Medihelp, one of the prominent medical aid providers in the country, has specific waiting periods that new members should be aware of. This blog post will delve into the details of these waiting periods, ensuring you have all the information you need before making a decision.
What is a Waiting Period?
A waiting period is a set duration during which a new member is not entitled to certain benefits from their medical aid scheme. This period is designed to prevent individuals from joining a medical aid scheme only when they need immediate medical attention, which helps in maintaining the financial stability of the scheme.
General Waiting Period for Medihelp
For Medihelp, a general waiting period of up to three months applies from the date you join. During this time, you will not be entitled to any benefits except for Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB). PMBs are a set of defined benefits that ensure all medical scheme members have access to certain minimum health services, regardless of the plan they are on.
Specific Waiting Periods
In addition to the general waiting period, there are specific waiting periods for certain conditions. For example, if you have a pre-existing condition, you might face a waiting period of up to 12 months. During this period, you will still be entitled to PMBs, but other claims related to the pre-existing condition will not be covered.
Why Are Waiting Periods Important?
Waiting periods are essential for the sustainability of medical aid schemes. They help prevent the adverse selection where individuals only join a scheme when they need expensive medical treatment. By having a waiting period, Medihelp ensures that all members contribute fairly to the pool, which in turn helps in providing better services and benefits to everyone.
Conclusion
Understanding the waiting periods for Medihelp is crucial for anyone considering joining this medical aid scheme. The general waiting period is three months, with specific conditions potentially extending this period to 12 months. During these waiting periods, only PMBs are covered, ensuring that you still have access to essential health services.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.