Frequently Asked Questions

We hate small print. We hate Ts & Cs. Sometimes they’re necessary, but with Unu we make sure there are no nasty surprises. And if you’re forced to pay for something you should not have been charged for, you can report it here.

Most plans include basis pathology tests (tests that use a sample of your blood, urine, spit, etc. to find out what’s wrong) and radiology tests (tests that use X-rays and scans to find out what’s wrong).
You can! In fact, we prefer it if you see the same doctor and build a relationship of trust with them. We’ll recommend doctors nearby, but it’s up to you to find one who ‘fits’ you.
You can! This is one of the reasons why we built Unu. We want you to have a full picture of your health right in front of you, stored safely on the Unu app, to see or share.
Right now, Unu doesn’t offer emergency care, but you can dial 112 for a medical emergency, at no cost to you. And if you need an ambulance or in case of fire, you can dial 10177.
Not yet, but Unu will soon be able to alert you to any worrying patterns in your health record. Unu can also help you get regular tests, so you have a better picture of your health.
Not exactly. Unu allows you to chat to a nurse. If the nurse feels you need to see a doctor, they’ll book a video call or a visit. You won’t need to pay for data, and you can do this anytime, anywhere.
Yes, it does! Unu captures all your health info in your health record, safely and securely. You can see this info any time and share it with your family or doctor.
If your employer is paying for Unu, you won’t pay a cent. And we mean that – no hidden fees or levies, no nasty surprises. We’ll soon be launching Unu direct to the public, so watch this space!
Good news! You won’t need any data or airtime to use Unu! All features on the app are zero-rated so you won’t pay a cent.
The Unu app connects you to the doctors, treatments, medical records, and medicines you need to get back on your feet. From your phone, from your desk or bed, at work or at home.
It’s easy. It’s Oonoo. Unu means ‘one’, but in South Africa it also means ‘you’. It’s the one app that’s all about you, with everything you need to manage your health stored right on your phone.
Unu keeps a record of the doctor video chats and visits, what medicine was prescribed, and what benefits you’ve used. And we always ask your permission before we use your info.
At the moment, your employer is paying for your plan, so it’s up to them to choose the package. You can’t add loved ones right now, but we’ll soon be launching Unu to everyone, not just employers. When that happens, you’ll be able to upgrade or downgrade before November each year, and add anyone to your plan.
We keep asking ourselves the same thing! But, seriously, Unu was built to bring unlimited primary care to ALL South Africans, no matter where you live, what you earn and what day of the month it is. No catch. Just lots to smile about.

It depends on the health plan your employer has chosen for you, but there should be no extra costs for basic tests and screening. If you find yourself paying extra, to let us know here. You can also report it on the app.

You can download it right here.

We’re so sorry to hear that! Contact us here so we can help you recover your profile. Don’t stress! All your info is stored in the cloud, so nothing is lost. No one can access your info but you!

We have a shareable link here which contains an invitation to join, along with a wealth of onboarding tools for new partners.

You can reach out to our tech team right here.

You can join the visionary Unu team right here.

We’re sad to see them go, but it’s a simple process to remove them from Unu. Click here for help with that.

You can add as many employees as you like. Click here for help with that.

The Unu app connects you to the doctors, treatments, medical records, and medicines you need to get back on your feet. From your phone, from your desk or bed, at work or at home.
BeWell health plans are fully flexible, so you’ll be able to customise them to cater for your employees’ needs. You can notify us of changes before November of each year.
You’ll get a complete overview of wellness patterns and workplace habits. It tracks productivity fluctuations, what sick leave costs your company, and whether staff usage is keeping pace with the industry average. Data really is the key to unlocking insights into employee wellness.
We’ll need a full list of employees who’ll be registered, along with key details such as their names, ID numbers, and their email and postal addresses.
It might be a lack of tech skills or confusion as to how the app works. You can help by reintroducing the onboarding kit to your employees, with it’s helpful ‘how-to’ videos and tailored blog content.
We want your people to use the app as often as they can. The more they use the app, the better they’ll manage their health – and this means less time off work!
We don’t charge partners to join the Unu revolution. But we do expect you to sign our partner charter, so we know you’re as committed and caring as we are.
We want healthcare to be something our customers smile about, so we need to make sure we all centre the patient and deliver the same dedication, care, and expertise.

A-Z of important terms

sex at birth
Determined by looking at the genitals
vertigo
A condition where you feel like you or the environment around you is spinning. Symptoms also include vomiting and loss of hearing
urinary tract infection
Also known as a UTI, this is an infection in your urinary system (kidneys, urethra, bladder and ureters), and can cause pelvic pain, an increased need to pee, pain when peeing and blood in the urine
urine dipstick
The quickest way to test urine, a special stick is dipped into the urine and will change colour in the presence of certain substances in the urine. Used to test for infections and other illnesses
urea
A substance produced when your body breaks down protein. Urea is found in urine and is removed from the body when you urinate (pee)
uric acid
A chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines can be found in alcohol, most meats and some seafood. Too much uric acid can lead to gout
ulcerative colitis
When your bowel is inflammed and causes ulcers (sores) in your large intestine and rectum. Symptoms include rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and pain, and can lead to cancer
TSH
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) triggers the metabolism of almost every tissue in the body
triglyceride
A type of fat found in the blood. High levels lead to sudden severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, rapid heartbeat, and rapid breathing
troponin-T
A protein that affects the way that your heart and skeletal muscles function. It is released when the heart has been damaged
total protein
This measures the total amount of protein in your blood
total cholesterol
This measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood
total bilirubin
A blood test to measure the amount bilirubin, which shows how well your liver is working
thoracic spine
The middle section of your spine
telemedicine
A way to get medical help and advise without being in the same room as the doctor
telehealth
The use of technology to get health assistance and advice, over your phone or on your laptop
systemic lupus erythematosus
Aso known as lupus, SLE is a an inflammatory disease where the immune system attacks its own tissues, affecting the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs
strep throat
A bacterial infection that makes your throat extremely sore, usually with a fever and swelling of the glands in your neck
stitches
Also known as surgical suture, this is medical thread that is used to to 'sew' parts of the body together after they have been injured or cut open in a medical procedure
sputum TB AFB
A TB test using your sputum (a thick fluid that is coughed up from the lungs)
sodium
A type of salt found in food
sinus infections
A fluid build-up in the airway pockets of the face (nose and nostrils)
serum amylase
A protein that helps you digest carbohydrates
self-triage
When you examine your own health and decides if a doctor's visit is needed
scapula
The shoulder blade
schizophrenia
A mental disorder involving a breakdown of a person's sense of reality, leading to long-term impairment and the inability to function in the world
scaphoid
A bone on the thumb side of the wrist
RPR
Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) is a syphilis test. Syphilis a an STD (sexually transmitted disease)
Routine obstetric ultrasound at 20 to 24 weeks to include detailed anatomical assessments
A scan that offers a closer look at the baby to make sure it's growing and developing properly
routine obstetric at 10 to 20 weeks gestational age preferable at 10 to 13 weeks
When a pregnant woman gets a routine check-up and ultrasound 10-20 weeks into their pregnancy
rheumatoid arthritis
A disease that can cause joint pain, swelling and damage
respiratory disorders
Diseases that affect the lungs and other parts of the respiratory (breathing) system
PSA
A Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is a protein produced by the prostate gland. A PSA test measures the level of PSA to find out if there is cancer in the prostate
prostate gland
A gland around the neck of the bladder (males only), releasing the fluid which carries semen
procedure
A course of action taken to achieve healing in the body, e.g. surgery
potassium
A mineral that helps your body's bones and muscles work properly
Po4
Phosphate, which is essential for the production of energy, muscle and nerve function, and bone growth
pneumonia
An infection that causes one or both lungs to be inflamed and fill with fluid or pus
platelets
Also known as thrombocytes, these blood cells help blood to clot (stop bleeding)
pharyngitis
Inflammation of the throat which causes it to be sore
personal health advisor
Someone who helps you understand the health system
pelvis
The bones that form a bowl-like shape at the top of the legs and bottom of the waist
peak flow test
This tests how quickly you can blow air out of their lungs, and is done to diagnosis asthma
pathology
The study and diagnosis of disease in the body, which determines the cause and effect of diseases and injuries
patella
The bone in front of the knee joint which your GP might tap with a patella hammer to test your reflexes
Parkinson's disease
A brain disorder that cause uncontrollable movements such as shaking, stiffness and trouble with balance
PAP smear
A Papanicolaou (PAP) smear is when your cervix is tested for HPV, a condition that can cause cancer. Women aged 21-65 should have a PAP smear once every 2 years
P.O.P
Pelvic Organ Prolapse is when the muscles of the pelvic floor can't hold the pelvic organs (vagina, cervix, uterus, bladder, urethra, and rectum), often caused by a difficult birth, large babies or multiple births
occupational medicine
An area of medicine that deals with maintaining the health, safety and performance of workers
NHG network
National Healthcare Group is an Unu partner who provide access to over 12 000 medical practitioners and 3 500 pharmacies across SA
nebulisation
A machine that uses water vapour with or without medicines added to ease your breathing, and reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways
multiple sclerosis
Also known as MS, this disease of the brain or spine causes the immune system to attack the body's tissues, leading to vision loss, pain, fatigue and impaired coordination. Unfortunately there is no cure, but there are treatments that can slow down its progress
minor lacerations
A small tear or cut in the skin caused by an injury
medical practitioner
Anyone in the medical industry, e.g. nurses, midwives, pharmacists, dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists and oral health therapists, etc. Also known as a healthcare practitioner
malaria P.fal antigen
Plasmodium falciparum (P.Fal) is a parasite that causes malaria
lumbar spine
Your lower back
limb cast
A medical device used to support injured or broken bones (limbs) so they can reset
leukocyte: total count
Leukocytes are part of the body's immune system, and the total count test measures how many leukocytes your body has to see how well your body can fight off infection and inflammation
LDH
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) plays a role in your body's ability to make energy. An LDH test is done to find out if you have any tissue damage e.g. anaemia, liver damage or lung disease
LDL
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is 'bad' cholesterol, and high levels are not good for the heart and can lead to a stroke
IP address
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is the unique identity of a computer when using the internet
INR
International normalized ratio (INR) tests if your blood is able to clot (stop bleeding)
hypothyroidism
When your thyroid gland doesn't release enough thyroid hormone into your blood, leading to a slowed metabolism, tiredness, weight gain, and dry skin
hypertension
Or high blood pressure, this is when the force of the blood flowing through a your artery walls is too high. It can lead to heart disease if it's not treated
hyperlipidaemia
High cholesterol which means there are too many fat cells in the blood
humerus
The bone between your shoulder and your elbow
HIV ELISA
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) HIV test uses a patient's blood to test for HIV
histology
A study of the different types of tissue in your body
healthtech
The use of technology (e.g. cellphones, watches) to solve health problems and improve a patient's quality of life
HealthCloud
A company that allows you to store and track your health info in the Cloud via your phone
HDL
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a from of 'good' cholesterol. HDL absorbs harmful cholesterol and carries it to the liver so it can be removed from the body.
HbA1c
This is the glucose (sugar) version of Hemoglobin. HbA1c determines the level of sugar in your blood
Hb
Hemoglobin (Hb) is a protein in the red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body
glucose
A type of sugar found in food. Your body uses glucose to give you energy
glaucoma
An eye condition that can lead to blindness if not treated
GGT
Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is found in the body. When GGT levels are high, it means that there is liver damage
generic medication
The 'no-name' brand of medicine, it is cheaper but does the exact same job as the more expensive version. Also known as generics.
gastroenteritis
When your digestive system has an infection or inflammation
fungal infections
Fungus on the skin, nails or a vaginal yeast infection. A fungal infection is easy to treat
full blood count
A blood test that looks at the overall health of your blood, checking for low iron levels, infections and cancer. Also known as an FBC
Free T 4
A test to see how well your thyroid gland is working. Your thyroid gland makes sure that your digestion, brain development and bones are all working well. Also known as free thyroxine
foreign body
Something in your body that shouldn't be there, e.g. dust, a toy, or coin, etc.
forearm
The part of your body between your wrist and your elbow
flu vaccination
A vaccine that protects you against four types of influenza (flu) viruses that are most common during that specific season. Also known as a flu shot or jab
femur
A bone found in your thigh that is the longest and strongest bone in your body
excision and repair
Removing a little bit of DNA that has been damaged and fixing it
ESR
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a test that measures the amount of protein in the blood, if there is inflammation or swelling in the body
epilepsy
When a person has epilepsy, their brain can't send electical signals normally, leading to seizures. It can be caused by genetics, a stroke or trauma
ECG
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that looks at the rhythm and activity of your heartbeat
drainage of subcutaneous abscess
When an abscess (thick, infected pus or liquid) is opened, the liquid is removed, and the wound is then wrapped in a bandage
digital triage
When a healtcare practitioner takes a first look at your symptoms over WhatsApp or via video call, and asks you questions to help make your answers clear
diagnosis
When a healthcare practitioner names the disease or illness you have, based on the symptoms you've listed and the tests you've done (blood, urine, stool, saliva, etc.)
diabetes Insipidus
A rare condition where the patient is often extremely thirsty and needs to pee a lot. It is caused by a hormone abnormality and is not related to diabetes
dermatitis/rashes
Inflammation of the skin caused by irritation, causing your skin to be itchy, swollen or have a rash
deep fascia
Connective tissue that is tightly packed together around mucles and tendons (tissues that connects bones to muscles)
CRP
A C-reactive protein (CRP) test is done to find any inflammation in the body
Crohn's disease
A disease where your digestive tract is inflamed, leading to stomach pain, extreme tiredness, weight loss and major diarrhoea
creatinine
A waste product created by your muscles every day, and removed from your blood by your kidneys when you urinate
cover and claim assessment
The process of finding out if a medical procedure and medicines are covered by your medical plan
coronary artery disease
A heart disease where blood vessels (arteries, veins & capillaries) struggle to send oxygen and blood to the heart, usually caused by cholesterol (fat) in the arteries
condition
A broad term for all illnesses, sicknesses, disorders and diseases
common cold
A viral infection that affects your nose and throat, and causes a runny nose, sneezing and coughing. Often confused with the flu but the two are different
command centre
Headquarters or head office
clavicle
Also known as the collarbone, this bone connects the top of your breastplate to your shoulder
circumcision
Surgical removal of the skin that covers the tip of the penis
chronic renal failure
A condition where the kidneys struggle to remove waste and toxins from the blood
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A chronic disease where the lungs become swollen, making it hard to breathe
chronic disease
An illness that lasts for a long time or recurs often, and may get worse with time
chest PA & lateral
This is an X-ray that examines the entire chest area - PA stands for posteroanterior
chemo cryotherapy
The use of very cold temperature to kill cancer cells, and can also be use to remove the toxins caused by chemotherapy
chemotherapy
The treatment of cancer using chemical substances
cardiomyopathy
A heart disease that makes it hard for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body, which can lead to cardiac failure
cardio failure
Or cardiac failure, which is when the heart doesn't pump blood through the body as it should, leading to heart failure
cardiac muscle
The heart muscle
cardiac dysrhythmias
Or cardiac arrhythmia which is when your heart doesn't beat normally, but beats too fast or too slow
calcaneus
The heel bone
blood type
Determines which blood group you fall under (A, B, AB or O), and is important when you need to receive blood in an emergency or surgery
blood disorders
When your blood is not able to do one of it's jobs, and could be caused by genetics, medication or a lack of nutrients, e.g. anaemia (low iron)
bipolar mood disorder
Causes a patient to have extreme mood swings, and is caused by genetics, brain make-up and outside factors
BHCG Qual
A pregnancy test that looks for human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the blood
bacterial infections
An illness caused by unhealthy bacteria entering your body,e.g. food poisoning, TB
avulsion of nail
A procedure to remove a nail from a finger or a toe
AST
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is found in the liver, and is tested to see how healthy your liver is
aspiration of cyst or tumor
When the fluid in a cyst or tumor is drained
ALT
Alanine Transaminase (ALT) is found in the liver, and is tested to measure how healthy your liver is
allergy
When your body has a bad response to certain foods or substances, e.g. getting a rash after eating strawberries or having trouble breathing after being stung by a bee
Addison's disease
When your body is not able to produce certain hormones, leading to low blood pressure, extreme weakness, dizziness and skin tone changes
acute illness
An illness that appears quickly, has specific symptoms, and can be treated in a few days or weeks
acute bronchitis
Also known as a chest cold, this is a viral infection that affects your airways, which may lead to thick fluid forming inside them
acromio-clavicular
Where the top of your shoulder and collar bone meet
acute medication
Used to treat illnesses or injuries that appear quickly and heal in a short while, e.g. headache pills.
ABO + RH blood group
The four types of blood that make up the blood system: A, B, AB and O. +RH is what determines if you're postive or negative, e.g. A-positive or A-negative
abdomen supine; erect or decubitus
When your stomach is checked while you're lying down and facing upwards (supine), standing up (erect) or lying down in various other postions (decubitus)
abdomen
Your tummy, stomach, or belly
benign lesion
A growth on the skin that isn't cancerous
bronchiectasis
A long-term illness where the airways of the lungs are unusually wide,leading to moremucus and increases infections
cost of material
The cost of the instruments and tools used in a medical procedure, e.g. needles, bandages, scissors, gauze, etc.
Blue logo on dark background
Meet UnuForMeForBizForPartnersForBrokersNewsroomPartner charterContact us
info@unuhealth.org

Unu Health is a not a medical scheme and the cover provided is not the same as that of a medical scheme. This solution is not a substitute for a medical scheme membership. Terms and Conditions apply. Unu Health is a trademark of The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (Reg. No. 1962/000738/06).
Authorised financial services provider (FSP 11287). Registered credit provider (NCR CP15).

Privacy PolicyDisclaimer and conditions