Medshield launches MediCurve for young, tech-savvy individuals

Medshield Medical Scheme has launched its new member option, MediCurve, a digital plan aimed at affording quality healthcare to tech-savvy young, carefree, healthy individuals – who are first-time medical aid buyers. The Scheme asserts that their member-centric options remain very competitive in comparison to the market, providing excellent value for money, while being a responsible value contributor to the South African healthcare marketplace.

“MediCurve, the newest addition to the Scheme’s extensive bouquet of benefit options, is sure to unlock value for young first-time medical aid buyers,” states Thoneshan Naidoo, Principal Officer of Medshield Medical Scheme. “It is Medshield’s most-affordable plan that enables young, healthy, tech-savvy individuals the opportunity to get great cover without any financial strain on their day-to-day lives,” he adds.

According to Naidoo, this plan would give any parent peace of mind that their young adult has independent and reliable medical cover. “Personally, I am really excited about this new plan. It is a plan I trust enough for my own daughter,” he says.

During this uncertain time, a young and healthy individual might think they don’t need healthcare cover, but things can change in a blink of an eye, and then they might not have the funds readily available to cover the costs required.

“With that in mind, we considered the financial realities of healthy, young adults who are potentially just starting out in the working world with entry-level salaries, and the low R1,398 price point would be affordable enough for any young person who is starting out in adult life,” says Naidoo. “MediCurve is Medshield’s most-affordable plan that enables first-time medical buyers the opportunity to get great cover without any financial strain on their day-to-day lives,” he explains.

Life in the digital age is extremely fast-paced, especially for young professionals who are often incredibly busy and rushed – juggling responsibilities, whilst also trying to plan for the future, run errands and so much more. MediCurve provides them with first time medical cover that fits perfectly into their lifestyle. To enable ease of access to healthcare, Medshield created a seamless online sign-up process for young adults to acquire their healthcare in a way that is quick, simple, and convenient, and most importantly does not take unnecessary time away from their already busy days.

“MediCurve is the perfect solution for someone who is young, in good health and constantly on the go. Signing up for MediCurve will be possible with the click of a button via our website and online platforms. You simply ‘Click for Cover’ making it an easily accessible plan, with the bonus of managing your healthcare, via the Medshield App,” he explains. “It is a digital plan that offers an easy online application process. All claims can be submitted and managed online via any mobile device, and the plan gives you unlimited virtual Family Practitioner consultations through Medshield’s SmartCare benefits, with no co-payments” he adds.

“This plan offers 1-2-3 easy access cover. It is simple and quick to sign up. MediCurve builds on our innovative SmartCare model and it offers young individuals the possibility to do just about anything at the touch of a screen, interacting in a way that they are familiar with. During their working day or lunch hour, members can quickly and conveniently access quality professional medical opinion by consulting a doctor straight from the app without the need to travel to doctors’ rooms or losing time in their busy day,” Naidoo says. “MediCurve essentially unlocks safer, better and convenient quality healthcare at the touch of a button, bringing the doctor into the MediCurve member’s world,” he adds.

The use of the Medshield Specialist Network applies, as well as pre-authorisation on all hospital admissions within 72 hours. The Medshield App can be used to locate a hospital on the MediCurve Hospital Network, and covers accommodation, theatre costs, hospital equipment, theatre and/or ward drugs, pharmaceuticals and/or surgical items. Specialist services from treating/attending Specialists are subject to pre-authorisation referral from a nominated MediCurve Family Practitioner (FP). According to the Scheme, other benefits include ambulance services, dental benefits, chronic medicine cover, maternity benefits, and wellness benefits.

“Medshield offers benefit options that add value to the lives of our members and support them in these trying times. We have partnered with specific providers and networks to ensure that the healthcare expenses of members remain contained, that they are not liable for any unforeseen co-payments and that their disposable income does not shrink due to unplanned healthcare expenses,” states Naidoo.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant strain in the healthcare environment. Medshield asserts that the new plan contributes positively by ensuring and assuring health for members even from a remote area. “Social distancing has been a great part of recovery from the pandemic. By using this technology, you allow for this and are protecting not only yourself and your community, but also your doctor,” he says.

“MediCurve really has the member in mind. Young adults often shy away from a timely visit to the doctor because of the consultation fees which most feel they cannot afford at any time of the month. This increases the window of infection and often leads to greater problems when they visit a doctor only once symptoms or infections are severe,” explains Naidoo.

“MediCurve however offers free virtual consultations through the SmartCare benefits, thus allowing young and busy individuals to get treatment for common illnesses quickly, to get back to their productive lives at a faster rate. Broadly speaking, we are protecting the youth of our nation and contributing positively to GDP. As we know, health is wealth – now more than ever before,” he adds.

Medshield confirms their commitment to a member-centric approach and are dedicated to ensuring all members and their dependents continue to receive much-needed quality healthcare. “At Medshield, our vision is ‘Partnering with you towards your personal healthcare and wellbeing’, and in challenging times like these, it is now more important than ever that we come together to fulfil our vision for a bright future. We remain committed to placing the well-being of our members at the centre by paying special attention to their needs,” he concludes.

With a history that dates back over 52 years, Medshield is driven by its mission to partner with our stakeholders to enable access to sustainable and affordable quality healthcare through innovative products and benefits. The Scheme maintains transparency and supports national initiatives to provide greater access to quality healthcare for all South Africans.