Discovery KeyCare vs KeyCare Plus
Choosing between Discovery KeyCare and KeyCare Plus can be confusing, especially when both plans offer similar core benefits. However, each has distinct features that make them better suited to different healthcare needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences to help you make an informed decision.
KeyCare vs KeyCare Plus: What’s the Difference?
Hospital Cover
KeyCare:
- Offers unlimited private hospital cover at any network hospital. This means you can go to any hospital within the KeyCare network for treatment, without worrying about limits on the number of visits.
- Specialist Cover: If your specialist has a payment agreement with Discovery, you’re fully covered. If not, you’ll still be covered at 100% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR), though there may be a shortfall if the specialist charges above this rate.
- Other healthcare professionals (like anaesthetists and radiologists) are also covered up to 100% of the DHR.
KeyCare Plus:
- Similar to KeyCare, unlimited hospital cover is provided at network hospitals.
- Specialist Cover: Just like KeyCare, you get full cover if your specialist has a payment arrangement with Discovery. If not, the coverage will be capped at 100% of the DHR.
- Other healthcare professionals are also covered at 100% of the DHR.
Chronic Illness Cover
Both KeyCare and KeyCare Plus provide chronic illness cover for 27 essential conditions, as specified under the Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB). For approved medication, there is full coverage at designated pharmacies, so you can manage your chronic condition without additional costs for meds.
Cancer Cover
KeyCare:
- Cancer treatment is covered under the Prescribed Minimum Benefits when using a cancer specialist within the network. This means your cover is limited to essential cancer treatment, but it’s guaranteed at a network provider.
KeyCare Plus:
- Follows the same coverage guidelines as KeyCare, providing cancer cover at network specialists according to PMB standards.
Day-to-Day Cover
- KeyCare:
- Does not include extensive day-to-day cover. You’ll have hospital and chronic illness cover, but day-to-day doctor visits and medicines may need to be paid out-of-pocket or through separate cover.
- KeyCare Plus:
- Comes with day-to-day cover through a chosen GP within the KeyCare network. This includes consultations, basic radiology and pathology, and access to certain medications. It’s a more comprehensive choice if you expect regular doctor visits and need occasional meds.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose KeyCare if you need solid hospital and chronic condition cover but are okay with paying for day-to-day needs as they arise.
- Choose KeyCare Plus if you want a bit more peace of mind for routine doctor visits and meds, along with the same hospital and chronic illness cover.
Each plan has its strengths, so consider how much day-to-day care you’ll need versus just hospital and chronic illness support.
