GB
Gideon B
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2016
23 Feb 2026, 12:41
Just another financial institution
So I asked for a quote.
I am penalised and overcharged for being on an International medical aid for 11 years.
Your "late joiner's charge" is purely a financial decision that does not benefit the member at all.
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Bestmed Medical Scheme's replyOfficial
24 Feb 2026, 09:02Dear Gideon,
A late joiner penalty is not a punishment, but a risk-adjustment measure to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of a medical scheme. It is regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes in terms of the Medical Schemes Act and must be app**** uniformly by all South African medical schemes.
A late joiner penalty is not a punishment, but a risk-adjustment measure to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of a medical scheme. It is regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes in terms of the Medical Schemes Act and must be app**** uniformly by all South African medical schemes.
Only time spent as a member or dependant of a registered South African medical scheme is regarded as “creditable” membership for late joiner penalty purposes.
I acknowledge that this outcome may feel unfair from an individual perspective, especially where medical cover was held internationally. However, the Scheme is obligated to apply the legislation consistently and uniformly to all members.
Regards
Bestmed Medical Scheme
I acknowledge that this outcome may feel unfair from an individual perspective, especially where medical cover was held internationally. However, the Scheme is obligated to apply the legislation consistently and uniformly to all members.
Regards
Bestmed Medical Scheme
Bestmed Medical Scheme's reply24 Feb 2026, 09:02
Official
Dear Gideon,
A late joiner penalty is not a punishment, but a risk-adjustment measure to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of a medical scheme. It is regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes in terms of the Medical Schemes Act and must be app**** uniformly by all South African medical schemes.
A late joiner penalty is not a punishment, but a risk-adjustment measure to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of a medical scheme. It is regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes in terms of the Medical Schemes Act and must be app**** uniformly by all South African medical schemes.
Only time spent as a member or dependant of a registered South African medical scheme is regarded as “creditable” membership for late joiner penalty purposes.
I acknowledge that this outcome may feel unfair from an individual perspective, especially where medical cover was held internationally. However, the Scheme is obligated to apply the legislation consistently and uniformly to all members.
Regards
Bestmed Medical Scheme
I acknowledge that this outcome may feel unfair from an individual perspective, especially where medical cover was held internationally. However, the Scheme is obligated to apply the legislation consistently and uniformly to all members.
Regards
Bestmed Medical Scheme