Updated External Medical Appliances benefit for 2025
External medical appliances, such as hearing aids and wheelchairs, play a vital role in improving the quality of life for individuals with specific health needs. By providing structured benefits and clear limitations, the updated policy ensures that members receive the necessary support while managing costs effectively.
From 2025, the External Medical Appliances benefit will be updated to provide more structured and comprehensive cover for families. This benefit is crucial for members who need external medical devices to manage their health conditions effectively.
Annual family limit
The benefit for all external medical appliances is capped at R30,000 per family per year. This limit ensures that families have access to necessary medical devices without incurring excessive out-of-pocket expenses.
Additional limitations
In addition to the overall family limit, the following specific limitations will apply from 2025:
- Hearing aids are accessible once every 24 months per beneficiary. This ensures that members have access to updated hearing technology as needed.
- Wheelchairs are accessible once every 36 months per beneficiary. This provision allows for the replacement or upgrade of wheelchairs to meet the member's changing needs.
These limitations are designed to balance the need for essential medical devices with the financial sustainability of the benefit plan. For more detailed information about the coverage and benefits, you can refer to the official Engen Medical Benefit Fund guide.