Fedhealth Late Joiner Fee
2026 - Overall, Fedhealth is a trustworthy and comprehensive medical aid provider. New Members 35 years or older may be subject to late-joiner penalties on Fedhealth Medical Aid Plans. The Fedhealth Medical Aid Plans start from R1,055 ZAR per month. Fedhealth has a trust rating of 4.5.| 🔎 Medical Aid | 🥇 Fedhealth |
| 💵 Late Joiner Fee | ✅ Yes |
| 💚 Late Joiner Age | 35+ |
| 💶 Plan Cost (from) | R1,055 ZAR |
Fedhealth Late Joiner Fees - 9 Key Point Quick Overview
- ✅ Fedhealth Late Joiner Fees – What to know before Joining
- ✅ Fedhealth Waiting Periods
- ✅ Fedhealth Exclusions
- ✅ Fedhealth and Pre-existing Conditions
- ✅ Late Joiner Fees vs. Waiting Periods – The Difference
- ✅ What Happens if You Do Not Pay Late Joiner Fees
- ✅ National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill South Africa
- ✅ Our Verdict on Fedhealth Late Joiner Fees
- ✅ Fedhealth Late Joiner Fees Frequently Asked Questions
Fedhealth Late Joiner Fees - What to know before Joining
If you join a medical aid scheme after you turn 35 or have not belonged to a medical aid scheme for a certain amount of time, the scheme could charge you a late joiner penalty. The percentage of your monthly premium for these fees varies by medical insurance plan.
Fedhealth Waiting Periods
Fedhealth typically has the following waiting periods:- ✅ General Waiting Periods:
- ✅ This is often three months, depending on your chosen medical aid plan. During this period, you must make your regular monthly payments. However, you are not eligible for benefits except for some PMB-related claims.
- ✅ A secondary waiting period:
- ✅ This is typically around 12 months and pertains to therapy for any pre-existing conditions you had when you joined the program.
Fedhealth Exclusions
Fedhealth’s exclusions include, but are not limited to, the following (with the full list available under Annexure C on the official website of the scheme):- ✅ Art Therapy
- ✅ Aromatherapy
- ✅ Herbalists
- ✅ Reflexology
- ✅ Therapeutic massage therapy
- ☑️ Appliances, external accessories, and orthotics:
- ✅ Appliances, devices, and procedures that are not scientifically proven or appropriate
- ✅ Backrests and chair seats
- ✅ Bandages and dressings, unless specified as PMB
- ✅ Beds, mattresses, linen savers, pillows, and overlays
- ✅ Blood pressure monitors, and more.
- ☑️ Blood, Blood Equivalents, and Blood Products:
- ✅ Erythropoietin unless the appropriate program has approved it
- ✅ Hemopure
- ☑️ Dentistry:
- ✅ Appointments that have not been kept
- ✅ Orthodontic treatment of those 21>
- ✅ The relevant managed healthcare program does not consider dental procedures or devices as essential or clinically necessary, and more.
- ☑️ Infertility:
- ✅ Assisted Reproductive Technology or ART
- ✅ In-vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- ✅ Gamete Intrafallopian Tube Transfer (GIFT), and more.
- ☑️ Maternity:
- ✅ 3D and 4D scans
- ✅ More than 2 2D scans unless there is a motivation for an appropriate condition.
- ☑️ Medicine and Injectables, including:
- ✅ Anabolic Steroids and immunostimulants unless it is a PMB
- ✅ IUDs and other contraceptives, unless specified
- ✅ Oral contraception for skin conditions, parenteral, foams, etc.
Fedhealth 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 Fedhealth, 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 - 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 Fedhealth Late Joiner Fees
Overall, Fedhealth is a South African medical scheme offering comprehensive benefits, including hospital cover, chronic medication management, and wellness programs. Members can choose from various plan options to suit their specific needs and budget, with the option to add additional benefits such as gap cover and extended benefits.
However, new members who join after 35 and have not been a medical scheme member in the past two years may be subject to late joiner penalties, which can increase their monthly contribution.
Despite this, Fedhealth’s benefits and flexibility make it a strong option for those seeking comprehensive medical cover in South Africa.