Wellness is often seen as a lifestyle choice, one that includes gym sessions, balanced meals, and getting enough sleep. But behind the push for healthier living is a reality few young, healthy South Africans consider: the financial cost of staying well, especially when unexpected medical issues arise.
According to Brian Harris, General Manager: Operations at Turnberry Management Risk Solutions, “Accidents and medical emergencies don’t check your age or fitness level first – they just happen, and often, they’re expensive.”
Wellness begins with prevention
To stay ahead of serious health issues, preventative care plays a crucial role. Regular health screenings such as blood pressure checks, glucose tests and cholesterol monitoring can catch conditions like heart disease or diabetes early, often before symptoms even appear.
“Preventative care isn’t just a tick-box exercise. It can be the difference between a minor treatment plan and a major surgery down the line,” Harris explains. “Being proactive reduces your risk and the costs that come with delaying diagnosis.”
Yet, even with the most meticulous attention to health, the unexpected can strike – and when it does, it can quickly become financially overwhelming.
Wellness doesn’t make you invincible
It’s easy to believe that being fit shields you from serious health problems, but this is a dangerous misconception. Sports injuries such as torn ligaments and fractures, or even cardiac events during high-intensity workouts, can result in massive out-of-pocket expenses.
“Fitness doesn’t protect you from genetics or bad luck,” says Harris. “We’ve seen young, fit clients needing cover for conditions like cancer or heart complications.”
In fact, musculoskeletal injuries, heart conditions, and even cancer are some of the most common (and expensive) claims received by gap cover providers – a stark reminder that no one is immune to high healthcare costs.
Wellness and the reality of medical expenses
Medical aid often leaves gaps; co-payments, sub-limits and exclusions that patients must cover themselves. And these gaps can be staggering.
Harris shares real-world examples: “One of our clients, a healthy 40-year-old, claimed R678 000 for cancer treatment over four years. Another, just 27, needed R478 000 in cover for conditions like lupus, nerve pain and digestive issues.”
Even those in their early twenties aren’t spared. “A 22-year-old’s claims reached R414 000 due to spinal problems, skin cancer and heart rhythm issues. These aren’t isolated cases – they highlight how unpredictable and costly medical needs can be.”
Wellness includes financial planning
Planning for your health means more than maintaining a clean diet or hitting the gym. It means protecting your financial wellbeing in case your health takes an unexpected turn.
“Young people often delay getting gap cover because they think they don’t need it yet,” says Harris. “But by the time you do, it might be too late to avoid waiting periods or exclusions.”
Starting early ensures you’re better prepared for emergencies, especially if you’re thinking of starting a family or are responsible for dependants. Gap cover acts as a financial cushion, giving you peace of mind that your health – and your wallet – is protected.
Wellness is not just physical – it’s financial too. Being young and healthy is no guarantee against illness or injury, and the associated costs can be life-altering. Staying ahead of your health includes thinking about the “what ifs” and making informed financial decisions.
As Harris puts it, “It’s not about expecting the worst but being prepared for it. That’s true wellness.”
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