Key Take-Aways
- Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs): Because addiction is accepted as an illness and not a moral failing, alcohol and drug rehabilitation fall under Prescribed Minimum Benefits. This means that SABC medical aid is legally required to offer 21 days of inpatient detoxification and rehabilitation per year.
- Inpatient Treatment: SABC medical aid covers a large portion or the total cost of 21 days of inpatient treatment at an accredited treatment centre.
- Outpatient Treatment: Some SABC plans may cover outpatient treatment such as therapy sessions, support groups, and medication management.
- Co-payments: You may be responsible for a co-payment or a percentage of the treatment costs out of pocket, even if your plan covers the treatment.
- Annual/Lifetime Limits: There are annual maximum financial limits on addiction treatment coverage per year.
Because addiction is recognised as a brain disease by the world’s leading medical authorities, the SABC Medical Aid Pays for Addiction Rehabilitation.
The SABC Medical Aid is relatively small with a total of 8172 beneficiaries in 2024, but is still a leader in healthcare provision in South Africa. In modern South Africa, the levels of addiction are high. The ramifications of addiction pose a significant challenge to individuals and communities alike. SABC Medical Aid offers a range of options designed to meet the diverse health needs of its members.
The Authorisation Process
- Pre-authorisation: SABC medical aid plans require pre-authorisation for addiction treatment. This involves providing Changes Addiction Rehab with your medical aid details and we’ll give the call centre our pratcie numbers and the ICDO1- codes for your specific addiction. There is no need to see your doctor or have an assessment by a specialist.
- Mental Health Programme: It’s crucial to choose a treatment centre that has a solid co-morbidity programme. Around 37% of alcohol abusers and 53% of drug abusers have co-existing mental illness disorders. The likelihood of a positive outcome from addiction rehabilitation is reduced if this is not addressed.
Does SABC Medical Aid Cover Rehabilitation?
SABC Medical Aid recognizes the complex nature of addiction—be it to substances, alcohol, or behaviours—and the critical need for comprehensive treatment options. The scheme offers coverage that encompasses both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, understanding that recovery paths differ for each individual.
Coverage typically includes a variety of therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, family counselling, and medically supervised detoxification. However, the specifics of this coverage, including the duration and scope of treatment, may vary depending on the member’s chosen plan.
Finding Treatment Centers -Does SABC Medical Aid Cover Rehabilitation?
SABC medical aid partners with a network of accredited rehabilitation centres, but as long as the clinic is licensed, you have your choice of where you go for treatment. The SABC medical aid’s list of DSP (Designated Service Providers) may not be for you. There are more upmarket options that will cost you a little more of a co-payment.
Your medical aid can provide a list of approved facilities, or call us today to find out exactly what your co-payment will be at 081-444-7000. It’s essential to choose a centre that specialises in addiction treatment and addresses any co-occurring mental health conditions.
Filled with love and rules, Changes will get you on the straight and narrow and help you find the real you. The structure and support they provide are truly life-changing, I am a very different person today.
★★★★★Came out of Changes Rehab on Tuesday. Best decision I could have ever made. After looking at other rehabs, this was my choice. The whole experience and program were top class. Extremely professional team.
★★★★★I came to Changes a complete wreck. Didn’t want to do anything about my drug addiction. I fought the system for as long as I could but eventually my mind was changed about what I had to do.
★★★★★I was done with life and reached out to rehab centers. Within 5 minutes, Changes called back, confirmed my medical aid authorisation, and after a week of being admitted I finally felt hope.
★★★★★Thank you for all the help on my recovery. It really makes a huge difference in my life. Changes has provided me with everything I need to navigate my new, sober life and actually live again.
★★★★★A friend of mine was at his lowest point and after going through Changes, his life has turned around completely. Thank you, Changes, for all the help you provided him during his recovery.
★★★★★I just wanted to say thank you to the Changes Family for everything that you did so far to assist with my son. In the beginning, I felt like a terrible mom, but you guys have been truely incredible.
★★★★★A phenomenal loving environment. Was well taken care off in my biological, psychological, social and spiritual healing. Got me to give the 12 steps a real shot and that changed everything.
★★★★★In the dark days leading up to finding Changes, I never knew the journey I was about to embark on. I had no idea what rehabilitation really meant and always had a stigma about addiction.
★★★★★My first interaction with Changes gave me peace of mind. I knew that they would help. Thank you for looking after my son so well. You made a world of difference, not only in his life but also mine.
★★★★★I cannot thank Changes enough for all the support, help and encouragement they have given my son. From primary to secondary to the halfway house, he has been treated with respect and care throughout.
★★★★★Grateful and thankful. I cannot express enough how much Changes has helped me and my family. Their support and care have been invaluable throughout this journey. We are forever grateful for their assistance.
★★★★★Members benefit from access to a network of approved rehabilitation centres, ensuring they receive high-quality care tailored to their specific addiction challenges. While some plans might offer extensive coverage, including longer inpatient stays and access to a broader range of therapies, others may have more defined limits. Members need to review their policy details with the SABC medical aid or contact us directly at 081-444-7000 for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Limitations may also exist regarding the frequency of covered treatment sessions. The SABC medical aid is quite good at covering inpatient hospital benefits like individual counselling group therapy, and occupational therapy etc.
Accessing Addiction Rehabilitation Benefits
For members seeking to utilize their addiction rehabilitation benefits, the first step involves consulting us to go through the pre-authorisation process. with their primary healthcare provider to discuss the need for specialised treatment. Members should be ready to provide information about their condition and their medical aid details. We will devise and recommend a tailored treatment plan for each individual.
We help SABC medical aid members to access their benefits. It’s a really quick and simple process.
Gareth CarterRead Bio
Director, Internationally Qualified Counsellor
Helping you find strength within.
- Rehab Services including Assessments, Detox and Costs Of Treatment
- Private Rehab Facilities including Residential Inpatient, Long-Term Rehabs and Sober Living
- Counselling including Family Support, Outpatient and Dual Diagnoses
- Treatment Phases including Relapse Prevention, Aftercare and Stepwork