Insurance Industry – 7th December 2023

James White, Director: Sales and Marketing at Turnberry Management Risk Solutions

Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Given that the South African sun has one of the highest Ultraviolet (UV) levels in the world, it is no surprise that we also have one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world. While many cancer treatments are covered by medical schemes as Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), medical expense shortfalls are still common and run into thousands of Rands. Protecting yourself and your skin should be a top priority, but if the need for treatment arises, having gap cover in place is critical to protecting your financial future and wellbeing.

A burning issue

Often, we are not even aware that the years of sun exposure we had as children have already caused irreversible changes, and this has caused a sharp increase in skin cancer rates. The latest statistics show that Melanoma is one of the top five cancers among men in South Africa, according to Cansa, and Tygerberg Hospital in the Western Cape treats approximately 1 000 skin cancer patients per year.

Sunburn can happen fast, and permanent skin damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes. The best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid the sun when UV is highest, between 10:00 and 15:00, and to wear a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing when sun exposure is unavoidable. It is also essential to be aware of your skin and recognise any changes, as well as to know the signs to look out for that can indicate potential skin cancers.

The ABCDEs

There are a few different types of skin cancer, including Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers (NMSC) like Basal Cell (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC), as well as Melanomas.  NMSCs often appear as lumps or discoloured patches in the upper layers of the skin that can be red or scaly and do not heal. These are commonly found on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands, shoulders, upper chest and back. Treatment usually entails surgery to remove the cancerous growth and possible radiotherapy and other treatments, depending on the size and location of the tumour. NMSC is unlikely to spread to other parts of the body and treatment is frequently 100% successful.

Melanoma, which develops in the skin cells that produce pigment, is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, because it grows quickly and can spread or metastasise to other organs in the body. To achieve the best outcome, early treatment is critical, and dermatologists have developed the ABCDE of melanomas to help people know what to look out for. If a mole or a pigmented lesion becomes:

  • (A)symmetrical
  • The (B)order becomes irregular
  • There are two or more (C)olours (especially strange colours like red, or black or blue or grey)
  • The (D)iameter exceeds 0,6 mm or
  • The lesion undergoes (E)volution (it changes)

Then it is essential to get checked by a doctor. Any mole that itches or bleeds constantly should also be checked out.

Cover for cancers

Skin cancer is frequently covered by medical schemes as a PMB condition, but not always. According to the Council for Medical Schemes, both non-melanoma and malignant melanoma are covered for medical and surgical management, which includes radiation therapy, but only if the cancers are considered treatable. If they are discovered at stage 4, at which point there is a lower rate of positive outcome, then treatment may need to be funded from the cancer benefit of a medical aid plan and subject to the limits of cover.

Medical schemes will also typically only cover skin cancers as PMB conditions within their network of hospitals, so should you wish to receive treatment outside of the network then you will be liable for co-payments and shortfalls. Specialists may also charge more than scheme rates for treatment, which leaves patients liable for more shortfalls.

Minding the gap

The difference between what medical aids will pay for and what treatment costs can be quite significant. We have seen one specialist charge R71 500, with a shortfall of R23 675. If the client had not had gap cover in place, this shortfall would have been for their account, but it was covered in full by their gap cover policy. We have also seen numerous other claims with shortfalls of between R26 000 and R30 000 – these are large sums of money that most people simply do not have lying around, and funding treatment can cause financial hardship and future challenges.

The reality is that, when it comes to skin cancer, for most of us the damage has already been done. While it is always prudent to continue to take precautions and be sun safe, protecting your financial wellbeing is equally important. Gap cover is an essential part of a comprehensive financial plan and can be hugely beneficial following a diagnosis of skin cancer, other cancer and many other medical conditions.

Don’t Let Skin Cancer Drain Your Wallet – The Insurance Directory

 

 

https://getcovered.turnberry.co.za/app/1

What is Gap Cover?

https://getcovered.turnberry.co.za/app/1

Client Testimonials

I had excellent service from your claims department and a swift payout to cover my shortfall with an Orthopaedic Surgeon.   I would recommend Turnberry to anyone considering Gap Cover as it is an essential addition to your Medical Aid. Turnberry Cancer Lump Sum Payment has helped us hugely with all the incidental costs.  Gap Cover is a ‘must have’.           Christopher 

 

Doctors charged above medical aid rates which required upfront co-payments. These co-payments were submitted to Turnberry for processing. My claim form was completed and submitted to my Broker on 29 June 2021.  Payment of my 1st diagnosis of cancer was paid on 16 July 2021.  On 9 July 2021, I received an email to advise that my claim was submitted to an assessor to conclude the assessment.  Your timeous and prompt responses and feedback has assured me that Turnberry provides the best value for money which has benefitted me during my claim experience.  I believe Turnberry provide a prompt, fast and efficient customer service and satisfaction. I would recommend Gap Cover which helps with the additional medical expenses.  It covers the shortfall where Doctors and Hospitals charge above medical aid rate.  The up-front co-payments for certain procedures and admission can be claimed from Gap Cover if you have the right benefit product in place.  Excellent service. Highly recommended.      Vijay 

 

Turnberry’s Gap Cover Insurance assisted our family tremendously.  My husband was diagnosed with cancer and the once off payment helped a lot with extra medical expenses.

 

The claiming process was easy and painless. The claim was finalised quickly. This was a huge relief as, having been diagnosed with cancer, it was one less thing to worry about.  Make sure that you have GAP cover. It could be the difference between being able to pay all your medical accounts and having to go into debt to cover the unexpected costs.

 

For more testimonials on Turnberry’s support and service during and post claims which have been submitted, please go to the link below.

https://turnberry.co.za/beta/client-testimonials/