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Don’t Wait Experts Warn of Heavy Penalties for Late Medical Aid Joiners in South Africa

Published

4 months ago

May 9, 2025

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South Africans who don’t have medical aid or think they can just sign up later in life may be in for a financial shock. Health experts and medical scheme providers are urging people—especially the youth—to consider the long-term costs of delaying coverage.

The Risk of Waiting

According to Adrian Gore, CEO of Discovery Group, there’s a concerning trend: young people are opting out of medical aid when they’re healthy, planning to join only once they need it. But this behavior comes at a cost—not only to them, but to the system as a whole.

Discovery’s data shows that the average age of members in their Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) has increased from 32.3 years in 2008 to nearly 38 in 2024. Gore explained this shift is pushing medical aid inflation higher, as older members tend to claim more frequently due to chronic conditions.

“This puts pressure on the scheme and drives prices up for everyone,” Gore said. “Stricter penalties for late joiners might be necessary to protect those already in the system.”

A National Trend Among the Youth

Bonitas Medical Fund has noticed the same pattern. Principal Officer Lee Callakoppen said the average age of their beneficiaries is now around 35.9. Young people either can’t afford the cover or believe they don’t need it because they’re healthy.

But both Discovery and Bonitas stress that this mindset is risky.

The Financial Cost of Delaying Medical Aid

Michael Emery from Ambledown Financial Services says the longer you wait to join a medical scheme, the more expensive it becomes. “Late joiner penalties can increase your monthly contributions by up to 75%,” he warns.

Medical schemes use these penalties to prevent abuse—like people waiting to get cover until they’re seriously ill—and to protect long-time members who have consistently paid into the system.

“If you join at 45, having never had cover, you may pay far more than someone who’s been a member since their 20s,” Emery explained. “That’s because the system sees you as a higher risk.”

Additionally, late joiners could face waiting periods, meaning they may not be able to claim immediately even after signing up.

Affordable Options Are Available

To help young South Africans get into the system early, Discovery and Bonitas have rolled out more affordable plans, tailored to younger professionals.

Discovery Health’s entry-level plans start from around R1,100 per month, designed for individuals with low claims but needing essential coverage.
Bonitas introduced its Edge plans, priced similarly, focused on economically active singles or couples.

“These products are created with both affordability and practical medical needs in mind,” said Discovery Health CEO Ron Whelan.

A Smart Investment in Your Future Health

Emery likens joining a medical scheme early to saving for retirement. “You’re investing in your future wellbeing. It’s not just about today—it’s about ensuring you have access to care when you really need it,” he said.

He adds that without early preventative care and checkups, late joiners also risk allowing undiagnosed conditions to worsen, further inflating costs down the line.

Key Takeaways for South Africans Without Medical Aid: