As the complex nature of work and healthcare needs continues to evolve, one thing is clear: professionals need a medical scheme that caters to their unique demands. More and more professionals are working for themselves, some on contracts here at home or abroad, while others are the lifeblood of economic activity and even critical to the employment of others.
Listen now!
As the complex nature of work and healthcare needs continues to evolve, one thing is clear: professionals need a medical scheme that caters to their unique demands. More and more professionals are working for themselves, some on contracts here at home or abroad, while others are the lifeblood of economic activity and even critical to the employment of others.
With rising economic pressures and an increasingly complex set of health concerns, the need for targeted, flexible medical cover has never been more urgent—especially for South Africa’s young professionals.
Profmed, the country’s original medical scheme designed exclusively for professionals, blazed a trail in this niche. According to Profmed CEO, Craig Comrie, “It’s about understanding the unique challenges professionals face, from balancing work with health to managing the financial pressures that come with it.”
Although other larger schemes are now targeting professionals as a group, Comrie believes the value lies in one simple question: without being exclusively for professionals, how do you avoid diluting the specific benefits professionals need.
The case for a closed scheme like Profmed
Unlike open medical schemes that serve a broad, general audience, Profmed is a closed scheme – restricted only to professionals. Comrie says this distinction is key. “Closed schemes allow for a more focused, tailored approach. While open schemes must accommodate everyone, closed schemes can design benefits that speak directly to the realities of professional life. The specific need of cover for better quality procedures that allow for faster recovery is what they seek, Professionals run businesses that need them back to work and only deliberately designed healthcare solutions that match the financial realities and responsibilities of self-employed individuals will attract this target market.”
The benefits that are designed by Profmed incorporate the research, experience and direct involvement of healthcare actuaries and a Board who are all professionals. So professionals designing benefits for professionals is always the way to go.. Comrie says Profmed’s members, who often run their own practices or work in high-pressure, high-stakes environments, are looking for care that not only heals but also enables them to continue performing at their best.
“By focussing the membership pool, we ensure every benefit, from access to advanced medical technology to mental health support, and travel cover while working abroad is relevant to the evolving health needs of professionals,” notes Comrie.
Evolving health needs of professionals
The healthcare needs of South Africa’s young professionals have shifted dramatically in recent years. What once might have been a focus on basic coverage has now evolved into a demand for comprehensive care that addresses both physical and mental health. The stress of establishing a career, coupled with the rising burden of chronic diseases among younger populations, has made comprehensive, flexible coverage a must.
The emerging trend is clear: young professionals are looking for more than just coverage for major medical events. They need plans that cover day-to-day healthcare needs, from doctor visits to prescriptions, without breaking the bank. Comrie points out, “With half our members being healthcare professionals (doctors and specialists), our members understand healthcare better than most. They know when to seek care and how to manage their health, which reduces the overall cost of their medical cover.”
This understanding of health literacy has allowed Profmed to adapt its benefits, offering more flexibility and catering to the specific needs of professionals who might not be as concerned with day-to-day healthcare in their earlier years but are now facing increased demands for immediate, accessible care.
Flexibility and accessibility – a professional healthcare imperative
The key to supporting professionals in today’s healthcare environment is flexibility – something Profmed has built into its plans. As Comrie explains, “It’s not just about offering healthcare; it’s about offering relevant healthcare. Professionals need solutions that adapt to their specific needs, whether that’s faster recovery through advanced medical technology or financial incentives for preventative care that makes healthcare more affordable.”
Incentives like discounts for using a scheme hospital network or proactive health screenings encourage professionals to take a more active role in their health. The result is a scheme that’s not only focused on recovery but also on prevention, ensuring professionals can stay healthy and continue to succeed in their careers.
A targeted way forward
As South Africa’s professional landscape continues to evolve, so too must the medical schemes that serve this critical group. “Schemes need to stay ahead of the curve by providing tailored, flexible healthcare solutions for specific groups. By focusing on the unique needs of this group, Profmed ensures that professionals can access the best possible care while also managing the financial strain of healthcare.”
For young professionals navigating the pressures of career, health, and financial stability, the need for a medical scheme that understands their needs – and adapts to them – has never been more urgent.
“When healthcare is tailored to the demands of professionals, it empowers them to succeed, not just in their careers, but in their lives as a whole,” Comrie concludes..
