Medihelp, one of South Africa’s leading medical aid providers, offers specific benefits for international travel. This blog post will explore what Medihelp covers when you travel internationally and how to make the most of your benefits.
What Does Medihelp Cover for International Travel?
Medihelp provides coverage for medical emergencies that occur while you are traveling outside South Africa. Here are the key aspects of this coverage:
- Emergency Medical Treatment: Medihelp covers the usual, reasonable costs of emergency medical treatment received from a qualified medical professional while you are abroad. This coverage is valid for up to 90 days from your date of departure or until you return home, whichever comes first.
- Emergency Transport: In case of a severe medical emergency, Medihelp covers emergency medical transport, including evacuation and repatriation, ensuring you receive the necessary care promptly.
- Additional Travel Insurance: While Medihelp provides a solid foundation of emergency medical coverage, it is advisable to obtain extra travel insurance. This additional insurance helps cover the difference between Medihelp’s benefits and the actual cost of medical services abroad.
Important Considerations
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Coverage for pre-existing conditions may be limited or excluded. It’s crucial to check the specifics of your plan and consider additional travel insurance if you have any chronic conditions.
- High-Risk Activities: If you plan to engage in high-risk activities, such as extreme sports, ensure your travel insurance policy includes coverage for these activities, as they may not be covered under standard medical aid plans.
- Claim Process: In the event of a medical emergency abroad, you may need to pay for services upfront and submit a claim to Medihelp upon your return. Ensure you keep all receipts and documentation to facilitate the claims process.
How to Prepare for International Travel with Medihelp
- Notify Medihelp: Inform Medihelp of your travel plans, including your departure and return dates, and the countries you will be visiting. This helps ensure your coverage is in place and any necessary arrangements are made.
- Carry Important Documents: Always carry your Medihelp membership card and contact information for Medihelp’s emergency services while traveling.
- Understand Your Coverage: Familiarize yourself with the specifics of your Medihelp plan, including what is covered and any exclusions or limitations. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
Medihelp provides essential coverage for medical emergencies during international travel, ensuring you have access to necessary medical care when you need it most. However, it’s important to supplement this coverage with additional travel insurance to cover any gaps and provide comprehensive protection. By understanding your Medihelp benefits and preparing adequately, you can travel with confidence, knowing you are well-protected.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.