Emergency medical cover and its benefits
Traffic accidents, health crises and medical emergencies are on the rise. In the event of a car accident, heart attack or stroke it is essential to have reliable emergency medical cover to ensure timely medical intervention. However, in Zimbabwe, many people still struggle to access medical cover when an emergency arises.
Emergency medical cover refers to insurance or services that provide immediate medical assistance in the event of an accident or sudden illness. This includes ambulance services, hospital admissions, surgical procedures and life-saving treatments that need to be administered quickly to prevent further harm.
While many health insurance plans cover basic medical care, not all include full emergency medical cover. This often leaves people in emergency situations stranded and without sufficient support, more so in rural areas where there is limited access to healthcare and emergency services can be hours away. Having emergency medical cover ensures that patients are transported to the appropriate facility without unnecessary delays and that they receive the necessary care right away.
Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) plans cater for both emergency and non-emergency medical cover that is tailored to individual needs. This includes plans that cover for emergency benefits to ensure that members can receive medical care in life-threatening or critical conditions such as injuries as a result of accidents, acute asthma attacks, as well as lifesaving procedures and treatments such as surgeries.
While emergency services are essential, they can be costly. Medical aid plans might have limits on how much they will pay for emergency services, or they may require co-payments for certain types of care. It’s essential to check the terms of your medical aid policy to understand any potential out-of-pocket costs. Some plans may have higher limits for more severe cases or for emergency care received abroad.
Other key consideration when choosing the right medical cover include waiting periods, some medical aid plans may have waiting periods before emergency benefits kick in, especially for new members or newly added benefits. This means that if an emergency happens right after you sign up for a plan, it may not be covered immediately. Emergency benefits can sometimes be limited by the network of hospitals, doctors and specialists that a plan works with, for instance, PSMAS members can locate service providers who charge lower shortfalls than those outside the network by using the Premier Express Network. Always take time to review the exclusions in the emergency benefits section of your medical aid policy to ensure you are fully aware of any situations that might not be covered.
Being prepared for a crisis is key when it comes to emergency medical situations. Knowing when to call for help, understanding your coverage and ensuring that you have the necessary contact information at hand can make a significant difference. PSMAS has emergency contact numbers and a Contact Centre where members can call in case of an emergency. Members can get in touch on 08688002635 or WhatsApp on 0783 183 530.
In addition to having the right medical aid plan that suits your needs, it is also important to take proactive measures in preventing healthcare emergencies whenever possible such as maintaining good health by exercising, eating health and having regular check-ups for non-communicable diseases .
Having reliable emergency medical cover offers peace of mind, knowing that you are supported during urgent health situations.
For any feedback and clarification regarding information shared on this platform, email: communications@psmas.co.zw
