FOR millions of South Africans, private health cover is not a question of desire but of affordability. Health insurance costs are climbing inexorably, while the medical schemes market stagnates. Under pressure, consumers are downgrading their scheme options, delaying joining, or switching to cheaper health insurance.
The demand for affordable cover is clear. Yet South Africa's regulatory framework still bars medical schemes from meeting it through low-cost benefit options (LCBOs). The Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) argues this restriction must change urgently.