SA first for expectant mothers

From 1 July 2007 TeleMed will no longer impose waiting periods and exclusions on pregnant women wanting to join the scheme. This means that the birth process for both the mother and the baby will be covered with no underwriting applied.Pregnancy is considered by medical aid schemes as a “declarable condition” together with cancer, Aids and other illnesses which most other medical aid schemes will not or only partially cover if they exist at the time of joining a new medical scheme.“Young couples today often don't consider medical aid until they have their first child and are faced with the sudden costs of a pregnancy and birth. These costs can be substantial in private hospitals, especially when complications occur and the present volatile state of national health care does not provide a secure environment for the health of mother and baby” says TeleMed CEO, Carel Stadler.“TeleMed has decided not to exclude pregnant women but rather form a good relationship with the young (and in most cases healthy) family from the start and provide affordable and adequate health coverage for them in the long-term.”Great news for expectant mothers is that once signed up at TeleMed, the mom-to-be immediately enjoys the same benefits as any member and is covered for both pregnancy and birth.This includes pre-natal care and complications like eclampsia, hypertension, pre-term labour, HELLP syndrome, gestational diabetes as well as newborn health screenings and any necessary hospitalisation and health care related to the birth.“State hospitals often don't have the facilities or resources needed to deal with all the complications that can arise during pregnancy and birth, they are under-funded and understaffed and young women often worry about hygiene and privacy in state facilities.”In celebrating TeleMed's 85th birthday, Stadler says it's only fitting that the scheme should focus on young people who are on the threshold of their professional lives and are financially more vulnerable than established, older families.“By denying mothers-to-be the chance to join our scheme when they are pregnant, we are effectively turning down an otherwise healthy person who may have health problems afterwards due to insufficient care during the pregnancy and birth. By looking after mother and baby from the start we are able to deal with upcoming problems swiftly and ensure that both remain healthy” concludes Stadler.Contact Details:Eldri SlabbertTeleMed011 821 6653eldris@telemed.co.zawww.telemed.co.za