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 and 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
No option or scheme changes will be allowed during the year. However, should there be a life changing event/diagnosis (e.g., cancer diagnosis, divorce) Bestmed and Bonitas may allow it within 30 days of diagnosis.
Upgrades and downgrades and scheme changes are only allowed at the end of each year effective 1 January of the following year. See the Year End Option Changes Card
Chronic medicine and disease management
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition e.g., hypertension, diabetes or an illness (e.g., oncology, kidney failure), 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 and Bonitas will charge child dependant rates until age 24 on receipt of proof of studying. If the child is not studying, adult contribution rates will be charged in the month following the 21st birthday.
Discovery will charge adult contribution rates from the 1st of 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 OMI.
Employer policy
Old Mutual Insure’s policy outlines the company’s rules about changing your scheme, option, dependants and more.