Invest in an asset - your health
Invest in an asset - your health

Invest in an asset - your health

Research shows that most people incur more medical costs during their last 15 years, as compared to the rest of their lives. "For the longest time, you wouldn’t see a person claim, until suddenly the worst possible scenario appears," says Bertus Struwig, chief executive officer of Prosperity Africa Holdings, the Namibian group specialising in health, financial, risk and paramedic services, and under which Renaissance Health Medical Aid falls. Especially pensioners should consider medical coverage an investment, says Struwig. Who has the kind of cash to spend on huge medical expenses in their silver years? Renaissance Health offers members a wide range of medical financing options. In doing so, the fund not only takes care of you when you need it most, but it also provides peace of mind, Struwig says. The fund is designed to provide the best possible hospital care. In addition it provides benefits such as full coverage for certain chronic diseases, with a list of approved drugs, as well as maternity benefits. Members also have access to treatment programmes for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Furthermore, day-to- day benefits can be supplemented with a "Builders Benefit" - a unique economic package. As with Prosperity, Renaissance Health offers Namibians a variety of options, given their kaleidoscope of financial abilities. The fund has organised its group packages in such a way that it offers the largest possible range of affordable options, allowing as many Namibians as possible access to private medical care. As such, many local employers, large and small, prefer it. Renaissance also now works closely with employers, providing more opportunities at companies where employees can get their health monitored. In this way, the optimal health and productivity of workers is assured. Solid management makes up the heartbeat of the fund, says Sonja Malan, chief manager (principal officer) of Renaissance Health. The fund balances its risks carefully and monitors its growth to ensure sustainability of the fund, and the health of its members in the long-term - especially in light of the dynamic and changing medical environment in Namibia. Renaissance Health is run by its members, who designate trustees annually at its general meetings. Under the umbrella of Prosperity, Renaissance forms part of an established brand, which helps to instil consumer confidence. Prosperity was founded in May 1995 - with a mere N$ 25 000 and 300 members - says Struwig. It established its foundation among the fishermen of Walvis Bay, and this community still comprises an important part of the company. Prosperity is the only group of its kind in the country, wholly owned by Namibians. This was the case from the outset, says Struwig. "Impudent dedication", is how he describes the group's survival in a market dominated by foreign players. "It's like the Namibian team going up against the Springboks and winning," he says. As a Namibian company, Prosperity enjoys the confidence and support of the market, yet innovation remains important, he says. “Never give up on your base or your core business," is another kernel of wisdom that has contributed to Prosperity's success, Struwig says. Although Namibia is seen as a relatively small market, it is a very established and very profitable market, he says. For the future, Prosperity plans to give back, not only to its members, but also to the country as a whole. Partnerships between the private sector and government hold the key to this, according to Struwig. The group says it can share its expertise and experience regarding business and business structures with government, so helping Namibia reach its health goals.

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-05

No comments have been left on this article

Please login to leave a comment