Breast reduction (also known as breast augmentation) is a common procedure that many women in South Africa choose to have. However, there are a number of medical aid companies out there that don’t cover the procedure, which can leave patients stranded and searching for alternative solutions. In this blog post, we will explore which medical aid companies cover breast reduction in South Africa and how you can find out if your company is one of them. We will also provide tips on how to get your insurance company to cover the procedure and some advice on what to do if it doesn’t.
What medical aid covers breast reduction?
One of the most common surgeries performed in South Africa is breast reduction. There are a number of medical aid schemes that cover this surgery, so you can be sure to find one that best suits your needs. Medical aid schemes generally cover most medical expenses, including hospital and doctor fees, so it’s important to research the options available to you before making a decision.
Some of the most common medical aid schemes that cover breast reduction in South Africa are:
• SABC Medical Aid (SAA) covers all medical expenses for members, including those for surgery and post-operative care. Coverage includes overnight stay in hospital and basic rehabilitation after surgery.
• Medi-Shield Life covers outpatient treatment at participating hospitals. This includes surgical procedures as well as post-operative care and rehabilitation. For members with an illness or injury that requires hospitalization, Medi-Shield Life will also cover all out-patient treatment costs up to R5 million per year.
• The Public Service Health Insurance Scheme (PHS) provides coverage for general physician services, specialist consultations and treatments at public hospitals certified by the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA). PHS also covers a wide range of out-patient medication costs at participating pharmacies. This scheme is available to both employed and self-employed individuals, as well as their dependants. • You can also purchase private health insurance if you wish to exclude certain types of medical treatment from your coverage under a
Which hospitals in South Africa offer breast reduction surgery?
A breast reduction, also called a mastectomy or simply a mastectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove excess breast tissue. Breast reduction surgery is typically offered as an option to women who are unhappy with the size and shape of their breasts.
There are several hospitals in South Africa that offer breast reduction surgery. The selection of a hospital depends on many factors, including the patient’s location and health insurance coverage. Some of the most popular hospitals that offer breast reduction surgery include:
The University of Cape Town Medical School has been offering mastectomies for close to 60 years. They have one of the largest mastectomy programs in the country and have performed over 10,000 mastectomies to date.
The Tygerberg Hospital offers an extensive range of medical services, including breast reduction surgery. They have performed more than 2200 breast reductions to date and are considered one of the top hospitals in South Africa when it comes to Mastectomies.
Stellenbosch University Hospital has a large team of specialised doctors and surgeons who offer a wide range of surgical procedures. They also offer a full range of post-operative care including physical therapy and counseling.
If you’re interested in having breast reduction surgery in South Africa, be sure to speak with your doctor about your options and weigh all the pros and cons before making a decision.
Is there a waiting list for breast reduction surgery in South Africa?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific surgical procedure in question and the availability of beds at a particular hospital. However, according to research by the Medical Aid Co-operative (MACC), there is a general waiting list for breast reduction surgery in South Africa. The MACC says that while some hospitals have more beds available than others, all offer a waitlist for procedures such as breast reduction and liposuction.
The MACC recommends that patients contact their local medical aid company or hospital to determine whether they are on the waiting list for specific procedures and, if so, what the approximate wait time is.
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is a medical procedure that can improve a woman’s quality of life by reducing the size and discomfort of breasts. Breast reduction surgery may also improve a woman’s self-image and overall satisfaction with her body.
There are many benefits to breast reduction surgery, including:
1. Reduction in discomfort and pain from large, cumbersome breasts.
2. Improved self-image due to smaller, more natural-looking breasts.
3. Improved sexual function from less restriction on movement of the breasts during sex.
4. Reduced risk of nursing problems (due to smaller size) and potential for mastitis (breast infection).
5. Reduced risk of developing cancerous tumors in the breasts due to reduced exposure to medical radiation and hormones associated with enlarged breasts.
Types of Breast Reduction Surgery
There are many different types of breast reduction surgery, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The most common types of breast reduction surgery are:
Breast Reduction by Incision and Drainage (Bilateral Mastectomy): This is the most common type of breast reduction surgery, and involves removing both breasts entirely through an incision in the middle of your chest. This surgery may also include removing your drains (if you have them), which can be a source of discomfort for a few weeks.
Breast Reduction by Periareolar Injection: This type of surgery involves injecting a small amount of local anesthesia directly into the areola (the dark area around the nipple) before cutting away excess skin. This method is less invasive than bilateral mastectomy, but it may not be as effective in reducing size.
Breast Reduction by Laser: This is a newer type of surgery that uses lasers to remove fat and skin from around the breasts. It has been shown to be more effective than other methods in reducing size, but it may require several sessions to achieve results.
Breast Reduction by Radio Frequency: This type of surgery uses radio waves to heat up the tissue below the skin, causing it to shrink. It is less common than other types of breast reduction surgery, but may be more effective in reducing size.
What are the Requirements for Medical Aid Coverage for Breast Reduction Surgery?
In order for medical aid to cover breast reduction surgery in South Africa, the following requirements must be met:
-The patient must be a resident of South Africa
-The surgery must be performed by a certified surgical specialist
-The patient must have undergone a full medical evaluation, including a physical examination andlab tests
-The patient’s health insurance policy must cover the costs of the surgery
If you are thinking of having surgery on your breasts, it is important to be aware of the medical aid options that are available to you. In this article, we will discuss the different types of medical aid and which covers breast reduction specifically. So whether you live in South Africa or not, make sure to check out our list so that you can find the right coverage for your needs.