Various factors need to be taken into account to
determine who may, or may not, qualify to be added to your medical aid scheme
as a dependant. A dependant, in essence, needs to be dependent on you.
Therefore, they do not have to be a blood relative, but to be added as a
dependant, you need to prove that they are dependent on you. Also, a blood
relative does not just receive a free ticket ride. Certain criteria need to be
met in order for someone to qualify as a dependant.
A dependant must either be depending on you
financially or unable to care for themselves due to a sort of disability. This
creates two brackets for dependants to fall under:
- Children younger than 21
- Children 21 and older who are still dependant as a result of various factors
Various schemes differ on what age a person becomes
an adult; however, most will classify your child as an adult once they have
turned 21. Once a child becomes an adult, one needs to prove that the specific
person is still dependent on them; for example, the dependant may still be
studying, thus they can be labelled a dependant for longer, sometimes even up
to the age of 27.
Leeway is also given by medical aid schemes in
South Africa as youth unemployment is very common.
Non-biological
children
If you provide efficient proof that you are a
child’s legal guardian or that you are financially responsible for them, they
can qualify as a dependant.
Parents-in-law, siblings and elderly parents
In order for a
parent to be a dependant, the main member needs to prove that they are not
working. As for parents-in-laws and siblings, thy can be added as dependants
provided that you as the main member can prove that you are financially
responsible for them. They will be classified as “special dependants”.
Spouse
A spouse or partner
of the main member may be an adult dependant whether or not they are financially
dependent. Divorce revokes this right if the divorce settlement does not state
that you are responsible for the care and upkeep of the previous spouse.
Keep in mind that
all medical aid schemes differ. Contact your medical aid scheme for more information.
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