Underwriting

Underwriting for changing schemes, adding dependants, and pensioners

For medical schemes, underwriting is the process of the use of medical or health information in the evaluation of an applicant for cover. When you join LA Health or register new dependants, we can underwrite you (the principal member) and/or your dependants.

Adding new dependants in the window period

The Bargaining Council Agreement is only applicable to existing members and their dependants. The agreement does not allow you to add new dependants without underwriting during the period 1 October to 31 December.

To add a new dependant, you have to fill in an Application to add dependant and send it to us. We can apply waiting periods or late-joiner penalties no matter when in the year you apply to add them in terms of the rules of LA Health.

Moving between Local Government accredited medical schemes

As an employee of Local Government, you can choose to belong to Bonitas, Samwumed, Keyhealth, Hosmed or LA Health. Once a year, from 1 October to 31 December (the window period), you can let your medical scheme know that you are moving to one of these schemes on 1 January of the next year.

As part of the Bargaining Council Agreement, you can switch medical schemes in the window period without underwriting. This means that you can move your membership and all your registered dependants to another Local Government accredited medical scheme without underwriting.