Applying for medical aid
What should I know when joining a medical aid for the first time?
When joining a medical aid for the first time, start with a plan that fits your budget and basic healthcare needs. A basic or hospital plan is often a good place to start, and you can upgrade later as your needs change. MedVital and MedVital Elect are popular plans for first-time members.
What documents do I need to apply?
You typically need identification, proof of income, proof of banking details, and information about your medical history when applying for medical aid.
When applying to join Medihelp online, you only need your medical history and identification if you aren’t a South African citizen. In some cases, like when applying for our student plan, when the account is held by a trust, or when the dependant is adopted or in foster care, we might ask for additional documentation.
Can I join a medical aid at any time?
Yes, you can join a medical aid in South Africa at any time. However, waiting periods may apply depending on your health and previous cover.
How long does it take to join medical aid?
Joining a South African medical aid only takes a few days, depending on how quickly your application is processed and approved. Once accepted, your cover begins immediately, but waiting periods could still apply.
What is a medical aid waiting period?
During a waiting period, beneficiaries are members, but they do not qualify for benefits yet. Medihelp may apply a general waiting period or a condition-specific waiting period. In some cases, unexpired waiting periods are still applicable.
- A general waiting period of up to three months applies from the date that you joined. During this time, you will not be entitled to any benefits except emergency and prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs).
- A condition-specific waiting period of up to 12 months applies from the date that you joined. During this time, you will not be entitled to benefits (advice, diagnosis, treatment) for a particular condition (this excludes PMBs).
- An unexpired waiting period applies if your pervious medical aid applied a general or condition-specific waiting period that was still active when you terminated your membership.
What is the maximum age to join a medical aid?
There is no age limit to join a medical aid in South Africa. However, if you join after the age of 35, you may be subject to late-joiner penalties.
Can I join a medical aid in South Africa if I already have a health condition?
Yes, you can, but you might have to wait up to 12 months before treatment for that specific condition is covered. Unless it’s excluded in your underwriting conditions, you will still be covered for emergencies and other PMBs.
Why do I need to share all my medical information when I apply for medical aid?
When you don’t share all your medical information when you apply (like past illnesses, symptoms, or planned treatment), it’s called non-disclosure. This can have serious consequences, including your membership being cancelled.
To avoid this, make sure you share all health information about yourself and your dependants – even if you haven’t had treatment in the past 12 months.
What are child dependant rates?
Child dependant rates are lower than adult dependant rates. Children can stay on a child rate until age 26. From the month they turn 26, they will be charged as an adult dependant.
Who can be a dependant on my medical aid?
You may register any of the following as your dependants at Medihelp if you are responsible for their family care and support:
- Your spouse or life partner – whether of the same or opposite gender
- Your children – whether your own children, your partner’s children, stepchildren, adopted or foster children, or children placed in your temporary safe care
- Your parents
- Your siblings
- Your grandchildren
Your partner, children, or grandchildren can become active new dependants on your medical aid immediately. Newborns must be registered within 90 days of their birth.