Q: Is there any medical insurance/health plan in South Africa that is permissible? I'm specifically looking for one that caters for a giving birth at a hospital.
A: Not all medical aids and hospital plans are permitted. As a guide, if a female intends to fall pregnant and wishes to take out medical aid for this purpose, then this is permissible for she is certain to use the benefits of the scheme, and she is definitely going to continue paying premiums even after childbirth, thus ensuring that extra money used up for the birth is paid in later on. This eliminates the interest factor.
Some medical aid schemes work like a savings account. These will also be permissible. You can get details from the various service providers in this field. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Mufti Siraj Desai