post

What is Rescue Me?

Rescue Me offers policyholders peace of mind in a life-or-death situation requiring emergency transportation. Rescue Me provides cover in the event of emergency medical transportation by road ambulance or air ambulance. It provides full coverage within the territory as defined, and coverage includes the services rendered by any registered evacuation service provider within the region. You can rest assured knowing that in the event of emergency transportation, you will be covered.

But I can just avoid dangerous situations!

Emergencies happen—it doesn’t matter how careful or prepared you are. 

Why do I need medical aid?

In the case of an emergency, medical aid is indispensable. You will get the fastest and best care possible. 

Okay, but what if I need to be transported?

With this benefit, you will be transported safely and quickly to the nearest medical facility. Either by air or by ambulance.

How much does an ambulance service charge?Unfortunately, ambulances are very expensive. For example, in Windhoek in 2019, the prices for ambulance services were increased by 5.6%: The basic life support service in urban areas for non-medical aid fund patients for up to 45 minutes has increased from N$1 180 to N$1 246, and N$1 632 for up to 60 minutes.

Non-medical aid fund patients who utilise ambulances for intermediate life support in urban areas will pay N$1 661 for up to 45 minutes, and every 15 minutes after that, where especially motivated, the services will cost N$543.

Patients who belong to a medical aid fund will pay N$1 314 for up to 45 minutes of using ambulance services in terms of basic life support in urban areas, and up to 60 minutes will cost them N$1 720. For every 15 minutes after that, where especially motivated, it will cost an additional N$422.

What does that mean?

According to the policy, you are covered up to N$500,000 in the event of an emergency. That means emergency evacuation by air or road within the territory as defined. And all this for only N$98 a month! The affordability and the possible consequences of not having the cover make it essential.

How about international travel?

You also get international travel benefits (travel notification and validation required) included in the price. This means you will have medical cover in the event of a medical emergency while travelling. See here for more detailed information.

What must I do to validate claims?

You must call our 24-hour call assistant line to validate claims above N$5,000 before you incur the expense: +27 11 991 8914. In emergency situations where the policyholder cannot obtain prior validation due to the policyholder being unconscious or admitted to ICU, the policyholder or family members must contact our call assistant line within 24 hours to avoid repudiation of claims.

Is there an age limit to the International Travel Insurance?

The cover is provided to an insured person under the age of 80 years on the date of loss. No cover is provided regarding an Insured Person 70 years of age or older, relating to a Pre-existing medical condition.

Are any conditions not covered?

No cover is provided regarding an Insured Person 66 years of age or older, relating to any cardiac or cardiovascular or vascular or cerebrovascular illness or conditions or sequelae thereof or complications that can reasonably be related to that, whether pre-existing or not.

What funds and organisations use the product? Where can I get it?

Rescue Me currently provides coverage to some 30 000 policyholders. The following Medical Aid Funds and organisations currently use the Rescue Me product: Renaissance Health Medical Aid Fund, Namdeb Medical Aid Scheme, Heritage Health, Roads Contractor Medical Aid Fund, Napotel Medical Scheme and Private Members.

Cancer is a disease that develops when specific cells in the body start dividing uncontrollably. It then invades surrounding tissue. When these cells affect the ovaries, it is called ovarian cancer.

There are quite a few types of ovarian cancer. While they all affect the ovaries, they all have different origins, look different under a microscope and differ in treatment and prognosis.

As with all cancer, tumors can either be benign (non-cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body) or malignant (cancerous and capable of metastasizing).

Also, one mustn’t confuse ovarian tumours with ovarian cysts. Firstly, cysts are fluid-filled sacs, and tumours are solid masses. Secondly, cysts are relatively common, mostly not harmful, don’t cause symptoms, and do not indicate future ovarian cancer.

The picture in Namibia is unclear as there are no specific data for ovarian cancer. By far, most cases of women in Namibia are cases of breast cancer. Followed by cervix uteri and kaposi sarcoma. The most deadly cancers are breast, lung, and colorectum.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are not absent but are particularly subtle and mistaken for other, less severe, and more common problems. In some cases, the early stage may produce symptoms, but in the majority of cases, that does not happen.

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

Occasionally, there can be other symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Abnormal bleeding – Any post-menopausal bleeding should always be checked by your primary health care provider or doctor.
• Extreme fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Indigestion
• Back pain
• Pain with intercourse
• Constipation
• Menstrual irregularities

Ovarian cancer patients say that symptoms represent a change in their bodies and are persistent. The frequency and number of these symptoms are critical factors in diagnosing ovarian cancer. If you have these symptoms for more than two weeks, go to your doctor. It’s better to go to a gynecologist as they have the proper diagnostic equipment. While knowing the symptoms is essential, as it may hasten a diagnosis, research has shown that it is not very effective in itself. To treat it more successfully and identify it earlier, more research is needed.

Diagnosis

Unfortunately, there are no routine screening tests available to detect ovarian cancer. It is important to note that while a Pap smear effectively detects cervical cancer, it is not a test for ovarian cancer. 

The path to diagnosis includes:

• Pelvic exam
• Transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound
• CA-125 blood test

In some cases, a CT scan or PET scan may be used as part of the diagnostic process. The only definitive way to determine if a patient has ovarian cancer is through a biopsy.

Treatment plans
The treatment for ovarian cancer includes:

• Surgery: Removing cancer tissue in an operation.
• Chemotherapy: Using medicine to shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills or intravenous, or both.

How you can support the cause

Disturbingly, studies have found that the majority of women had not even heard of ovarian cancer or knew anything about it before diagnosis. If the delay in diagnoses is to be addressed, we need to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms. Both with clinicians and with women. This is especially crucial as there is no routine test for it.
World Ovarian Cancer Day is celebrated each year on May 8th. Join the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition and help make sure that everyone knows about ovarian cancer and its symptoms. Go here for excellent resources!

What is Accident Protector?

Accident Protector is a first line of cover insurance policy and is underwritten by Prosperity Lifecare Insurance Limited. Accident Protector offers policyholders peace of mind in a life or death situation.

What does it cover?

This policy provides cover in the event of a motor vehicle accident, injury on duty or emergency transportation by road or air. This includes hospital medical treatment resulting from a reported motor vehicle accident or injury on duty. 

Why do I need this?

If you are an employer or travel a lot for your living this could–quite literally–be a lifesaver. It is estimated that there are approximately 11,310 serious injuries in Namibia due to accidents every year. The cost of these fatalities and serious injuries add up to a terrifying $1,200 million. The age range for the vast majority of injuries (73%) is in the economically productive age group of 15 to 64 years old. Interestingly men are most likely to being in serious accidents with the 15 – 49 year olds being the most vulnerable.

Why be insured? What are the risks?

As these frightening figures show, motor vehicle accidents and their consequences should not be taken lightly. The risks are simply too high—being in need of superior medical care in your most distressing moments and being unable to receive it. If you do receive care from private services the costs are great and you may suffer major setbacks from that follow your recovery. 

What is the cover you receive?

The accident protector insures up to N$ 1,000,000 per family and N$ 500,000 per person. It includes the following services:

Hospital insurance cover for motor vehicle accidents (MVA) and injury on duty:

• Private hospital (including medicines, materials, hospital apparatus and 7 days take out medication) (part of sum insured)
• Accommodation in general ward, high care or ICU on clinical approval (part of sum insured)
• Provincial hospitals (including medicines, materials, hospital apparatus and 7 days take out medication) (part of sum insured)
• Consultations including treatment, procedures and all services (part of sum insured)
• Blood transfusion (part of sum insured)
• Radiology including specialised Radiology & Pathology (part of sum insured)

Accidental death benefit  

Payout of N$10 000 per person

EMS ASSIST – Emergency evacuation and rescue services

• Emergency evacuation to the nearest recommended medical facility in the event of a Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) or Injury on Duty (IOD) road and/or air within the territory
• EMS will provide emergency medical transportation by road and/or air ambulance, under appropriate medical supervision, to the nearest recommended medical facility capable of providing adequate care for the nature of the trauma sustained in the motor vehicle accident or as a result of Injury on Duty.

What is the cost?

The monthly premium ranges from N$174 to N$412 and can include as many as five dependents.

Parkinson’s Disease

The focus is on Parkinson’s disease (commonly known just as “Parkinson’s”) on the 11^th of April, 2022. There is much still to learn about this debilitating disease. It is a condition of the nervous system that causes movement problems. It starts off with very subtle symptoms and progresses slowly as you age.

Symptoms

The classic symptom that everyone knows is severe trembling but it has a wide range of problems. Symptoms include:

Tremor: It usually begins in a limb. The hand or fingers are a common sight. There is something known as a pill-rolling tremor–when you rub your thumb and forefinger back and forth. Your hand may tremble when it’s at rest.

Slowed movement (bradykinesia): As it progresses Parkinson’s disease may slow your movement. It makes even simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your stride may change with steps becoming shorter and you may drag your feet as you try to walk.

Rigid muscles: This may occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can be painful and limit your range of motion.

Impaired posture and balance: You can have a stooped posture and difficulty with balance. 

Loss of automatic movements: These include blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk.

Speech changes: You may speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. Your speech may lose its normal inflection and become more of a monotone.

Writing changes: It will likely become difficult to write with writing becoming smaller. 

Causes

The mechanism of the disease itself is the break down and death of nerve cells (neurons). Many of the symptoms are due to a loss of neurons producing a chemical messenger in your brain—dopamine. When dopamine decreases it results in abnormal brain activity. 

The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but several factors appear to play a role, including:

Genes. As with many ailments researchers have identified specific genetic mutation that can cause the disease. However, this is actually quite uncommon. 

Environmental triggers: It appears that exposure to certain toxins or other environmental factors may increase the risk of later Parkinson’s disease. The risk is small, though.

Risk factors include advanced age and sex (men are likely to develop the disease)

Researchers have also noted that many changes occur in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease, although it’s not clear why these changes occur. These changes include:

• The presence of Lewy bodies: Clumps of specific substances within brain cells are microscopic markers of Parkinson’s disease. 
• Alpha-synuclein found within Lewy bodies: Although many substances are found within Lewy bodies, scientists believe an important one is the natural and widespread protein called alpha-synuclein (a-synuclein). 

Complications

There is a wide range of other problems caused by Parkinson’s:

• Thinking difficulties
• Depression and emotional changes
• Swallowing problems
• Chewing and eating problems
• Sleep problems and sleep disorders
• Bladder problems
• Constipation

You may also experience:

• Blood pressure changes
• Smell dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Sexual dysfunction

Treatment plans

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but symptoms can be managed with treatment, particularly in the early stages:

• Medications (such as carbidopa, levodopa, dopamine agonists, COMT inhibitors, MAO B inhibitors, amantadine, and anticholinergics)
• Physical therapy and exercises
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Surgery:
  • Doctors may advise deep brain stimulation surgery for advanced PD. The procedure involves surgically implanting electrodes into a specific part of the brain. A generator is implanted near the collarbone to send electrical pulses to the brain through the electrodes. 
  • Another surgical procedure involves inserting a tube in the small intestine to deliver a gel formulation of carbidopa/levodopa (Duopa™).

Oxygen is a medical aid plan that is specifically geared towards young professionals. This month we answer your frequently asked questions about the plan.

Why do I need medical aid? I’m still young!

As a young professional just starting in the job market, you may feel invincible. But you can become ill or need medical care sometimes, just like your more experienced co-workers. That’s where Oxygen Hospital Plan 2022 comes in!

What makes Oxygen different?

Oxygen is a uniquely designed medical insurance plan. It covers hospitalisation, operations and medical procedures.

What do I get access to?

Under the Oxygen Unlimited plan, you will get unlimited access to the following:

• Private hospitals, including sub-acute/step down facilities in lieu of hospitalisation
• State hospitals 
• Consultations, treatment and services
• Blood transfusions
• Radiology, pathology and physiotherapy 
• Maternity services
• Eye surgery 
• Surgical procedures in rooms and unattached theatres
• Trauma-related treatment

When does cover kick in?

From the first day of admission at the insured value.

Do I still have to pay an excess when going to hospital?

The In-Hospital Insured Cover is the core option of the Oxygen Medical Insurance Plan. No excess or deposit is required for emergencies and after-hour admissions to hospital. 

Where will the money be paid to?

You have the option of Oxygen paying directly to you or the hospital of your choice in Namibia and the Territory as defined. 

What happens if I don’t claim?

The Oxygen in-hospital cover has an inclusive NO CLAIM REWARD PROGRAMME that will pay back 20% of your annual premium in cash, should you, the policyholder, or your insured beneficiaries not incur any claims against your overall sum insured. This excludes claims to your MEDBUX balance.

What are MEDBUX?

Day-to-day Cover Option for day-to-day medical expenses. Includes out-of-hospital medical services such as doctors’ visits and medication, as well as other auxiliary services. 

Do I need to have MEDBUX?

No, it is totally up to you whether you want to add the feature or not.

How much does MEDBUX cost me?

It depends on the level of cover that you have selected. 

How does MEDBUX work?

The MEDBUX plan acts as a medical ‘wallet’ with an available balance. 

• For example, suppose you have selected MEDBUX level 1, at 200 Namibian dollars per month for 12 months. In that case, you will receive a total of 2400 Namibian dollars in advance to be used for day-to-day medical cover. 
• Therefore, you will have the complete balance available to you from the start of the benefit year so that you may allocate the funds to various day-to-day medical expenses as you wish. 

What if I don’t use all my MEDBUX? Will I lose it?

You will not lose any of your MEDBUX balance at the end of the benefit year. If there is money remaining in your MEDBUX balance at the end of the year, it will roll over to be used in the following benefit year.

Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) affects roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive-age women and girls globally. It is a disorder in which tissue resembling what normally grows inside the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This in itself would not be a problem except that endometrium-like cells thicken, break down and then detach as they would be in the uterus. However, it becomes trapped because the tissue has no way to escape. This causes severe pain and can even cause scar tissue to form that causes pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other. The affected areas are usually the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and intestines.

It is a disease that can range from mild to extremely serious – affecting daily functioning and even impairing fertility.

Causes

Endometriosis is a complex disease that may affect a woman from the onset of their first period right through to menopause. It is not linked to any specific ethnic origin and transcends social status. The cause is thought to have multiple factors, and several hypotheses have been put forward to explain it as according to the WHO¹:

• Retrograde menstruation is when menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity when blood is flowing out of the body through the cervix and vagina during periods. Retrograde menstruation can result in endometrial-like cells being deposited outside the uterus, where they can implant and grow.
• Cellular metaplasia is when cells change from one form to another. Cells outside the uterus change into endometrial-like cells and start to grow.
• Stem cells give rise to the disease, spreading through the body via blood and lymphatic vessels.

There are several other possible causes, but none have been proven definitively.

Common signs and symptoms of endometriosis:

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
• Pain with intercourse
• Pain with bowel movements or urination
• Excessive bleeding
• Infertility
• Other signs and symptoms—You may experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of endometriosis is sometimes hindered by confusion with other illnesses such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and ovarian cysts. OF course, the problem is that an individual may have both conditions simultaneously. At the moment, the only reliable way to diagnose endometriosis is through performing a laparoscopy. It is a simple procedure performed under a general anaesthetic. A cut is made in the belly button, and a tube with a light and camera is inserted into the abdominal cavity. It allows the doctor to see if there is any endometrial tissue within the pelvis.

There is hope that surgery will not be the only way to diagnose the condition soon. There is increasing research that ultrasound can help make a reliable diagnosis. However, there is a high amount of skill involved in this type of ultrasound, so it is not available everywhere.

Treatment

There is no cure for endometriosis, but there is effective treatment available. The approach you and your doctor choose will depend on how severe your signs and symptoms are and whether you hope to become pregnant.

Pain medication

Over-the-counter pain medication may help alleviate pain.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy depends on whether you want to conceive or not. Contraceptives are sometimes used to regulate hormones.

Conservative surgery

Conservative surgery involves only removing lesions and “cleaning” the pelvic cavity. This is, however, not very effective long-term as lesions can return within a few years.

Hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries

This is a radical step and involves the removal of both the uterus and ovaries. This is also only an option if you do not want children.