Discovery Health
Emergency medical care is a critical need worldwide, with millions requiring urgent attention daily. In 2021, the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 139.8 million emergency department visits, with 13% of cases requiring critical care.
Similarly, South Africa sees high demand for emergency services. In 2023, more than 780,000 casualty cases were recorded across the various medical schemes and health insurance products administered by Discovery Health.
A study published by the South African Family Practice found that trauma-related conditions were the most common reason for visits to the emergency department, accounting for 36.5% of cases at a South African hospital. Road accidents, in particular, play a significant role in the need for emergency care in South Africa – a country with one of the highest road fatality rates globally. Additionally, medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes are common, with the Heart & Stroke Foundation reporting that 10 strokes occur every hour in South Africa.
Emergency care as a life-saving intervention
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises that over half of deaths and more than a third of disabilities in low- and middle-income countries could be prevented through effective emergency care.
About 82% of medical emergencies treated in casualty facilities can be resolved on the same day without the need for hospital admission, demonstrating the life-saving potential of timely emergency intervention.
Managing the costs of emergency healthcare
However, the cost of private emergency care can be prohibitive. Discovery Health’s data reveal that the average casualty visit at a private facility costs R3,000, while the average in-hospital care for emergencies ranges from R68,000 to R405,000. In some instances, costs can exceed this, with one Discovery Emergency Cover member’s emergency claim exceeding R500,000.
These costs can cause emotional distress and significant financial strain, often preventing people from seeking the medical attention they urgently need.
Discovery Emergency Cover: Enabling access to emergency care
To address these challenges, Discovery Health has introduced a new Discovery Emergency Cover range, available from 1 January 2025. This new range of non-medical scheme products will include cover for treatment in casualty and emergency-related hospital admissions and is designed to remove the financial burden associated with unexpected medical emergencies.
The Discovery Emergency Cover range provides cover of up to R1 million for emergency healthcare services and associated hospital admissions, offering peace of mind to clients and enabling them to seek private care without delay.
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Get world-leading life insurance that gives your clients access to authentic global cover with our Dollar Life Plan. This policy allows your clients to diversify their risk protection, and can be tailored to suit a range of financial needs and circumstances. Access our full suite of innovative risk benefits and financial rewards that pay out in US dollars.
The Discovery Dollar Life Plan is issued by Discovery Life International, the Guernsey branch of Discovery Life Limited (South Africa), licensed by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission under the Insurance Business (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 2002 to conduct long-term insurance business. The Discovery Dollar Life Plan is also subject to the South African Insurance Act of 2017. Discovery Life Limited, registration number 1966/003901/06, is a licensed life insurer, and an authorised financial services and registered credit provider, NCR registration number NCRCP3555. Product rules, terms and conditions apply.
To address these financial challenges, Discovery Health has introduced three emergency care packages, providing extensive coverage for accidents, trauma, and emergency medical conditions:
- Emergency Core: Priced at R90 per month, this package covers emergency healthcare services, including casualty and in-hospital treatment for a wide range of accidents and trauma.
- Emergency Plus: For R140 per month, this package offers coverage for accidents and trauma, as well as the stabilisation and treatment of emergency medical conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.
- Emergency Max: At R190 per month, the Max package provides coverage for accidents and trauma, as well as the stabilisation and treatment of emergency medical conditions, with additional in-hospital coverage for nine critical medical conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.
The Emergency Core package is available as a standalone product, while Emergency Plus and Emergency Max are designed to complement the Flexicare day-to-day health insurance plans, offering a robust combination of coverage for primary and emergency care.
With this comprehensive protection, clients can focus on their recovery, knowing they are financially safeguarded during medical emergencies.
Disclaimer
- Discovery Emergency Cover is not a medical scheme, neither is it intended to be a substitute for medical scheme membership.
- Discovery Emergency Cover is administered by Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd, registration number 1997/013480/07, an authorised financial services provider.
- Discovery Emergency Cover is a non-life insurance policy, underwritten by Discovery Insure Ltd, registration number 2009/011882/06, a licensed non-life insurer and an authorised financial services provider.