Open vs Closed medical aid schemes
There are two types of medical aid schemes: open and closed.
An open medical aid scheme is a scheme that is open to the public – anyone can join, regardless of where they work.
A closed medical scheme accepts members from specific defined group of people: an industry, or a specific employer. For example, Gems is a medical aid open only to government employees.
Open medical aid schemes
An open medical aid cannot refuse you cover, regardless of your medical history or your age. It also cannot discontinue cover, except for non-payment of premiums or fraud.
A scheme is also not allowed to charge you a different (higher) premium because of your past medical history.
A scheme, can, however impose waiting periods and late joiner penalties.
What are the open schemes
There are 15 open schemes in South Africa. We list all their plans, the benefits and the costs on rehealth.co.za.
