Changing schemes
Employer policy
Medical aid membership with one of the Company’s approved schemes is compulsory for all permanent employees (except for legacy Distell bargaining unit employees, who are excluded from this provision until they select to join a medical aid scheme or are promoted outside of the bargaining unit, upon which it also becomes compulsory). The only exemption from this condition is if an employee can provide proof that they are a dependent on their spouse / life partner’s medical aid.
Legacy Distell employees currently belong to the closed, in-house medical aid scheme called Remedi. Remedi allowed such employees to remain members of the scheme for a 12-month period post Legal Day 1, to ensure members are still covered for their medical needs while a way forward was being finalised by the Company.
To ensure flexibility and employee choice, the company decided that Bonitas and Discovery will become the trusted medical aid partners from 1 January 2025 for all employees. This means, Remedi will no longer be available as a medical aid scheme option and legacy Distell employees currently on Remedi will have the opportunity to join either Bonitas or Discovery with effect from 1 January 2025 with no waiting periods and penalties.
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Compare medical scheme options
The selected Heineken schemes are Bonitas and Discovery Health. We have included Remedi to assist with your decision. Contributions are a payroll deduction on a cost to company basis. There are many different medical scheme options within the 3 medical schemes in terms of affordability and health needs. Use this tool to filter and compare the options that are most appropriate for you and your family.
How to use the tool
- The rates are automatically calculated for the main member.
- Select “add dependant” to add spouse, adult(s), or child(ren).
- Answer the three questions relating to hospital and day-to-day cover.
- Select your budget range using the sliding scale.
- The option comparison tool will start generating your contribution and order based on benefit richness.
- By selecting “Group by plan type”, the table will group the plans allowing you to expand and collapse the groupings.
- To view further detailed information about the plans, select the required plans by clicking on each row. Once completed, click the “View Comparison” button.
- To revert to the list of plans, click the “Back to Selection” button.
Adding / removing a dependant
You and the dependants registered on Remedi will be transferred to Bonitas or Discovery once you have made your selection. If you would like to add or remove any of these dependants, you will need to complete an application form or advise us of the dependant you would like to terminate. Please e-mail heineken@alexforbes.com with the dependant’s name and date of birth and the date of termination.
Once you are on the scheme, you may add or remove dependants at any time during the year. New spouses and newborn babies added within 90 days (Discovery) and 30 days (Bonitas) of the event can join without underwriting (no waiting periods) whereas other new dependants may receive underwriting.
Special dependants e.g., parents may only be added if they are financially dependent on the main member and subject to the medical.
Loyalty programmes
Your medical scheme may have a wellness and loyalty programme that provides rewards, discounts and benefits for leading a healthier lifestyle. This may come at an additional cost.
Brochures
We have included the product specific brochures for more detailed information.
Product brochures
Option specific benefit and plan information for Bonitas and Discovery Health.
Benefit Brochures
This one pagers zone in on specific benefits in more detail. We have included 2023 information until the 2024 brochure is available.