Medical aid and divorce

Affordability of medical aid on a single income becomes a balancing act sometimes.

Very Important points to remember  during divorce:

• When  you and your ex agrees that you will remain on his / her medical aid, then it should be written into your agreement and it should specify on  which plan  you will be covered and the type of cover for example a comprehensive scheme.  I would suggest that you rather get your own cover but if there is no other way confirm with the scheme EVERY month that you are still a member on the scheme.
• IF  you are older that 35 and you had a break in membership, then the scheme can enforce a waiting period of 3 months,  a 12 month condition spesific exclusion and a late joiner penalty.

• If you had a break in membership after the age of 35 then the above late joiner penalties will apply to you for the rest of your life.
• It is always safer to get your own medical cover even if it pays only certain amounts for procedures. Make sure you budget for it.
• Some life policies offered by insurance companies will cover for medical events which is better than having no cover. BUT this will leave you with a break in membership on a medical scheme. Make sure you get appropriate advise based on affordability  and your needs.  It will reduce your financial risk.
• A hospital plan will cover you  in the event of major hospital procedures and 26 chronic conditions (like asthma). So if you are fit and healthy this type of plan will be sufficient. Your day to day expenses you will ten fund as and when from your own pocket.
• You will be allowed to change your option on the scheme once a year , usually before the annual increases. Some schemes will allow you to down grade to more affordable options.
• Momentum en Discovery  offers additional benefits like  Multiply and  Vitality which will give you gym benefits etc.
• Make sure  that you budget for co-payment as some options require this and it could have an impact on your cash-flow. Best you have it available in your emergency savings vehicle.
• A combination of a hospital plan and a Severe Illness policy should cover you comprehensively and is also more affordable. There are a number of options available. Phone Christel du Toit  082 8527610 or e-mail christel@finsmart.co.za

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Disclaimer: All the information supplied by this website are intended as guidelines only, it is advisable to contact Divorcesmart® directly for appropriate advice for your unique circumstances.