At MedXpert, we want you to travel confidently this holiday season. In this article, we cover:
- How MedXpert’s health and safety checklist can help you prepare for a secure trip.
- Key steps to take before traveling, such as carrying your medical aid details.
- Tips for identifying nearby healthcare providers at your destination for added peace of mind.
- Practical advice to ensure a worry-free holiday so you can focus on enjoying your break.
Why a Holiday Medical Checklist is Essential
Holidays are great! Holidays that include travel are better, filled with opportunities to experience new people, food and adventures. However, the very act of traveling exposes you to some medical risks. Risks like dehydration, food poisoning and, of course, traffic accidents are all increased when you travel, but you shouldn’t let this put you off, instead take a leaf from the boy scouts’ motto “be prepared”. With that in mind here are some tips on what you can do before you leave to make sure you and your family have the best medical cover possible while traveling this holiday.Keep Your Medical Aid Information Handy
An easy yet very essential thing to do is to always have a copy of your medical aid information with you. This should include the membership number, plan details, and emergency contacts for your medical aid. Supplying these particulars in case of a medical emergency makes it possible to get help faster.
It is also recommended that you store on your phone, or other secure cloud services, all the mentioned medical aid information in case any hard copies are lost or destroyed. What would be even more helpful is if you always carried other important medical information such as prescriptions, family doctor’s letters, your blood donor card and your medical jewellery (if applicable).
Know Your Designated Service Providers (DSPs) When traveling
What is a designated service provider?
A Designated Service Provider (DSP) is a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, hospital, specialist, or pharmacy, that has a formal agreement with a medical scheme to offer healthcare services at pre-negotiated rates. These agreements allow medical schemes to manage rising healthcare costs by directing members to providers who charge within agreed limits. As a result, members benefit by avoiding unexpected out-of-pocket expenses and preserving their medical savings.
Using a DSP typically means:
- Using a DSP often reduces the likelihood of additional charges and may result in lower overall costs, depending on the plan.
- Reduced / no co-payments for DSPs consultations (scheme specific).
Designated Service Providers (DSPs) are an integral component of medical aid plans. Your DSP network refers to the healthcare professionals that have been contracted by your scheme for the provision of medical services at lower costs. Identifying which DSPs are in the area you are traveling to can save you a lot of time, stress and unnecessary costs.
Medical aid schemes make provisions that encourage and often require members to make use of DSPs for full cover, whereby if a member visits a non-designated service provider, the member is liable to pay part, or all of the costs incurred for the visit. Prior to any trips, it is recommended to check with your medical aid provider about which hospitals, clinics, and doctors at your destination will be considered as DSPs. This is particularly crucial if your plan is one that requires you to appoint a GP.
If you are within the borders of South Africa, find out if there are specific provisions on your medical aid that allow you to use out of network GP services or whether there is a special cover for emergencies when non-DSPs are visited.
Where are my designated service providers when travelling?
MedXpert is here to help you find a designated service provider for your vacation and minimise out-of-network co-payments. Contact your medical aid expert today to ensure you have the right cover for a stress-free holiday.
Designated service provider with a nominated GP:
If your medical aid plan requires you to nominate a GP, it’s important to know how this affects you when you travel.
Let’s say you’ve nominated a GP in Cape Town. That doctor is now registered as your primary care provider. Even if you’re in Durban and there are other GPs who are part of your scheme’s network, visiting them will likely count as a non-DSP (non-designated service provider) consultation — because they’re not your nominated GP.
That’s why it’s important to check whether your plan allows out-of-network GP visits and how many, if any, are available while you’re travelling. Also take a moment to see which hospitals and doctors in the area are part of the network. A quick check now can save you stress later.
Seasonal Health Concerns and Prevention Tips
Common Summer Health Concerns and Prevention Tips
Outdoor fun and frolicking in the sun and sea characterise summer in South Africa; nonetheless, the hot season must be faced with certain health risks. In the summertime, it is not uncommon to find oneself dealing with mostly heat-related problem like heat stroke and dehydration. Drink lots of fluids, keep out of direct sunlight when possible, and apply sunblock lotion along with protective clothing such as hats.
Sunburn is another big danger. South African sunlight can be very fierce, which is why a good quality sunscreen with high SPF should be generously applied and reapplied often, especially after sweating and swimming. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses will help protect the skin and eyes against UV rays too.
Finally, make sure to have or carry with you a basic first aid kit like an antiseptic cream, antihistamine tablets, bandages, and aftersun lotion. A good travel medicine kit will go a long way in case of an emergency during your exploration, especially when you are visiting very far places and likely to be engaging in outdoor activities; it comes really handy for treating minor injuries or whatsoever health concerns popping up during your holiday.
Common winter health concerns and prevention tips.
While much of South Africa enjoys a warm season, some destinations, especially those inland or in the southern regions, can bring cooler, drier weather during winter holidays. Whether you’re heading to the Drakensberg, the Cape, or venturing internationally to colder climates, it’s important to be aware of common winter health concerns and how to prevent them.
1. Colds and Flu
Colds and flu tend to circulate more in winter due to closer indoor contact and drier air that can weaken your respiratory defences. To reduce your risk, practise good hand hygiene, avoid touching your face unnecessarily, and stay well-hydrated. If you’re travelling with young children or elderly family members, extra caution is advised, as they are more vulnerable to complications.
While flu vaccinations are available and can provide added protection, prevention starts with daily habits like frequent handwashing and avoiding crowded enclosed spaces when possible. Be conscious to, wherever possible, eat the right foods so that your body can ingest the various vitamins and minerals it needs to keep your immune system strong.
2. Dry Skin and Dehydration
Cooler temperatures and indoor heating can dry out your skin and body. Carry a good moisturiser and lip balm, especially if you’ll be exposed to wind or cold air. Don’t forget to drink water regularly – even when it’s chilly, hydration is essential to your health and immune system.
3. Respiratory Issues
Dust, smoke from fireplaces, and cold air can trigger asthma and other respiratory conditions. If you or a loved one has a respiratory condition, ensure you pack and keep your medication, inhalers, and any emergency devices (like nebulisers) with you. Always travel with a doctor’s letter explaining your condition in case you need assistance abroad.
4. Slips, Falls and Joint Pain
In colder climates, wet or icy surfaces can increase your risk of slipping. Pack suitable non-slip footwear if you’ll be walking in such environments. Those with arthritis or joint issues may also experience increased stiffness or pain, so keeping warm and doing regular, gentle movement can help manage symptoms.
5. Seasonal Depression or Low Energy
Less daylight and cold weather can affect your mood and energy levels. Try to maintain a regular sleep routine, get outside during daylight hours, and stay connected with friends and family to support your mental well-being during winter travels.
Travel tip: If you’re going to a winter destination and have a chronic condition that worsens in the cold, ask your medical scheme or MedXpert to confirm what cover and support you have in place for flare-ups or unexpected care needs.
Snake Safety: What You Need to Know During the Holidays
Warm weather and rain greatly increase snake activity. Snakes seldom hibernate in the areas with mild winters, but sightings spike in spring and summer.
Here are some tips for Hiking:
When walking in tall grass, amongst rocks and at the edges of water bodies, be careful and keep a look out as snakes tend to hide in these places. Closed shoes and long pants may also serve as an added layer of defense in these areas.
What happens if I get a snake bite?
If you happen to experience a snake bite, remain calm and try to determine the kind of snake that has bitten you. You can take a picture with your phone, or have the person with you try to take the picture so that the doctor can identify what kind of snake it was. Time is crucial when it comes to snake bites, so do not waste any time treating the bite yourself and get medical assistance as soon as possible. It is advised to call for an ambulance immediately as certain venoms begin to take effect just half an hour post-bite.
It is also essential to learn the appropriate first-aid measures in such cases which usually include immobilising the limb where the bite was sustained and restricting the patient from unnecessary movements to reduce dissemination of the venom.
Most importantly, do not assume that anti-venom is available in all hospitals. There is no public list available for you to check which hospitals have stock of anti-venom. The best course of action would be to call an ambulance and go to the nearest emergency room. From there the hospital can arrange for you to be transferred to another hospital that carries Anti-venom, if needed.
Preparing for International Travel: Medical Aid Top-Ups and Cover
When planning a trip abroad, your health shouldn’t be an afterthought. While many South African medical aid schemes include some form of international cover, this is typically limited to emergency medical assistance. To ensure you’re fully protected, it’s essential to understand how international travel benefits work and take the right steps before your departure.What Are International Travel Benefits?
Most medical aid schemes offer international travel benefits that provide cover for emergencies while you’re overseas—such as sudden illness or accidents. These benefits are usually activated in partnership with travel insurance providers. However, they are not automatically active. Think of them as needing a form of pre-authorisation before you can claim. These benefits do not cover general doctor visits or pre-existing conditions unless specifically stated, so it’s important to check the scope of your cover in advance.How to Activate Your International Travel Benefits
To access these benefits, you’ll need to inform your medical aid scheme—or MedXpert—about your travel plans at least two weeks before you leave. Many members only make contact a day before their flight, but that’s often too late to complete the necessary paperwork and health checks.
Here’s what you’ll generally need: Proof of travel (e.g., plane tickets with departure and return dates)
- A travel itinerary
- For members over 60, a health assessment from your GP to confirm you’re fit to travel.
- Certain schemes like Momentum may require a specific medical form completed by your doctor.
Once these requirements are met, MedXpert or your scheme will provide a travel authorisation letter. This letter outlines your cover abroad and confirms your eligibility to claim for emergencies while overseas.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Even if your scheme offers international travel benefits, remember that these usually only cover emergencies (e.g., a heart attack or serious accident). That’s why it’s worth looking into additional travel insurance if:
- You’re going on an extended trip
- You want cover for non-emergency medical care
- You need protection for things like lost luggage or trip cancellations
Also, be sure to familiarise yourself with the underwriting of your scheme’s insurance. The rules can be strict, and misunderstanding the fine print could result in a rejected claim.
Since MedXpert doesn’t provide travel insurance services, you’ll need to secure this independently.
Finding Medical Facilities While Abroad:
Unlike local network hospitals in South Africa, most schemes do not maintain international hospital networks. Instead, they work with set rand limits for overseas claims. This means that if your medical bill exceeds the allowable limit, you’ll need to pay the difference out-of-pocket.
To find an appropriate facility or confirm emergency care procedures while abroad, your best point of contact is MedXpert. They can advise you on how to handle international claims and where to seek assistance in your destination country.
Final Checklist: Ensuring You’re Health-Ready for the Holidays
Check your travel medical insurance again to make sure that it is valid for the country you are visiting, and any additional action that needs to be taken. Ensure you carry a hard copy as well as soft copy of your medical aid information and know the DSPs in your area of travel.
Also, remember to carry a travel medical kit and to take measures to avoid the risks of illnesses. Additionally, keep in mind the risks associated with snakes and other wildlife while on nature walks. And finally, you can call MedXpert if you need help understanding your medical aid plan or its cover. With the right preparation, you will be ready to take your holiday with peace of mind.
Stay safe while traveling and have fun during the holiday seasons.
MedXpert, the medical experts on your side.