AM
Annetjie M

1 reviews | Active since Feb 2010

14 Nov 2018, 13:57

What does the Medical Law say about Waiting Periods & Uninterrupted Memberships

I called Bonitas enquiring about the BonCap option for my daughter and mentioned she had an acne problem that was treated on a private capacity and told them she weaned because her skin is heeled. They told me it was not a problem and there shouldn’t be a waiting period or exclusions as she is healthy as long as she is not pregnant. Now when I received an SMS and email stating she has been accepted and has a waiting period of the three months? Now I ask the question, what if she falls ill or God forbid have an accident, what happens then - No Cover? And yet when she became a member of Discovery Key Care Plus in October 2016 this condition was not covered but yet they had no waiting period or exclusions....... She continued using the medication for Acne on a private capacity till February 2018 and since weaned off completely as her skin was cleared. She doesn’t use this medication anymore, not at all. On enquiring telephonically about the waiting period, the lady escalated the query. Today I logged in only to find the case was closed. I then received an email from Keabetswe, whom handled the paperwork also informing me of waiting period. I also asked him to escalate the issue. He emailed me and said the waiting period cannot be lifted. She was with Discovery for more than two years. No exclusions and also no waiting periods and no pre-existing conditions. Is this not against the medical law to impose a waiting period if you’ve been a member of a medical aid for an uninterrupted period continuously? Acne is also not covered on BonCap, so why the waiting period, on what grounds? A Member Medical Aid Certificate confirming this information was also submitted. I actually did take this up with the call centre as well Ref No.: 131118Q3L332 I would like this waiting period lifted.

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Replies (4)
Bonitas Medical Fund
Bonitas Medical Fund's reply14 Nov 2018, 16:37
Official
Hello Anna 123,

Thank you for submitting your details to us through Hello Peter.

This is to confirm that we have received your information and that we are currently investigating this matter.

Our representative will be in touch with you shortly to discuss this matter and ensure that it is speedily resolved.

Kind regards,

Bonitas Team

AM
Annetjie M's update20 Nov 2018, 09:23
Reviewer Update
I think this is pathetic, still no response. Should not have a waiting period as no chronic condition and no break in previous membership. Bonitas what is wrong with your underwriting ?
AM
Annetjie M's update04 Dec 2018, 14:17
Reviewer Update
I cannot believe it...... Emails keep saying they are busy with enquiry. Yet alll queries showes cased closed ? 1st Ref No.: 131118Q3L332 was ? I would like this waiting period lifted.
Bonitas Medical Fund
Bonitas Medical Fund's reply15 Jan 2019, 12:03
Official

Hello Anna 123, 

Thank you for submitting a comment to us through Hellopeter. 

According to the email communication, we hereby confirm that your concern has been addressed and this matter has now been resolved. 

As Bonitas we strive to give the best customer service to our clients and appreciate it when you bring your concerns to our attention when we have failed to deliver this service. 
We apologise for any inconvenience caused to you. 

Thanks and regards, 

Bonitas Team