Changing your health cover
Changing dependants
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 (Bestmed/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 scheme rules and your employer policy.
Please use the forms tab to obtain the correct form.
Changing an option and/or scheme
Nedbank only allows option and scheme changes once a year during the Annual Benefit Review Period (ABR) effective 01 Jan of every year, see the Year End Option Changes Card.
In the event of a life changing event, Nedbank allow plan changes within the scheme. Bestmed and Bonitas allow option changes during the year, within 30 days of a life changing event/diagnosis (e.g., cancer diagnosis, divorce). Discovery allows specified downgrades during the year. Nedbank will need to approve the change, for approval please log a call via the GBS Services Desk.
It is important to note that moving to a lower plan may result in an amount owing to the Scheme if you have spent more from your Personal/Medical Savings Account than the amount contributed at the time of the downgrade.
Chronic medicine and disease management
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition e.g., hypertension, diabetes or an illness (e.g., oncology, dialysis), you will need to register this on your medical scheme. Medical schemes require you to complete a process to ensure registration on the programmes. It is advisable to obtain a membership number and then submit your application for chronic and disease registration.
Children becoming adults
Bestmed will charge child dependant rates until age 26 on receipt of proof of studying. If the child is not studying, adult contribution rates will be charged in the month following the 24th birthday. In 2025 child rates will be charged until age 24 and adult rates will be charged in the month following the 25th birthday.
Bonitas will charge child dependant rates until age 24 years old.
Discovery will charge adult contribution rates will be charged in the month following the 21st birthday.
Changing your personal details
It is advisable to change your address, contact and bank details directly with your medical scheme. Only changes that have a financial impact on your monthly contribution need to be made through Alexforbes or your employer.