Medical aid firm targets informal sector

FAST-growing Gweru-based medical aid company, Zimbabwe General Medical Aid Fund (ZG Medical) has begun tapping into the country's vast jobless market, which is usually neglected by most insurance and medical aid companies.

ZG Medical public relations and marketing consultant Miss Vanessa Moyo said the company was not only focusing on the employed but also the informal and low income earners to support Government's indigenisation drive which promotes self-employment.

"The new dispensation in Zimbabwe saw the emergence of an even greater dispensation in terms of health insurance.

"Medical aid cover in Zimbabwe has often been known to cater for those with pay slips and those who can afford it. Zimbabwe General Medical Aid Fund has taken an initiative to offer Medical Aid cover to the marginalised people in society," she said.

Miss Moyo said they offer packages, which range from as little as $5 to a high of $55 per month for those who can afford. She said their packages start from general to platinum. She said the $5 package gives clients access to Government hospitals where they are given medication without co-payment.

"Not only does it target the informal traders, it is tailor made for the unemployed and of course low income earners," she said.

Miss Moyo said ZG Medical is striving to increase the number of people on Health Insurance as each and every Zimbabwean has a right to access healthcare. "As it stands just about 10 percent of the Zimbabwean population is on medical aid cover, according to studies.

"This is an opportunity for a regular Zimbabwean to access health cover at affordable rates. This is medical cover for all. Health Insurance at ZG medical also offers free funeral cover as partnership is extended for members till they pass on," she said.

"These packages strive more on benefits and value for money as they also include visits to general practitioners, specialists, radiology, drugs, optical consultations, maternity, rehabilitation and psychiatry."

Apart from targeting the marginalised, Miss Moyo said they were also offering flexible Medical Aid packages tailor made to suit companies whereby the companies and their employees are insured on one health policy.

Partnerships have already been formed with reputable institutions in the province like the Midlands State University while collaborating with corporate like PSMI, United Bulawayo Hospital, Clay bank Hospital and many others.