How to navigate your child’s health emergency without medical aid
Yesterday, after 3 years of his dust allergies not flaring up, Hamish ended up in the energency room.
Apparently the dust bunnies were in for the full show as he started with an irritating cough, which eventually and after me giving him Allergex, was only getting worse.
Earlier he had sat in a sandpit at the aquarium, which he’s done a hundred times before, only and as kids do they were throwing sand, which resulted in him breathing in far too many dust mites.
Thankfully, we know his allergies and the response they have on his body and we were able to rush him to Parklands Intercare, where the amazing admin staff where able to assess how bad his breathing was at that point and let us in even though they were closing for the day.
We were kindly greeted by the most patient, kind nursing sister and the fabulous Dr Deetlefs who calmly and professional treated Hamish by giving him stronger allergenic medication and putting him on a nebulizer.
I won’t lie, as private patients this small emergency cost us roughly just under R2000 and although there is no price that we wouldn’t pay for our child’s health, I thought I’d share how we manage to navigate Hamishs medical visits without a medical aid.
(* We are not covered by medical aid in Brent’s new job and so have spent the last 2 years as private patients. These are the hacks I’ve learned to keep our medical costs down)
Saving money with no medical aid
Over the counter medicines
I buy over the counter medication for pains and fevers, coughs, flus and cold and cuts and bruises. We check often that our medicine cupboard has basic things like :
- Allergex for allergies
- Panado for pain
- Cough syrup
- Vix rub
- Antiseptic cream
- Plasters
- Detol
First aid kit
Knowing that Brent no longer had medical aid and that financially it was not an option for us for a while, I completed a local first responder course and brushed up on my first aid knowledge.
I also updated our first aid kit and regularly check the batteries in our digital thermometer.
Generic medication
One of the ways we save money is to use a generic, cheaper version of any medication prescribed. You can simply ask at your pharmacy when taking in your script and they will be able to assist.
Pharmacies
I rely on my pharmacists knowledge and years of experience, and will often go to the pharmacy first for an opinion on certain symptoms before rushing to a doctor.
Dischem and Clicks clinics
Both Dischem and clicks have small clinics in many of their stores. Here they offer services from blood pressure to baby immunizations. They are also able to assess your childs symptoms, dress wounds and give you the right advice.
When Hamish and Brent fell on the rocks in Langebaan 3 years ago, not knowing the area, we immediately rushed to a Dischem clinic where they dressed the wounds on their legs and gave us the right advise on wound care, medication and whether we needed a hospital or not. This service was invaluable in our emergency and saved us an unnecessary and expensive trip to a doctor.
Doctors
Doctors are my last resort but I always recommend you use a trusted doctor who knows your family history. We use the same Intercare group of doctors and our files are all on the system.
There are still a few doctors who charge private patients different rates to a medical aid rate, you can ask for these at the reception when booking your appointment.
Many doctors also now do virtual consultations and these can be a bit cheaper.
Some doctors fees include the medication.
If you are uncertain which doctors to use, reach out to the moms in your area and see who they are using. Most importantly don’t be afraid to ask the questions before seeing a new doctor.
Government clinics and hospitals
Whilst our government clinics in South Africa and hospitals do not have a good reputation, I am yet to experience a negative response in the few times that we have used a government hospitals or clinic.
It’s not comfortable going to the government hospitals or clinics. You need to arrive often before 6am and could be there the entire day.
However
Children up until the age of 12 are seen free, this includes any procedures and medication. Subsidized fees are charged according to your income bracket after the age of 12. If you or your child are on chronic medication, that is often the cheapest option to obtain your medication monthly, as chronic medications are costly.
You can see doctors, dentists, and specialists.
The emergency rooms are always open at your local hospital and whilst stays are not comfortable and you may need to supply many of your own items like blankets and pillows, I also trust these doctors in an emergency, after all they deal with some of the most horrible injuries and illnesses daily. They have a world of experience.
Free eye care
Specsavers offer free eye tests and glasses for children under 12 years of age and you can book an appointment from school going age.
We do this annually as both Brent and I wear glasses and we like to know that should Hamish need glasses we are aware early.
Dental health
For dental health at the moment we teach good dental hygiene and use mouth wash each day.
Our government do have dental clinics but these are more for extractions, fillings, etc not general check ups.
As his big teeth have just started growing, we will budget a visit annually to a local dentist.
To find a good, child friendly dentist ask your local moms and always ask if your dentist has a seperate payment option for private patients, cash or in cases of big procedures a payment plan.
Savings
Until recently, with Brent changing jobs after several months of unemployment, savings were not an option monthly.
However, yesterday’s doctors visit reminded us of the importance of keeping an amount of cash in a savings account purely to use for medical emergencies.
This way we won’t be caught off guard.
Hospital plans
Hospital plans are an option if you are looking for hospital cover for emergencies without the expenses of a monthly medical aid.
Always research your options and ask the questions. Know exactly what your hospital cover will or won’t pay for before committing.
Live healthy
For the most part, whilst medical emergencies and illnesses are unavoidable, if you are living a healthy, active lifestyle and eating well, your child shouldn’t need a doctor often.
In the last two years this was Hamishs first visit to a doctor. He’s had a few colds and minor illnesses but we’ve treated them at home or with the help of our local pharmacist or clinic sister.
