Smiling baby held by an adult on Platinum Health’s “Who Qualifies as Dependants?” thumbnail

Who qualifies as dependants

 Platinum Health banner reading “Who Qualifies as Dependants?” beside a smiling baby

If you want to add dependents on the Scheme but you are not sure whether they qualify, here’s what you need to know!

The Medical Schemes Act is very specific as to who may be permitted to become a dependant. The following people qualify to be added as dependants:

SpouseWe will need these documents from you:
  • Add your spouse within 30 days from the date of getting married. If you don’t, waiting periods may apply.
  • A spouse who is younger than 21 years, will pay adult contributions.
Civil Marriage

  • Membership Application form
  • Remember to insert your date of marriage in the section where we ask what the join date should be.
  • Identity document (ID) or passport.
  • Marriage certificate (required within 30 days of marriage.)
  • Proof of previous medical scheme.
  • Any additional information we may require from you.

Customary Marriage

  • Membership Application form
  • Remember to insert your date of marriage in the section where we ask what the join date should be.
  • ID or passport.
  • Proof of previous medical scheme of your spouse.
  • Lobola agreement letter or
  • Letter from the Chief confirming the customary marriage.
  • Affidavit from you as the principal member, confirming the customary marriage.
  • Proof of previous medical scheme.
  • Any additional information we may require from you.
Common-law partner, Same-sex partner and FiancéeWe will need these documents from you:
  • A Common-law partner, Same sex partner or Fiancée who is younger than 21years, pays adult contributions.
  • Membership Application form:
  • An Affidavit:
  • Stating the period of living together and confirmation of the relationship.
  • Proof of mutual dependency, for example home loan or water and electricity account.
  • Proof of previous medical scheme.
  • ID or passport.
  • Any additional information we may require from you.
Biological father, mother, brother or sisterWe will need these documents from you:
  • Provided that they don’t earn more than the maximum social pension per month, and that they are financially dependant on you for family care and support.
  • A Membership Application form.
  • A death certificate if the dependant is a widow/er or the parents have passed on.
  • Conformation of all bank accounts.
  • Copy of 3 months bank statements of all bank accounts of the dependant.
  • ITA34 (can be obtained from SARS).
  • Proof of previous medical scheme.
  • ID or passport.
  • Any additional information we may require from you.
  • Proof of financial dependency.
  • An Affidavit which states:
  • The relation of the dependant to you as the principal member.
  • That the dependent is financially dependent on you as the principal member and proof thereof per dependant.
  • That the dependant is unemployed and confirm current income.
Biological child or stepchildWe will need these documents from you:
  • Provided that they don’t earn more than the maximum social pension per month, and that they are financially dependent on you for family care and support.
  • A biological child or stepchild who reaches the age of 21 will pay adult contributions.
  • If they are studying or unemployed, submit their proof of study annually and an Affidavit confirming their income and their financial dependency on you.
  • Membership Application form.
  • Proof of previous medical scheme.
  • ITA34 (can be obtained from SARS).
  • Unabridged birth certificate.
  • Unabridged birth certificate.
  • ID or passport.
  • If they reach the age of 21 years and are studying or unemployed:
  • Affidavit that confirms the dependant is studying full time/part time or unemployed and financially dependent on you and not in receipt of payment of more than the maximum social pension per month.
  • Proof of the registration at a recognised tertiary institution (student cards or accounts will not be accepted).
  • Remember to notify us of your child’s new address if they study away from home.
  • Any additional information we may require from you.
Newborn babyWe will need these documents from you:
  • Register your newborn with us within 30 days from the date of birth, otherwise waiting periods may apply.
  • A Hospital Confirmation/Notification document can temporarily be submitted, but it’s only valid for 30 days.
  • As soon as the newborn baby has been registered with the Department of Home Affairs, submit a copy of the registered birth certificate to the scheme within 30 days of birth.
  • Membership Application form.
  • Remember to insert the baby’s date of birth into the section where we ask what the join date should be.
  • Principal member’s ID.
  • Proof of birth, e.g., Hospital Confirmation or registered birth certificate.
  • If the baby’s surname differs from the principal member’s surname, an Affidavit must be submitted stating the reason.
Adopted childrenWe will need these documents from you:
  • Provided that you as the principal member adopt them.
  • The adopted child has to be registered from the date of the court order, otherwise waiting periods may apply.
  • Membership Application form.
  • Remember to insert the date of the court order into the section where we ask what the join date should be.
  • Court order of legal adoption.
  • Proof of previous medical scheme.
  • Un unabridged birth certificate.
  • ID or passport.
  • Any additional information we may require from you.
GrandchildWe will need these documents from you:
  • If your active minor or adult dependant has a child (grandchild), the grandchild can be added as a dependant. A newborn grandchild has to be registered with the Scheme within 30 days from the date of birth, otherwise waiting periods may apply.
  • Membership Application form.
  • Remember to insert your grandchild’s date of birth into the section where we ask what the join date should be.
  • Proof of birth from the institution where the baby was born and an unabridged birth certificate to be submitted to the Scheme within 30 days.
  • Affidavit from the principal member explaining the circumstances regarding the newborn.
  • Affidavit from both biological parents regarding the circumstances.
  • Any additional information we may require from you.
  • If your inactive minor or child dependant has a child (grandchild), the grandchild can be added as a dependant if you legally adopt your grandchild.
  • Membership Application form.
  • Remember to insert your grandchild’s date of birth into the section where we ask what the join date should be.
  • ID or passport or birth certificate.
  • Court order of the legal adoption.
  • Affidavit from you as the principal member and both parents advising the circumstances.
  • Any additional information we may require from you.
Important to note: You cannot add your grandchild as a dependant if your biological child is not registered as a dependant on the Scheme, unless you legally adopt your grandchild!

Who cannot be added as a dependant?

  • Ex-spouse or partner.
  • Family-in-law.
  • Friend.
  • Uncle or aunt, cousin, nephew or niece.
  • Grandparents.

Who should I submit these documents to?

If you have questions or need help, talk to a Client Liaison Officer near you or contact our Client Liaison Call Centre on 014 590 1700 or 080 000 6942.

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