Why does Rhodes not accept International insurance/medical aid products that confirm they will cover students whilst studying in SA?
In the past, Rhodes University tried to verify products based on information provided by the students as well as by confirming with the major hospital groups in SA whether students would be admitted to hospital with the International insurance products presented.
In some instances they confirmed that students would be accepted, but problems occurred where the admission staff at the hospital did not recognise the product and asked students to go to government hospitals instead, as they were unsure whether the account would be settled.
Phoning international numbers for authorisation on behalf of the students also proved to be a problem – and without authorisation, a private hospital will not admit a patient.
Rhodes is a member of IEASA (International Education Association of South Africa), which has set up certain minimum requirements for products allowed for international students.
Some of these requirements are:
a) The product must be a South African registered medical aid scheme (as there are certain prescribed minimum benefits that have to be covered by SA medical schemes – which in turn means certain benefits guaranteed to the member).
b)Â The product must have national representation in both its provider network as well as client service capabilities for the members on the various campuses.
c) They need to be compliant with the Immigration Act and Home Affairs requirements.
d) We need to be sure that the scheme is financially sound and able to offer sustainable benefits over the medium to long-term. Students have to pay their contributions annually in advance, and therefore the risk to the student could be that the student has to take another product at an additional cost.
e) We need to be sure that the administration of claims, refunds, etc runs smoothly, and adheres to a signed service level agreement to which all parties must adhere.