Yes – as soon as your baby is born, he or she is eligible to be added as your dependant to your medical aid, and they’ll be covered immediately. With most medical schemes, you’ll need to provide a birth certificate in order for them to be added. To ensure your baby is covered without any waiting periods, medical schemes can request that the baby is added within 30 days of the baby’s birth. If you add your baby after this time period your child may be subject to waiting periods which can be 3 months general waiting period or 12 months if your baby was born with a specific condition.
How long your children can remain as beneficiaries on your medical aid depends on medical scheme and plan you’re on. All schemes have to cover child dependants at the child rate until they turn 21, but thereafter, the scheme can start charging the adult dependant rate. Fedhealth, for example, offers child rates for all child dependants until they are 27 – so you’ll still be paying the same lowered premiums for your grown-up children, with the same cover provided. There are certain conditions that apply to this – to qualify for this benefit, the child needs to be still studying as a full time student (whether they’re living at home or in student accommodation), and they need to be financially dependent on you.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.