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Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Hypertension

In South Africa, hypertension is a major public health concern that, if left untreated, can lead to serious problems.

Hypertension, often known as high blood pressure, is a medical disorder that can be fatal. Medical Aid Schemes frequently include hypertension coverage to encourage early diagnosis and treatment, lowering the risk of costly consequences such as heart attacks or strokes.

This proactive strategy benefits the individual and the healthcare system by reducing long-term healthcare costs.

In this article you will learn:

The Best Medical Schemes covering Hypertension in South Africa (2024) – a List
Is High Blood Pressure a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB)?
The Best Medical Schemes with Chronic Illness Benefits, Cardiac Care Programmes, Chronic Medication, and, Blood Tests.
What medication is used to treat Hypertension?
What are 5 Signs of Hypertension and what is the main cause?

and much, MUCH more!

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Hypertension – a Comparison

🔎 Provider	💹 Covers Hypertension	📌 Top Plan Covering Hypertension
🥇 Bestmed	✅ Yes	Pace 1
🥈 Bonitas	✅ Yes	BonSave
🥉 Cape Medical	✅ Yes	HealthPact Select
🏅 CompCare	✅ Yes	MedX
🎖️ Discovery Health	✅ Yes	Classic Core
🏆 FedHealth	✅ Yes	MyFED
🥇 Genesis	✅ Yes	MED100
🥈 Sizwe Hosmed	✅ Yes	Essential Copper
🥉 KeyHealth	✅ Yes	Origin
🏅 Makoti	✅ Yes	Primary
🎖️ MediHelp	✅ Yes	MedSave
🏆 MediMed	✅ Yes	Alpha
🥇 MedShield	✅ Yes	MediBonus
🥈 Momentum Health	✅ Yes	Custom
🥉 Suremed	✅ Yes	Shuttle
🏅 Thebemed	✅ Yes	Fantasy

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Hypertension (2024)

☑️ BestMed – Overall, the Best Medical Scheme in SA covering Hypertension.
☑️ Bonitas – Free Wellness screening for hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes.
☑️ Cape Medical – Comprehensive and Affordable coverage.
☑️ CompCare – Access to a Chronic Medicine Management Programme.
☑️ Discovery Health – Vitality Health Check (blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, a weight assessment)
☑️ FedHealth – Flexible and Affordable Healthcare for Individuals and Families
☑️ Genesis – High blood pressure covered alongside 26 chronic conditions
☑️ Sizwe Hosmed – Offers Cover for Out of Hospital Benefits
☑️ KeyHealth – Popular Medical Aid Scheme for Young Professionals
☑️ Makoti Medical – Affordable Healthcare from R332 ZAR
☑️ MediHelp – Flexible Healthcare Solutions
☑️ Medimed – Trusted Medical Aid Provider in South Africa
☑️ Medshield – Unlimited In-Hospital cover in case of major medical emergencies
☑️ Momentum Health – Popular Medical Aid Scheme for Beginners
☑️ Suremed – Offers an acute medication benefit
☑️ Thebemed – Unlimited Private Hospital cover at network hospitals

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, holds immense importance for the public health of South Africa. Understanding its prevalence and available treatments should be a top priority for people who prioritize their general well-being.

This section endeavors to provide an in-depth analysis of hypertension’s effects on the nation of South Africa.

Overview of Hypertension

Hypertension is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too great.

It is known as the “silent killer” because it can exist without causing symptoms while increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Diet, lack of exercise, and stress contribute to the high prevalence of hypertension in South Africa.

Hypertension Stats in South Africa

Statistics indicate that hypertension is a significant healthcare issue in South Africa. The South African Medical Research Council reports that individuals aged 35 and above are affected by this condition, with an estimated percentage of around 45%.

Hypertension ranks among the most frequently occurring noncommunicable diseases due to its high incidence rate. Notably, hypertension affects specific communities disproportionately; Black South Africans have higher occurrences than other racial groups.

Can hypertension be cured, and how?

When it comes to hypertension, the issue of curability is complicated. While there is no cure, the illness can be effectively treated with medication, lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring. ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics are common antihypertensive medicines.

These drugs are commonly available in South Africa through various Medical Aid Schemes, which frequently cover the cost of hypertension control.

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Hypertension Curability and Management

While hypertension is not curable traditionally, it is easily managed. Medication, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and regular medical check-ups are all part of the management strategy.

Public health programs in South Africa strive to create awareness about the need for early diagnosis and appropriate management.

Medical Aid Schemes frequently include programs and benefits developed expressly to assist members in managing hypertension, such as prescription coverage and access to specialized treatment.

Hypertension Symptoms

Understanding hypertension symptoms is critical for early detection and efficient therapy, particularly in South Africa, where the condition is common. While hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer” due to the absence of evident symptoms, several warning indications should not be overlooked.

This section will examine the numerous hypertension symptoms, providing detailed guidance for the South African population. The following are some of the common symptoms of hypertension:

Blurred vision
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headaches
Nosebleeds
Shortness of breath

Blurred vision

Blurred vision is a potentially dangerous sign of hypertension since it may suggest damage to the blood vessels in the eyes.

Early detection of symptoms such as blurred vision is critical in South Africa, where the healthcare system is already overburdened with different public health challenges. If you develop this symptom, seek medical attention right away.

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Dizziness and lightheadedness are indications of high blood pressure. Recognizing such signs is critical in South Africa, where access to healthcare can be restricted, particularly in rural regions. If you have regular episodes of dizziness, you should see a doctor to have your blood pressure checked.

Headaches

Headaches can be a warning indication of hypertension in South Africa, where it is a major public health concern. Persistent headaches, particularly in the morning, may suggest high blood pressure.

While headaches are common and can be caused by various circumstances, they should not be discounted when they recur repeatedly and for no apparent reason. Early detection is critical for good management and can help to avoid problems such as stroke or heart failure.

Nosebleeds

While nosebleeds are not a usual symptom of hypertension, recurrent and unexplained nosebleeds may be cause for concern. In South Africa, where hypertension is common, such symptoms should be taken seriously.

If you have recurring nosebleeds, see a doctor for a thorough examination, including a blood pressure check.

Shortness of breath

Another symptom associated with hypertension is shortness of breath. This symptom is especially troubling given South Africa’s high incidence of respiratory disorders caused by air pollution and smoking.

If you frequently find yourself short of breath, especially during activities that did not previously produce this symptom, it could indicate high blood pressure.

Hypertension Treatment

Effective hypertension management is critical for lowering the risk of life-threatening consequences. Understanding the available treatment options is critical in South Africa, where the ailment is widespread.

This section will cover several hypertension therapies, discussing each in detail to provide complete guidance geared specifically for South Africans. Hypertension can be treated in the following ways:

✅ Surgical Interventions
✅ Lifestyle Changes
✅ Alternative Therapies
✅ Medication
✅ Monitoring and Regular Check-ups

Surgical Interventions

In severe situations, surgical treatments such as angioplasty may be considered for hypertension treatment. These treatments are often reserved for cases where medicine and lifestyle changes have proven ineffective or severe problems, such as kidney failure, have occurred.

Higher-tier Medical Aid Schemes in South Africa often cover such procedures, making them available to people with complete coverage.

Lifestyle Changes

Changing one’s lifestyle includes dietary changes such as lowering salt intake, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and following the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet.

Another important factor is exercise, with standards recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Given the country’s high obesity and sedentary lifestyle rates, these modifications are effective and within most South Africans’ reach.

Many Medical Aid Plans provide wellness programs encouraging and supporting such lifestyle changes.

Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and herbal remedies, while not a replacement for medical treatment, are occasionally used with mainstream hypertension treatments.

These remedies may be more accessible for some people in South Africa, where traditional medicine is important in healthcare.

However, before adopting alternative therapies into your treatment plan, you should contact a healthcare physician because they may interact with prescribed pharmaceuticals. Medical Aid Schemes may cover complementary therapies; however, this varies by the scheme.

Medication

Efficient management of hypertension often necessitates medication, primarily in individuals with high blood pressure or related issues. In South Africa, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers are typically prescribed drugs.

Furthermore, complying with the recommended drug schedule is imperative for optimal results.

Monitoring and Regular Check-ups

Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for optimal hypertension therapy. Home monitoring gadgets can be quite useful in South Africa, where healthcare services are sometimes scarce, particularly in rural regions.

These gadgets enable frequent checks without requiring a visit from a healthcare provider. Medical Aid Schemes frequently cover or offer discounts on such gadgets, making it more practical for South Africans to monitor their status regularly.

Medical Aid Schemes that Include Benefits for Hypertension

Bestmed

Bestmed’s innovative approach to healthcare includes digital solutions that help members manage their medical aid more easily. The Bestmed website indicates that all plan choices (beat 1 – 4, Pace 1 – 4, Rhythm 1 – 2) cover hypertension as a chronic disease.

Bonitas

Bonitas Medical Aid aims to empower members to take control of their health by emphasizing preventative care. Hypertension is covered as a chronic ailment by Bonitas across all Plans, according to its website.

Cape Medical Plan

Cape Medical Plan is a stalwart in the South African healthcare industry, offering a range of plans to suit various lifestyles. Its emphasis on customer satisfaction is unrivaled. The Cape Medical Plan covers hypertension as a chronic illness across all alternatives and medicines under the formulary.

The Cape Medical Plan HealthPact Silver, Premium, and, Select Plans provide benefits and cover for hypertension.

CompCare

CompCare is a pioneer in providing long-term medical aid solutions. Their eco-friendly initiatives make them a responsible healthcare provider. CompCare covers hypertension as one of their Chronic Disease List ailments.

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

✅ NETWORX
✅ SELFNET
✅ MEDX
✅ UNISAVE
✅ MUMED

Benefits and cover for hypertension are also provided via the SELFSURE, SYMMETRY, DYNAMIX, and, PINNACLE plans.

Discovery Health

Discovery Health is well-known for its extensive healthcare network, which gives members with hypertension access to the best medical facilities and specialists. Discovery Health automatically covers defined blood testing, diagnostic treatments, and hypertension management on all plans.

Fedhealth

Fedhealth is more than just a medical aid provider; it is a healthcare partner dedicated to each member’s well-being. Hypertension is fully covered by Fedhealth’s Chronic Disease List (CDL) if members use the Scheme’s approved providers and formulary drugs. The member must pay a 40% drug co-payment if the formulary is unused.

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

FlexiFED Savvy
MyFED
Maxima EXEC
Maxima PLUS

Benefits and cover for hypertension are also provided via the FlexiFed Range.

Genesis Medical Scheme

Genesis Medical Scheme is known for its commitment to innovation, constantly updating its services to meet the needs of the healthcare industry. The Genesis Med100, Med200, and, Med200 Plus Plans provide benefits and cover for Hypertension.

Sizwe Hosmed

The longevity of Sizwe Hosmed in the market speaks volumes about its credibility and service quality. Sizwe Hosmed covers the cost of chronic disease medications such as hypertension.

The following Sizwe Hosmed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for hypertension:

✅ Essential Copper
✅ Access Saver-25
✅ Access Saver-15
✅ Gold Ascend
✅ Gold Ascend EDO
✅ Value Core EDO
✅ Platinum Enhanced
✅ Platinum Enhanced EDO
✅ Titanium Executive

Benefits and Coverage for hypertension are also provided via the Silver Hospital, Value, and, Plus plans.

Keyhealth

Keyhealth’s dedication to simple healthcare has earned it a devoted following among South Africans. The Keyhealth Essence, Origin, Silver, Gold, Premium, and, Equilibrium Plans provide benefits and cover for hypertension.

Makoti Medical Scheme

Makoti Medical Scheme has established a distinct identity by focusing on the healthcare requirements of specific communities. The Makoti Primary and Comprehensive Options provide benefits and cover for hypertension.

Medihelp

Medihelp’s approach to tailored healthcare has propelled it to the forefront of the medical aid industry. The following Medihelp Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for hypertension:

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

Benefits and coverage for hypertension are also provided via the MedSave, MedElect, MedPrime Elect, MedPrime, MedElite, and, MedPlus plans.

Medimed Medical Scheme

Medimed is a medical aid program that recognizes the importance of comprehensive healthcare in the modern era. The Medimed Medisave Essential, Alpha, Medisave Standard, and, Medisave Max Plans provide benefits and cover for hypertension.

Medshield

The distinctive feature of Medshield is its focus on preventative care, which inspires members to take charge of their health. Medshield covers hypertension as part of the CDL via the:

✅ MediCurve
✅ MediPhila
✅ MediSwift
✅ MediValue
✅ MediValue Compact
✅ MediCore
✅ MediPlus Prime
✅ MediPlus Compact

Benefits and cover for hypertension via the MediSaver, MediBonus, and, PremiumPlus Plans.

Momentum Health

Momentum Health is known for its clear pricing models, which help members plan for their healthcare costs. Momentum Health does cover hypertension. Certain chronic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and asthma, are covered by all Momentum plans. However, members who require chronic medicine must register.

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

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

Benefits and cover for hypertension are also provided via the Extender and Summit Plans.

Suremed

A reputable name in the medical aid sector, Suremed provides a selection of plans to meet various healthcare needs. The Suremed Shuttle, Explorer, Navigator, and, Challenger Plans provide benefits and cover for hypertension.

Thebemed

In the medical aid industry, Thebemed is a name that stands for trust and dependability, setting new standards for quality. The medical aid system covers all Chronic Disease List (CDL) diseases, including hypertension and other chronic disorders, through a non-CDL benefit.

The Thebemed Universal EDO, Universal, Energy, and, Fantasy Plans provide benefits and cover for hypertension.

In Conclusion

Hypertension is a major public health concern that, if left untreated, can lead to serious problems. Selecting a Medical Aid Scheme that includes hypertension coverage is very important.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get medical aid in South Africa with hypertension?

Yes, even with hypertension, you can access medical aid in South Africa, though some plans may impose a waiting time or exclude people with pre-existing diseases.

What support is available for hypertension?

Support for hypertension in South Africa includes medication, lifestyle modification programs, and regular check-ups, frequently reimbursed or subsidized by Medical Aid Schemes.

Does Dischem check blood pressure?

Yes, blood pressure checks are available at Dischem pharmacies in South Africa as part of their healthcare services.

What is the best first aid for high blood pressure?

Sitting down, calming yourself, and seeking medical aid as soon as possible are all examples of immediate first aid for high blood pressure.

Does Aspirin lower blood pressure?

Yes, Aspirin is most typically used as an antiplatelet drug to prevent blood clots rather than to lower blood pressure.

What not to do with hypertension?

If you have hypertension, limit your salt intake, high-stress activities, and alcohol usage.

Does medical aid cover hypertension?

Yes, most South African Medical Aid Schemes include hypertension therapy, medication, and frequent medical check-ups.

Which over-the-counter medicine lowers blood pressure?

Prescription medication from a healthcare provider is normally required to treat hypertension; over-the-counter drugs are generally not suggested.

How much does hypertension treatment cost in South Africa?

In South Africa, hypertension treatment costs vary greatly based on the Medical Aid Scheme, medicine, and frequency of medical appointments. Still, it is generally considered reasonable with medical aid coverage.

What causes hypertension in South Africa?

Common causes of hypertension in South Africa include lifestyle factors such as poor food, lack of exercise, stress, and hereditary susceptibility.

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