Rating based on 6 reviews

Thebemed

Updated
  • Affordable Health Cover
  • Quality Health Care
  • Calculate Your Premium

In-page navigation


Thebemed homepage
Author Thebemed. Screenshot of Thebemed website.
[Accessed July 10, 2023]

About Thebemed

On September 12, 2002, Thebemed medical aid scheme was created to provide affordable and high-quality coverage to those who required it.

The scheme's objective was to offer healthcare services to people who were previously not covered, primarily in the mining, logistics, and agricultural sectors.

Thebemed is devoted to providing cost-effective and long-lasting healthcare solutions, ensuring that members have access to excellent benefits and healthcare services that are easily accessible.

Empowerment in action, an illustrious beginning

The Thebe Investment Corporation, which is black-owned, was established in 1992 by the Batho Batho trust. The trust's original trustees included Walter Sisulu, Rev Beyers Naude, Enos Mabuza, and Chairman Nelson Mandela.

They were motivated to address the inadequate healthcare services available in their communities and were committed to improving the situation. The founders' goal was to provide medical coverage to people who were previously excluded from it, particularly those in the mining, logistics, and agricultural sectors.

Superior health cover at affordable premiums

Thebemed is dedicated to providing its members with quality healthcare services at an affordable rate, acknowledging the significance of comprehensive medical coverage for everyday people.

In order to meet various medical requirements, the medical aid scheme offers a variety of unique products. Members are given access to a vast national network of medical service providers and doctors, facilitating the best medical care possible.

The objective of Thebe Investment Corporation is to acquire and manage businesses that benefit society, thus Thebemed's purpose is not only to offer affordable medical coverage but also to be part of a company that strives to make a positive impact on the lives of its members

Thebemed Services

The Energy Plan is among Thebemed's distinctive offerings and has been created to provide affordable and high-quality healthcare coverage to miners and their families.

The plan comprises private hospital coverage, comprehensive primary care, the option to choose designated service providers, and a choice of coverage options that align with individual needs.

The Energy Plan has been customized to address the specific needs and difficulties experienced by miners and their families, many of whom live far from their relatives. The plan guarantees that all family members can receive quality healthcare services in proximity to their residence.

Thebemed's entry-level offering: Universal Plan

The entry-level option of Thebemed medical aid is the Universal Plan, which provides inclusive and cost-effective coverage. The plan has been tailored to meet the evolving requirements of young families who are just starting out.

It encompasses everyday healthcare necessities, such as dentistry, optometry, and specialist consultations, through a wide network of Designated Service Providers (DSPs). The package includes private hospital coverage, comprehensive primary care, and the flexibility to choose from a range of designated service providers and coverage options that suit their unique preferences.

The Universal Plan for young families ensures that members have access to high-quality healthcare services that are comprehensive and reasonably priced.

Universal plan and Universal EDO, the flagship model:

  • Comprehensive primary care is extended to households that require affordable coverage and can choose their service provider
  • Hospitalisation at private hospitals is covered
  • Members can choose two GPs each
  • Preventative care is provided to every household member
  • Extended services are covered for maternity care

We take a closer look at one of their options, the Universal plan, to see some of the benefits you can get in the next section.

Thebemed – Medical aid scheme

  • Product Medical Aid
  • Energy plans
    Energy plans are unique options tailored specifically for miners and their families, offering quality and affordable health coverage.
  • Best options
    They assist you in finding the most suitable plan for your healthcare needs, ensuring personalised coverage.
  • Care & support
    Thebemed prioritises providing you with care and support. By providing information and resources related to the COVID-19 outbreak, they demonstrate their commitment to keeping you informed and protected during the pandemic.

Benefits of Thebemed

  • A premium calculation tool to help you estimate the cost of your chosen plan.
  • Thebemed emphasises a swift and efficient process for obtaining health coverage, aiming to provide you with immediate protection.
  • The comprehensive and affordable entry-level cover provides private hospital cover and comprehensive primary care
  • Choice of cover options to suit your needs provides you cover for everyday healthcare needs, including specialists, dentistry, and optometry

Ways to join Thebemed Medical Aid

  • Download and fill in the form, including your medical details.
  • Personally hand in the documentation at their offices.
  • WhatsApp 'Hi' to their Whatsapp line.
  • Call their call centre.

There are penalties for people over the age of 35 who haven't been part of a medical aid before. These are a small fraction of your contribution, from 0.05 to 0.75 x your premium. Benefits after joining during the year will be prorated. This means you'll get lower limits than if you had joined at the start of the year.

Universal plan: primary benefits you’ll enjoy

  • Unlimited GP consultations. If you use a non-DSP doctor voluntarily, you need to make a 25% co-payment at each visit.
  • Diagnostic procedures: radiology and pathology. Benefit is unlimited. The scheme pays 100% of the tariff.
  • Chronic medication: unlimited benefits. May be generic. Needs to be pre-authorised.
  • Consulting specialists: must be referred by your GP. It's limited to 3 visits per family each year. They'll pay 100% of the negotiated tariffs at the DSP. The PMB is based on internal protocols.
  • Pharmacy-advised therapy: over-the-counter medication recommended by a pharmacist, restricted to schedules 0,1 and 2. Limited to R173 per prescription.
  • Optometrists: Needs to be pre-authorised. What's covered: 1 pair of frames each every 2 years, up to R750. Bifocals and single lenses are covered at 100% of the DSP negotiated rate. Contact lenses are limited to R1230 each per year.
  • Medical and orthopaedic: in and out of hospital. You'll need a GP referral. Covers R5500 per family. Pays 100% of tariff. With pre-authorisation, they'll cover speech and hearing aids and wheelchairs, with sub-limits.
  • Conservative dentistry: covers extractions, fillings, checkups, polishing, plastic dentures, etc.
  • Eye tests: 1 test each per 2 years. Pays 100% of tariff.
  • Acute medication: unlimited. Maybe generics.

Exclusions - what the scheme won't pay for

Thebemed will pay in full for the treatment, diagnosis, and costs of caring for the prescribed minimum benefits, without co-payments.

The following won't be paid for unless included in the PMB

While Thebemed medical aid covers a wide range of medical services and treatments, there are some exclusions to be aware of. For instance, cosmetic surgery is not covered, including procedures such as rhinoplasties (nose jobs), removal of tattoos, breast reconstruction, or reduction.

Additionally, treatments such as tummy tucks, liposuction, and bariatric surgery are also excluded. It's important to note that the medical aid will not cover holidays taken to recuperate from medical procedures, nor will they cover acne treatment or slimming products.

While vitamins are covered for certain groups such as kids under 12, registered HIV patients, and prenatal patients, they are otherwise excluded. Thebemed medical aid also does not cover aphrodisiacs, insurance examinations, steroids, missed appointments, gender realignment, hair removal, or stays at convalescent homes and clinics for the chronically ill or aged. It is essential to be aware of these exclusions when seeking medical aid coverage.

Thebemed Contact

Physical Address

  • Office Park 1 Old Trafford 4 Building, Cnr Boundary & Carse O'gowrie Road, Houghton Johannesburg 2198 South Africa
  • Get Directions

Opening Hours

  • Monday 08:00 – 17:00
  • Tuesday 08:00 – 17:00
  • Wednesday 08:00 – 17:00
  • Thursday 08:00 – 17:00
  • Friday 08:00 – 17:00
  • Saturday – Closed
  • Sunday – Closed