Another example would be getting a medical aid plan based on price alone. Often people feel they are forced into a decision because of affordability and end up taking cover that doesn't provide what they need. What they end up doing is paying for benefits that don't well, benefit them but also have to foot the bill for basic things like doctor's visits and medication.
In an ideal case of a good match between medical aid plan and member you will be paying a monthly premium on a package that benefits you a great deal. For instance, if you find you visit your general practitioner quite a bit, use over-the-counter medicine often, have a chronic illness and a family history that suggests cancer is a possibility in your future then the perfect medical aid plan for you would be one that covers basic day-to-day things like doctor's visits and medication.
It should also have a chronic benefit that will cover your treatment in terms of medication and procedures. These are the most basic requirements of the plan you need and a good cancer benefit would be ideal because you might need that in future. This is how you break down what you need and match it up with what is being offered and eventually end up with a medical aid plan that is best suited to you.
Affordability
When choosing a medical aid plan, you cannot let the monthly premium be the only thing that influences your decision. However, affordability is something that can't be ignored because failure to pay your premiums will cause your benefits to lapse or even that your membership be terminated.
Take time to compare different plans from different medical aid companies. Once you know what you need and what you're looking for in terms of benefits, then comparing prices will be a lot easier because you'll be able to see exactly what it is that you're paying for.
Professional Assistance
It would be a good idea to get help from a professional medical aid broker. This person is one who has in depth knowledge of the industry and how to find the best possible fit between a client and their medical aid plan.
Talk about what you need, what you can afford and work from there. The broker will do the hard work of gathering information you require to make your comparisons. Some brokers are even willing to walk you through the different plans and how they weigh up when compared to others.
Getting a professional opinion would definitely help your decision making process. It will also be just what you need in terms of guidance in the right direction so that end up spending your money wisely and get exactly what you need as well as what you can afford.