The rules for joining a scheme are set by legislation, not by the salesperson. Understand waiting periods, underwriting and the late-joiner penalty before you sign, because each one is far harder to undo afterwards.
A scheme may impose a general waiting period of up to three months, during which you pay contributions and claim nothing except in limited circumstances. It may also impose a condition-specific waiting period of up to 12 months on a condition you were treated for in the 12 months before applying.
If you move to a new scheme without a break of more than 90 days after at least two years of continuous cover, the new scheme may apply a three-month general waiting period but generally may not impose condition-specific waiting periods. Continuous membership is the asset you are protecting when you switch.
If you join a scheme for the first time after age 35 without creditable prior cover, a permanent late-joiner penalty may be added to your contribution. The penalty is banded by the number of uncovered years since age 35 and can add a substantial percentage to the risk portion of your contribution for as long as you remain a member.
The penalty follows the member, not the scheme, so switching later does not remove it. Creditable cover from previous South African scheme membership reduces the uncovered years used in the calculation.
Confirm your new membership start date before you resign the old one, and keep the gap at zero days. Ask the outgoing scheme for a certificate of membership; the incoming scheme uses it to credit your prior cover and to limit waiting periods.
Up to three months as a general waiting period, and up to 12 months as a condition-specific waiting period for a condition treated in the year before you applied.
It can apply when you join a scheme for the first time from age 35 onward without creditable prior cover. The penalty is banded by uncovered years and is permanent.
Yes. Schemes accept new members throughout the year, though changing option within a scheme is usually restricted to the annual change window. Avoid any gap between memberships so your prior cover still counts.