Co-Payments - Risk to Medical Aids or life saving procedure

<p>I cannot understand why medical aid companies require a patient to pay upfront fees for certain procedures that could potentially save a life. A human life is not to be trifled with and we cannot take chances. Thus the reason for us being hospitalised for investigative procedures for a proper diagnosis to be done.</p> <p> </p> <p>My sister recently under-went an appendicitis op but continued to have abdominal pains and was advised by her specialist to under-go a colonoscopy. However, due to the exhorbitant amount being charged by Medical Aids (in this case Discovery)</p> <p>she was unable to. In most cases patients do not have ready cash lying around to pay these fees up front. If you are fortunate to have full Gap Cover, these fees are covered but only after you have paid the hospital and can provide proof of your stay and procedure. In the mean-time you are out of pocket until your claim is settled.</p> <p> </p> <p>If you have Gap Cover who will settle claims then hospitals should obtain the necessary authorisations instead of hassling patients or their families for payment.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>IS THERE ANYWAY AROUND THIS!!!!!</p>