Health insurance/Hospital plan in case of snake bite

[Bjorn]

Firstly I am not sure if this is the right forum to post this but it does have to do with protocol in case of a bite as you want to be prepared.

I have just found out that my hospital plan wont cover me in case of a bite from a venomous snake. They don't cover occupational hazards at all. As I deal with them daily as an occupation I can't get away with it. When I signed up they asked if I had any dangerous hobbies and I said no at the time as I was not dealing with venomous much. Things have changed a lot and I am keeping some serious HOTS now!

I would just like to know if any of you have got cover or have let your insurance company know your dealing with deadly venomous snakes and what the outcome? I am looking for options so if anyone can refer me to an insurance company that would be much appreciated.

[jka]

I asked a broker about it when choosing my hospital plan, she told me I will be covered because its a "accident" I didn't deliberately injured myself of get myself injured. But now you got me thinking again.

[Bjorn]

Yeah sorry not a nice though. Last thing I would want is to be paying for a plan and then the hospital hands me a huge bill. I think it's different if its a hobby compared to an occupation. Still the rate should just go up a little in this case. Thats what I would think anyway.

[deleray]

I would think they would cover the hospital stay but unlikely they are going to cover specialist or exotic anti-venom requirements relating to the snake. If it is a local snake I would not tell them I was keeping it but that you were walking in the garden and got bitten A bite from a Taipan might be harder to explain though.

[Qball]

Had this same argument with my life insurance the other day... I won...

[Sico]

If it is an occupational hazard, and it is your job, then you should be covered by Workmans compensation if you are employed and contribute to the WCA plan. It's worth looking into. Secondly try Turnberry management services, they do added on insurance for medical schemes, I pay R128 a month for an extra R5 million top up on anything my medical aid wont pay for.

[Bjorn]

Thanks for all the info guys. I rather know I am covered than worry about it. I have a few exotic venomous and if bitten I don't think I can get to much help anyways. @Sico I will try Turn Berry thanks! Funny thing is that I got a letter from them just yesterday so maybe it's a sign.

Well I think it's a bit late now to stay with this plan I have now.

[Whitelipp]

Well Discovery covered my invenomation and hospitalisation in full 2years ago.
This was 2months after I e-mailed them to find out if they do in fact cover snake bites as I keep hots...

[Bjorn]

Thanks Whitelipp. I was with Discovery a few years back and they are good but got a bit costly. Still worth looking into.

[Bushviper]

This has been discussed before. They will try to get out of it but it is an accident and they have to cover you. It is included in the minimum benefits. I remember someone explained it and I think it could have been Boadicea. I will try to get more information and post it here.

[Bjorn]

OK, Thanks BV. I look forward to your findings.

[Bushbaby]

Which medical aid are you with? In case of emergency you have to be covered. I'm trying to find the list of PMB's for you, but not having much luck.

Turnberry is just gapcover and as such isn't going to help that much. I can get one of our CT based brokers to come see you about it in the new year should you really be interested. Possibly we can assist with a better medical aid as well? I will however ask our Bonitas or Discovery consultants if they know.

With Life Insurance they can impose a penalty, and possibly exclude it for up to 12 months (I think). I'll find out for you from our Risk department as well and get back to you.

[Bjorn]

Thanks BB, I appreciate the time and help! I just don't know where to turn etc. Turn berry called me and they said they will cover my plan further so it is an option but then I never got the email breakdown.

I am currently on a hospital plan with Spectramed and I thinks it's called Aqua.

I used to be with Discovery but they seem a bit costly now days.

I just want piece of mind when it comes to this matter. I still want to go to my hospital to chat with them and also want to get a bee pen or adrenalin kit.

[Sico]

Spectramed should pay, depends on the plan. I'm on the cobalt option, its damn expensive but you get what you pay for, and they literally cover everything. I just have the Turnberry for my travel insurance and top up as BB said. God forbid i should ever exhaust them, i'd rather someone put me out of my misery

[Bjorn]

Spectramed said they don't cover hazardous occupation?? Maybe I should just meet with them and work something out. Will check te options otherwise I always have the extra cover of Turn Berry. Thanks for the info.