Lifestyle benefits for medical aid members launched
Thebe Ya Bophelo Healthcare Administrators, South Africa’s foremost black-owned and managed healthcare administrator, has launched a comprehensive lifestyle-enhancement programme for members of the medical schemes it administers, which includes Hosmed and Thebemed. Thebe Lifestyle, as is the name of the programme, will be run by a separate company; Thebe Ya Bophelo Marketing and Consulting.
“Joining a medical aid is all about improving the quality of one’s life through better access to health care. Thebe Lifestyle takes that thinking a step further by providing our members with a holistic range of benefits that will complement their lifestyles,” says Rohan Laird, Chief Executive Officer of Thebe Ya Bophelo Healthcare Administrators. “We have researched our member profile in depth, and put together a portfolio of benefits that we believe they will really value.”
Thebe Lifestyle is offered in three packages: Essence, Classic and the top-of-the-range Infinite.
Perhaps the main differentiator between Thebe Lifestyle and other lifestyle programmes, Laird believes, is the inclusion of highly attractive cell phone deals. The Essence package includes a Vodacom Smart Kicka phone with 50 minutes of airtime and 100 megabytes of data, while the Classic package offers the same device with 100 minutes of airtime and 100 megabytes of data. Those who opt for the Infinite package are able to choose between the Samsung Galaxy Fame (with 100 minutes of airtime and 100 megabytes of data) and the Vodacom Smart Kicka (with 150 minutes and 100 megabytes).
“Mobile communication is essential in today’s world and highly valued—this is a unique benefit that our members really want, and won’t get from any competing programmes,” explains Laird. “We believe that this benefit alone will attract younger members to the schemes we administer, and keep them loyal, something that all medical schemes must do to ensure members get value for their money when obtaining medical cover and related benefits. Many young adults tend to neglect this important priority and yet they spend their earnings on similar lifestyle purchases. We thought it would be better to bring these within their reach at a value they can appreciate and more.”
In addition, the company says they plan to introduce mobile applications at a later stage, such as self-service, benefit management, provider network look-up and patient record that can be used and accessed on the smart-phone on offer.
The three packages also come with funeral cover of R5 000, R10 000 and R15 000 respectively. Other benefits across all the packages include a free movie ticket for every two purchased, 50% off Planet Fitness membership, travel offers, legal assist, a six-monthly R50 shopping voucher from Shoprite Checkers, a free monthly money transfer, credit and debt assistance and counselling for financial wellness, and access to Teacher Online, a telephonic help line for primary and secondary school pupils.
Thebe Lifestyle’s benefits are available immediately to members of the medical aids administered by Thebe Ya Bophelo Healthcare Administrators at a monthly cost of R79 for Essence, R135 for Classic and R210 for Infinite.
About Thebe Ya Bophelo Healthcare Administrators
Thebe ya Bophelo Healthcare Administrators (Pty) Ltd (TYB), is a subsidiary of Thebe Investment Corporation responsible for medical aid administration. TYB is a wholly-owned BEE Level 1 contributor, registered under the laws of South Africa. Thebe’s mission is to play a leading role in the provision of services to meet the aspirations of the community within which it operates. It seeks to achieve this by developing successful companies that advance the interests of the community, while providing acceptable returns for the shareholders. For further information please visit www.tybhealth.co.za