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Bonitas Medical Fund Late Joiner Fee

Overall, the Bonitas Medical Scheme is a trustworthy and comprehensive medical aid provider. New Members 36 years or older may be subject to late-joiner penalties on Bonitas Medical Aid Plans. The Bestmed Medical Aid Plans start from R1,274 ZAR per month. Bonitas Medical Scheme has a trust rating of 4.5.

🔎 Number of Years Since Age 35	💶 Penalty
🟥 1 – 4 years	0.05 x contribution
🟧 5 – 14 years	0.25 x contribution
🟨 15 – 24 years	0.50 x contribution
🟩 25+ years	0.75 x contribution

Bonitas Medical Fund Late Joiner Fees – 9 Key Point Quick Overview

✅ Bonitas Medical Fund Late Joiner Fees – What you must know before joining
✅ Bonitas Medical Fund Waiting Periods
✅ Bonitas Medical Fund Exclusions
✅ Bonitas Medical Fund and Pre-existing Conditions
✅ Late Joiner Fees vs. Waiting Periods: What is the Difference?
✅ What Happens if You Do Not Pay Late Joiner Fees?
✅ National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill South Africa
✅ Our Verdict on Bonitas Medical Fund Late Joiner Fees
✅ Bonitas Medical Fund Late Joiner Fees Frequently Asked Questions

Bonitas Medical Fund Late Joiner Fees – What you must know before joining

✅ The penalty only applies to the portion of the contribution related to the late joiner or adult dependent who qualifies for late joiner penalties.
✅ The appropriate penalty band is determined by using a formula: A = B minus (35+C), where A refers to the number of years for determining the penalty band, B is the late joiner’s age at the time of application, and C is the number of years of creditable cover the late joiner can demonstrate.
✅ Suppose evidence of creditable cover is provided after the penalty has been imposed. In that case, Bonitas Medical Fund will recalculate and apply a revised penalty from the time the evidence is provided.

According to Bonitas Medical Fund, the following must be noted regarding Late Joiner Fees:

🔎 Number of Years Since Age 35	💶 Penalty
🟥 1 – 4 years	0.05 x contribution
🟧 5 – 14 years	0.25 x contribution
🟨 15 – 24 years	0.50 x contribution
🟩 25+ years	0.75 x contribution

Late joiner penalties may continue to apply if a member or adult dependent transfers to other medical funds.

Bonitas Medical Fund Waiting Periods

Depending on pre-existing or existing conditions, the following might apply when you register for medical cover with Bonitas Medical Fund:

✅ A 3-month general waiting period in respect of all benefits.
✅ A 12-month exclusion in respect of a pre-existing condition.

Finally, a late-joiner contribution penalty will apply.

Bonitas Medical Fund Exclusions

The following is currently not covered by Bonitas Medical Fund:

✅ Aromatherapy
✅ Ayurvedics
✅ Herbalists
✅ Iridology
✅ Reflexology
✅ Therapeutic Massage Therapy (Masseurs)
✅ Ambulance Services that are not authorized or already included in the contract with the provider
✅ Appliances, devices, and procedures not scientifically proven or appropriate
✅ Backrests and chair seats
✅ Bandages and dressings (except medicated dressings)
✅ Beds, mattresses, linen savers, pillows, and overlay
✅ Long0term implantable ventricular assist devices and total artificial hearts” – e.g., Heart Ware and Berlin’s heart
✅ Diagnostic kits, agents, and appliances, unless otherwise stated, except for diabetic accessories

and more. A full list of exclusions will be made available by Bonitas.

Bonitas Medical Fund and Pre-existing Conditions

When joining a medical aid scheme, it is important to note that there is usually a waiting period of 12 months before any pre-existing conditions are covered. Therefore, joining a medical aid scheme earlier in life is advisable, rather than waiting until old age when the risk of developing chronic health conditions is higher.

Additionally, it is important to note that some medical aid schemes, such as Bonitas Medical Fund, have specific policies regarding pre-existing conditions.

Therefore, it is important to research and understands the policies of a medical aid scheme before joining to ensure that you are fully aware of any waiting periods or limitations regarding pre-existing conditions.

Late Joiner Fees vs. Waiting Periods: What is the Difference?

Late Joiner Fees are a one-time penalty fee charged by medical aid if you join after a certain age or have never been a member of a medical aid program. Waiting periods, on the other hand, are periods during which you are not covered for certain medical aid benefits.

These waiting periods apply to all new members, regardless of whether they are charged Late Joiner Fees. Depending on the benefit, waiting periods can range from three to twelve months.

What Happens if You Do Not Pay Late Joiner Fees?

Your medical aid membership may be suspended or terminated if you fail to pay the Late Joiner Fees. The scheme may also pursue legal action to collect overdue fees.

If your membership is suspended, you cannot access medical aid benefits until you have paid any outstanding fees.

If your membership is terminated, you must reapply for membership and may be subject to even higher Late Joiner Fees. Therefore, paying your Late Joiner Fees on time is crucial to prevent interruptions in your medical aid coverage.

National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill South Africa

In South Africa, the NHI is a proposed universal health coverage system. It is still in the planning stages, but it could affect Late Joiner Fees and other facets of medical aid.

Our Verdict on Bonitas Medical Fund Late Joiner Fees

Overall, Bonitas, like other medical aids in South Africa, will impose late joiner penalties on members and adult dependents who join Bonitas Medical Fund after the prescribed time and who are 36 years and older.

Furthermore, Bonitas provides transparent information regarding what members could expect to pay if they fall within these criteria. However, Bonitas Medical Fund caters to the possibility of recalculation and revision based on evidence of creditable cover.

Bonitas Medical Fund Late Joiner Fees Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees?

Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees are additional fees charged to members who join Bonitas Medical Fund after 35 or who have not been a member of a registered medical scheme for more than 90 days.

How much are the Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees?

The amount of the Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees depends on a range of factors, including the age at which you joined Bonitas Medical Fund and how long you have been without medical scheme cover. The fees can range from 5% to 75% of the monthly contribution.

Are there any exemptions to the Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees?

Yes, some exemptions to the Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees exist. These may include members who have been on a state medical scheme or could not afford medical scheme membership.

When do I need to pay the Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees?

The Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees are usually payable when you join the scheme or within 90 days of joining.

Can I negotiate the Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees?

No, the Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees are set by Bonitas Medical Fund and cannot be negotiated.

What happens if I do not pay the Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees?

If you do not pay the Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees, your membership may be suspended or terminated, and you may be liable for legal action.

How do I apply for an exemption from the Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees?

You can apply for exemption from the Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees by completing the relevant application form and providing supporting documentation to Bonitas Medical Fund.

How are the Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees calculated?

The Bonitas Medical Fund late joiner fees are calculated based on a formula that considers your age when joining the scheme and the length of time you have been without medical scheme cover. Furthermore, Bonitas Medical Fund uses this formula to determine the percentage of the monthly contribution that you will be required to pay as a late joiner fee.

Adriaan Schoeman

Adriaan holds an MBA and specializes in medical aid research. With his commitment to perfection, he ensures the accuracy of all data presented on medicalaid.com every three months. When he is not conducting research, Adriaan can be found indulging in his passion for trout fishing amidst nature.