCurve
🥈 Momentum Health	✅ Yes	Ingwe
🥉 Suremed	✅ Yes	Explorer
🏅 Thebemed	✅ Yes	Energy

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Cancer (2024)

☑️ Discovery Health – Overall, the Best Medical Aid Scheme that Covers Cancer in South Africa (2024)
☑️ Bestmed – Funds Oncology benefits up to 100% of the Bestmed Scheme tariff.
☑️ Bonitas – Critical Illness Cover that pays 150% for certain aggressive Cancers
☑️ CapeMedical – Affordable medical aid plans Plus Comprehensive Coverage
☑️ Compcare – Offers full-on Cancer Support
☑️ FedHealth – Access to the Independent Clinical Oncology Network (ICON)
☑️ Genesis Medical – Provides in-hospital cover for planned and emergency hospital admissions
☑️ Sizwe Hosmed – Provides hospital plans or comprehensive medical aid cover.
☑️ Keyhealth – Support and comprehensive cover for cancer
☑️ Makoti Medical – Affordable Quality Healthcare
☑️ Medihelp – Designated service providers for Oncology Medicine
☑️ Medimed – Trusted Medical Aid Provider in South Africa
☑️ MedShield – Unlimited In-Hospital cover in case of major medical emergencies
☑️ Momentum Health – Chronic cover is available for an additional 36 conditions at any provider
☑️ Suremed – Cost-Effective Medical Care
☑️ Thebemed – Unlimited Private Hospital cover at network hospitals

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrollable growth and spread of abnormal cells within the body. It can affect adults of all ages and occur in various body parts.

Cancer is a major health concern in South Africa that requires immediate attention due to its rising prevalence. The most common types of Cancer in South Africa differ between men and women:

✅ Breast cancer primarily affects women, but it can also affect men.
✅ Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in South African men.
✅ Lung cancer affects both men and women and is frequently associated with smoking and environmental factors.
✅ Colorectal cancer affects both men and women and affects the colon or rectum.
✅ Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects women and is frequently caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Because each type of cancer has its symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options, people must get regular screenings.

Cancer Stats in South Africa

In South Africa, Cancer is the leading cause of death. According to the National Cancer Registry, one in every four South Africans will develop cancer during their lifetime. Here is a breakdown of the types of cancer and their stats:

✅ Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in South Africa, with a one-in-27 lifetime risk, with over 20% of South African women diagnosed with this type of cancer.
✅ Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer globally and locally, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 15 for men in South Africa.
✅ Lung cancer is one of the top five invasive cancers reported in both men and women in South Africa.
✅ Colorectal Cancer is one of the top three cancers in South Africa, affecting one in every 77 men and one in every 132 women.

Cervical cancer mortality is increasing in South Africa, which is more common among Black South Africans than non-Blacks.

Can cancer be cured, and how?

Cancer curability in South Africa is determined by several factors, including the type of cancer, its stage at diagnosis, and the treatment options available. For a better prognosis, early detection is critical. Commonly used treatment modalities include:

✅ The cancerous tumors are removed via surgery.
✅ Chemotherapy involves using drugs to destroy cancer cells.
✅ The application of high-energy rays to cancer cells, better known as Radiation Therapy.

Finally, Immunotherapy. Increasing the body’s natural defenses in the fight against cancer.

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Cancer Curability and Management

Collaboration among healthcare professionals, such as oncologists, surgeons, and mental health experts, is crucial for an effective cancer treatment strategy.

Cancer therapy options are available in both public and private sectors of South Africa; however, the quality and delivery time may vary.

Medical Aid Schemes cover aspects related to cancer management like consultations, treatments, and medications, which makes them more accessible primarily to financially capable individuals.

⚠️ Learn more: Gap Cover for cancer treatments

Cancer Symptoms

Understanding cancer symptoms is critical for early detection and effective treatment, particularly in a country like South Africa, where numerous challenges beset the healthcare system.

While symptoms differ depending on the type of cancer, some general warning signs should not be overlooked.

We review these symptoms in depth below, considering the South African context, where access to healthcare can be limited, making early detection even more important. Here are the typical symptoms:

✅ Lumps or Swelling
✅ Unexplained Pain
✅ Changes in Bowel Habits
✅ Blood in Stool or Urine
✅ Skin Changes
✅ Abnormal Bleeding
✅ Difficulty in Swallowing
✅ Unexplained Weight Loss
✅ Persistent Fatigue
✅ Persistent Cough or Hoarseness

Lumps or Swelling

Lumps can be symptoms of breast, testicular, and lymphatic cancer. Because breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in South Africa, regular self-examinations and mammograms are essential.

Unexplained Pain

Unrelenting discomfort could potentially point to the presence of bone or testicular cancer. Given the frequent occurrence of painful ailments like arthritis and injuries in South Africa, it is essential to eliminate cancer as a possible reason for inexplicable pain.

Changes in Bowel Habits

Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, can detect Colorectal Cancer. Colorectal Cancer is one of the top five most common cancers in South Africa, and early detection through regular screenings can improve outcomes significantly.

Blood in Stool or Urine

Blood in the stool can indicate colorectal cancer, whereas blood in the urine can indicate bladder or kidney cancer.

Many people in South Africa may put off seeking medical advice because of the stigma associated with discussing bowel and urinary issues. To overcome this barrier, public awareness is required.

Skin Changes

Changes in skin color or the sudden appearance of moles can detect skin cancer. Due to high sun exposure, South Africa has one of the highest rates of skin cancer, making skin cancer awareness campaigns and regular skin checks critical.

Abnormal Bleeding

Unusual bleeding, particularly during or after menopause, may indicate the presence of uterine or cervical cancer.

South Africa ranks high for incidence rates worldwide, with cervical cancer being women’s second most prevalent cancer. Timely and routine screenings such as Pap smears are crucial to early detection and better outcomes.

Difficulty in Swallowing

If someone is experiencing trouble swallowing, it could indicate cancer in the throat or esophagus.

It is important to note that certain regions of South Africa have high smoking and alcohol consumption rates; therefore, ignoring this symptom would not be advisable, and medical attention should be sought immediately.

Unexplained Weight Loss

The occurrence of unexpected and sudden weight reduction may suggest the existence of cancers like lung, pancreatic, or stomach cancer.

However, unexplained loss in body mass is frequently disregarded due to malnutrition prevalence and other ailments such as HIV/AIDS in South Africa. This emphasizes the necessity for prompt medical attention to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Persistent Fatigue

Persistent exhaustion that does not alleviate with rest could indicate leukemia or other blood cancers.

Fatigue is a widespread indication of various illnesses in South Africa, such as malaria and tuberculosis. Conducting an extensive medical check-up to rule out cancer is indispensable.

Persistent Cough or Hoarseness

A persistent cough may indicate lung cancer, while hoarseness may indicate laryngeal cancer. With South Africa’s high smoking rates and occupational hazards such as asbestos, these symptoms should be taken seriously.

Cancer Treatment Options

Cancer treatments can include some of the following:

✅ Stem Cell Transplant
✅ Surgery
✅ Chemotherapy
✅ Palliative Care
✅ Targeted Therapy
✅ Radiation Therapy
✅ Immunotherapy
✅ Hormone Therapy

Stem Cell Transplant

Stem cell transplants are primarily used to treat blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. The procedure involves the replacement of diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells.

This treatment is specialized in South Africa and is frequently only available in major urban centers, making it less accessible to patients in rural areas.

Surgery

Surgery is one of the oldest methods for treating cancer, whereby the tumor is physically extracted from the body. This method frequently targets solid tumors like those found in breast, colon, and lung cancers.

Surgical treatments offered by healthcare facilities vary across South Africa, with private hospitals tending to provide more sophisticated surgical techniques than their public counterparts.

⚠️ Medical procedure for Rectal cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy employs drugs to either kill or prevent cancer cells from dividing. It is frequently combined with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation.

Chemotherapy is widely available in South Africa but can be expensive, necessitating Medical Aid Schemes or government subsidies for many patients.

Palliative Care

Palliative care aims to improve cancer patients’ quality of life by addressing symptoms and side effects. Palliative care is an important aspect of cancer treatment in South Africa, particularly when curative treatment is impossible.

Various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government programs are working to improve palliative care services across the country.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy involves using medicines that precisely target cell alterations responsible for inducing cancer. Such treatment is regularly utilized to manage lung and breast carcinoma.

Specialized healthcare centers in South Africa generally provide access to this type of cure. However, it can be prohibitively expensive, limiting accessibility by patients not covered under comprehensive Medical Aid Schemes.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy employs high-energy rays to either harm or destroy cancer cells in the body. This method is commonly used to treat lung, breast, and prostate cancers.

Although South Africa boasts a handful of radiation centers, getting access to treatment in rural areas can be challenging as patients might have to travel far away from their location to urban facilities.

Immunotherapy

The body’s inherent defenses against cancer are fortified by immunotherapy. This modern treatment approach is commonly employed for malignancies, including melanoma and lung cancer.

Immunotherapy facilities exist mainly in specialized centers throughout South Africa, rendering them less affordable and accessible to the general populace due to their excessive cost implications.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy treats hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. It entails taking medications that inhibit cancer growth by blocking or mimicking hormone production.

Hormone therapy is more accessible and less expensive in South Africa than other treatments, such as immunotherapy.

Medical Aid Schemes that Include Benefits for Cancer

Discovery Health

Discovery Health’s network of top medical professionals ensures that members receive the best possible care whenever and wherever they need it. Discovery Health states that the Oncology Care Programme covers all cancers. The Oncology Care Programme covers cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapy.

The following Discovery Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for cancer:

✅ Executive Plan
✅ Classic Comprehensive
✅ Classic Core
✅ Classic Delta Comprehensive
✅ Classic Delta Core
✅ Classic Delta Saver
✅ Classic Priority
✅ Classic Saver
✅ Classic Smart Comprehensive
✅ Classic Smart
✅ Coastal Core
✅ Coastal Saver

The Discovery Health Essential and KeyCare ranges also provide benefits and cover for cancer.

Bestmed

Bestmed prioritizes member-centric care and financial stability as one of South Africa’s largest self-administered medical schemes. Bestmed covers all types of cancer under their Oncology care program.

The following Bestmed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for cancer:

✅ Beat 1
✅ Beat 2
✅ Beat 3
✅ Beat 4
✅ Pace 1
✅ Pace 2
✅ Pace 3
✅ Pace 4

The Rhythm 1 and Rhythm 2 plans also provide benefits and cover for cancer.

Bonitas

Bonitas Medical Aid’s solid reputation for financial stability ensures that members have peace of mind regarding their healthcare needs. Bonitas covers cancer through its Oncology Management Programme, which offers medical and emotional support to members diagnosed with cancer.

The following Bonitas Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for cancer:

✅ BonStart
✅ BonStart Plus
✅ Standard
✅ Standard Select
✅ Primary
✅ Primary Select
✅ BonFit Select
✅ BonSave
✅ BonComplete
✅ BonClassic

The BonComprehensive, Hospital Standard, BonEssential, BonEssential Select, and BonCap also provide benefits and cover for cancer.

Cape Medical Plan

Cape Medical Plan (CMP) is a shining example of dependable healthcare coverage in South Africa. It aims to make quality healthcare available to all through its comprehensive plans. According to the website, all Cape Medical Plan members receive oncology as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit.

According to the Cape Medical Plan booklet, oncology therapy is covered at 100% of the CMP rate following the SA Oncology Consortium’s Primary Level of care treatment criteria.

The Cape Medical Silver, Premium, and, Select Plans provide benefits and cover for cancer.

CompCare

CompCare is redefining the medical aid landscape by focusing on innovation and affordability. Their customized packages ensure that healthcare is available to everyone. CompCare offers an unlimited cancer treatment program, subject to its treatment protocols.

The following CompCare Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for cancer:

✅ NETWORX
✅ SELFNET
✅ MEDX
✅ UNISAVE
✅ MUMED
✅ SELFSURE

Benefits and coverage for cancer are also included in the Symmetry, Dynamix, and, Pinnacle plans.

Fedhealth

Fedhealth, as a leading medical aid provider, prioritizes preventative care and emergency services, ensuring comprehensive health coverage. Fedhealth covers cancer, including oncology-related pathology, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

The following Fedhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for cancer:

✅ FlexiFED Savvy
✅ MyFED
✅ Maxima EXEC
✅ Maxima PLUS

Benefits and coverage for cancer are also provided via the FlexiFed 1 – 4 plans.

Genesis Medical Scheme

Genesis Medical Scheme has a strong presence in the healthcare sector and has become synonymous with dependability and excellence. Genesis Medical Scheme provides cancer coverage, subject to the Scheme Tariff and other restrictions.

The Genesis MED-100, MED-200, and, MED-200 Plus benefits and cover for Cancer.

Sizwe Hosmed

Sizwe Hosmed has carved out a niche by providing medical aid plans tailored to individual needs. The following Sizwe Hosmed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for cancer:

✅ Essential Copper
✅ Silver Hospital
✅ Access Saver-25
✅ Access Saver-15
✅ Gold Ascend
✅ Gold Ascend EDO
✅ Value
✅ Value Core EDO
✅ Plus
✅ Titanium Executive

Benefits and coverage for cancer are also included in the Platinum Enhanced and Platinum Enhanced EDO plans.

Keyhealth

Keyhealth has earned a reputation as a reliable medical aid provider by emphasizing transparency. KeyHealth provides benefits for treating and managing cancer through its oncology program.

The following Keyhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for cancer:

✅ Essence
✅ Origin
✅ Equilibrium
✅ Silver
✅ Gold
✅ Platinum

The Silver, Gold, and Platinum Plans also include benefits and coverage for cancer.

Makoti Medical Scheme

Makoti Medical Scheme is recognized for its dedication to improving community health standards. The following Makoti Comprehensive Option Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for cancer:

Medihelp

Medihelp has become an indispensable part of the healthcare ecosystem due to its adaptability. Medihelp’s website states that all plans cover non-PMB cancer. However, benefits vary.

The following Medihelp Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for cancer:

✅ MedElect Student
✅ MedVital Elect
✅ MedVital
✅ MedMove!
✅ MedAdd Elect
✅ MedPrime Elect
✅ MedPrime
✅ MedElite

The MedAdd, MedSave, MedElect, and, MedPlus plans also includes benefits and cover for cancer,

Medimed Medical Scheme

Medimed provides a unique combination of healthcare services as diverse as its members’ needs. Medimed does cover cancer, with specific plans offering up to R400,000 per family for overall coverage in and out of the hospital.

The following Medimed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for cancer:

✅ Medisave Essential
✅ Alpha
✅ Medisave Standard

Benefits and Coverage for cancer are also included in the Medisave Max plan.

Medshield

By combining traditional and contemporary healthcare solutions, Medshield appeals to a wide demographic, from young adults to seniors. Medshield includes coverage for cancer. In addition, the Medshield website states that cancer treatment is covered 100% at Medihelp rates.

The following Medshield Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for cancer:

✅ MediCurve
✅ MediPhila
✅ MediSwift
✅ MediValue
✅ MediValue Compact
✅ MediCore
✅ MediSaver
✅ MediBonus
✅ PremiumPlus

The MediPlus Prime and Compact plans also include Benefits and Cover for cancer.

Momentum Health

Momentum Health differs from other medical aid providers because it covers various medical needs and focuses on preventative care. Momentum Health offers coverage for cancer through its Oncology Care Programme.

The following Momentum Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for cancer:

✅ Ingwe
✅ Evolve
✅ Custom
✅ Incentive
✅ Extender
✅ Summit

Benefits and Coverage for cancer are also included in the Extender and Summit Plans.

Suremed

Suremed is a top option for individualized medical aid because it caters to individual and family needs. Suremed covers cancer on three of its four plans, namely the Explorer, Navigator, and, Challenger plans.

Thebemed

Based on the idea of whole health, Thebemed is more than just a medical aid company; it is your health journey partner. Thebemed covers cancer under its Energy and Fantasy plans.

In Conclusion

Cancer is a major public health concern in South Africa. With rising incidence rates and the high cost of treatment, it is essential to select a Medical Aid Scheme that includes cancer benefits, provides essential healthcare support, and alleviates financial burdens.

You might also like: Discovery Health Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which medical aid covers cancer?

Several South African Medical Aid Schemes, including Discovery Health, Bonitas, and Momentum Health, cover cancer treatment.

Does medical aid cover cancer treatment?

Yes, most South African Medical Aid Schemes cover cancer treatment, but the extent of coverage varies depending on the plan.

Can I join a medical aid if I have cancer?

If you have cancer, you can join a Medical Aid Scheme, but you may face waiting periods or exclusions due to pre-existing conditions.

How do I get money if I have cancer?

Medical Aid Schemes, government subsidies, and non-profit organizations can all provide financial assistance to cancer patients in South Africa.

Is cancer treatment free in South Africa?

Cancer treatment is not usually free in South Africa; however, costs may be covered by Medical Aid Schemes or subsidized in public hospitals.

How much does cancer cost in South Africa?

Cancer treatment costs in South Africa can range from tens of thousands to several million Rand, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

How much does chemo cost in South Africa?

Chemotherapy can cost between R25,000 and R100,000 per cycle in South Africa, depending on the drugs used and the healthcare facility.

Which hospital is best for Cancer in South Africa?

Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in Johannesburg are two of the best hospitals in South Africa for cancer treatment.

Is cancer a disability in South Africa?

Cancer is not universally recognized as a disability in South Africa, but individuals may be eligible for benefits based on the severity and impact of the disease.

Which organizations help cancer patients financially in South Africa?

CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) and PinkDrive are two organizations that provide financial assistance and support to cancer patients in South Africa.

What is the most expensive cancer to treat?

Because of the complexity and length of treatment, pancreatic and brain cancer are frequently cited as the most expensive cancers to treat.

Why is cancer treatment so expensive?

Cancer treatment is costly because of the high cost of specialized drugs, advanced medical equipment, and the multidisciplinary approach that is frequently required for treatment.

Is chemo painful?

Chemotherapy is not painful in and of itself, but it can have various side effects, including pain, due to its impact on the body.

Can I get life insurance if I have cancer?

Obtaining life insurance after a cancer diagnosis is difficult and may come with higher premiums or cancer-related exclusions.

What happens if you do not treat cancer?

If cancer is not treated, it will most likely progress, resulting in deterioration of health, severe complications, and, eventually, a significantly reduced life expectancy.

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