Letsatsi Selikoe
THE health insurance leader, Metropolitan Health Lesotho, has reaffirmed their commitment to insure Basotho’s lives at affordable prices.
Therefore, Metropolitan Health introduced Health4Me – a product which covers medical expenses of Basotho.
For a monthly premium ranging from M210 to M603, Metropolitan Health pays up to M1.5 million per year for hospital admissions due to accident or emergency, heart failure and stroke for Health4Me subscribers.
The Metropolitan Health Lesotho’s General Manager, Teboho Makoetlane, told the Lesotho Times this week that the product was designed to cater for Basotho who cannot afford medical aid.
“We realised that medical aid was beyond the reach of many individuals and families, particularly those employed by smaller companies without substantial employee benefits. We wanted to create a solution that promotes financial inclusion and provides essential healthcare services at a fraction of the typical cost of medical aid,” Mr Makoetlane said.
“Targeting large employers such as factories, Health4Me aims to accommodate a significant number of employees, ensuring that even those working in less lucrative positions can access healthcare services without financial burden. Health4Me stands out by offering a tiered premium structure that begins as low as M210, with the highest premium being M603 inclusive of benefit add-ons.
“This affordability is essential in a country where many are economically challenged. The product covers essential day-to-day GP visits, basic pathology, basic radiology, basic dentistry, and a range of other services. Health4Me provides another modern innovation where its subscribers have unlimited access to virtual doctors through a platform called Hello Doctor. The product provides a financial cushion in form of hospital cash back and a cash compensation package for new mothers post-birth of up to M20,000, ensuring that they receive necessary support during a critical life transition.
“One of our core values is accessibility. Even if our clients find themselves needing medical assistance while outside Lesotho, Health4Me ensures that they receive the necessary care, including swift claims processing within a week – a campaign we call Beke le Beke.”
Additionally, Mr Makoetlane said Health4Me offers vital support such as transportation from the site of an accident, stabilisation, and treatment at top medical facilities, only transferring patients to public hospitals once they are deemed stable.
“COVID-19 taught us that life can change in an instant, and we draw lessons of preparedness from it. Health4Me was developed with the understanding that everyone deserves access to healthcare, regardless of their financial circumstances. We must be prepared for the unexpected.”
Mr Makoetlane also stated that Health4Me was not only about financial inclusion but also proactive health management. He said in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2024, which Metropolitan aligns with, it is crucial for Basotho to ensure that they conduct thorough screenings of their work environments to identify potential hazards that can lead to illnesses. As a company that is passionate about partnerships and improving economic outcomes of Basotho, Health4Me is yet another opportunity to partner with medical service providers, health colleges, government and private entities at large.
“We believe that prevention is just as important as treatment. When we pinpoint risks, we ensure that they are addressed promptly, fostering healthier and productive workspaces with low concerns for absenteeism.”
