Medical aid

Q: We live in South Africa and we want to know is medical aid permisible?

A: There is no difference between the workings of a medical aid scheme and an insurance policy. In the event of an accident the insurance company will  settle the bills either more than the invested amount or less. Similar is the case with regard to the medical aid schemes. In the event of illness they will settle the bills. Hence, since the elements of qimaar (gambling) and interest are found in all (medical aid schemes and insurance policies) it is impermissible for one to involve himself in it.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)