Overview
Waiting periods are an integral aspect of medical insurance, including coverage provided by insurers like Dis-Chem Health. These periods serve a crucial purpose in supporting the stability and sustainability of the insurance system.
By implementing waiting periods, insurers mitigate the risk of selection and protect against individuals seeking coverage only when in need of immediate medical attention.
In this guide, we take you through the waiting periods at Dis-Chem Health so that you know what to expect when first signing up with this leading medical insurer.
Waiting Periods for Dis-Chem Health Members
Below are the various waiting periods that apply to the plans offered by Dis-Chem Health:
Medical Insurance Plans
MyHealth Core Plan:
- 📌 1-month general waiting period on new policies where no claims will be covered
- 📌 6-month waiting period for chronic medication if you have HIV and Diabetes Mellitus (type 2)
- 📌 No general waiting period will apply to a newborn child or Eligible Spouse if you add them to your Policy within 90 days from the birth or marriage date. No general waiting period will apply to an Eligible Child if you add them within 90 days from the date of activation of the Policy.
MyHealth Plus Plan:
- 📌 A six-month waiting period before starting chronic medication if you have HIV and type 2 diabetes
- 📌 A one-month general waiting period before starting a new policy during which no claims will be paid
If you add a newborn child or eligible spouse to your policy within 90 days of the date of birth or marriage, no general waiting period will be applicable. - 📌 If you add an eligible child within 90 days of the policy’s activation date, there won’t be a general waiting period.
Accident Cover:
- 📌 No waiting periods apply to Accident Cover Policies.
Gap Cover Plans
Gap Base Plan:
- 📌 3-month general waiting period, excludes claims as a result of an accident.
- 📌 12 Month Condition Specific waiting period – Applies to any pre-existing conditions.
- 📌 If you are transferring your Gap cover from another provider, your waiting periods will be reviewed and possibly waived. Proof of previous cover is required.
Gap Summit Plan:
- 📌 Three months of a general waiting period, not applicable to accident-related claims.
- 📌 12 month waiting period for specific pre-existing conditions
- 📌 Your waiting periods may be waived if you are transferring your Gap coverage from another provider. Previous cover verification is necessary.
Waiting period for gap cover claims
Once all the required documents have been received by Dis-Chem Health, gap cover claims take 7 – 14 days to finalise
Conclusion
Understanding the waiting periods associated with medical insurance or gap cover plans at Dis-Chem Health is essential for informed decision-making regarding healthcare coverage. While these waiting periods may vary depending on the specific plan chosen, they collectively serve to balance risk, ensure sustainability, and protect the interests of both insurers and policyholders.
By navigating through these waiting periods with a clear understanding, individuals can effectively plan their healthcare journeys, confident in the comprehensive coverage provided by Dis-Chem Health to all of its members.
