2026 Rules Active

2026 Strategy Validated
Extender: Associated GP Compliance
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Actuarial Strategy Reference
This strategy is generated based on the 2026 Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) registered rules and actuarial pricing matrices.
VERIFIED: 2025-12-20 | SOURCE: SCHEME_BENEFIT_GUIDE_2026
Similar Situations
Key Terms Explained
Key Terms for this Strategy
- Medical Savings Account (MSA)
- A fund of R34,416 included in your premium. You use this for day-to-day expenses like GP visits and scripts. [Source: Council for Medical Schemes Official Benefit Rules]
- Elective Procedure Co-payment
- A mandatory upfront fee you must pay to the hospital for specific scheduled surgeries that are not emergencies. [Source: Council for Medical Schemes Official Benefit Rules]
Common Questions
Is my cancer cover unlimited? [Extender Associated Chronic (GP compliance to avoid penalties)]
No. The plan has a strict oncology limit of R500,000 per year. Once this limit is reached, you will be liable for a 20% co-payment on all further treatment costs. Strategy reference: nce-2026.
Do I have to pay upfront for an MRI scan? [Extender Associated Chronic (GP compliance to avoid penalties)]
Yes, there is a R3,500 co-payment for MRI and CT scans, regardless of whether they are performed in or out of hospital. Strategy reference: nce-2026.
Will I be covered for a hip replacement? [Extender Associated Chronic (GP compliance to avoid penalties)]
Yes, but subject to strict limits. Internal prostheses (like hips and knees) are limited to R92,200 per event (maximum 2 events per year), and a co-payment of R5,500 applies if the surgery is performed in an acute hospital. Strategy reference: nce-2026.
Does the plan cover emergency room visits? [Extender Associated Chronic (GP compliance to avoid penalties)]
Only from your savings. Casualty and after-hour visits are 'Subject to Day-to-day Benefit', meaning they are paid from your savings account, not the major medical risk benefit. Strategy reference: nce-2026.
How much is my self-payment gap? [Extender Associated Chronic (GP compliance to avoid penalties)]
For the main member, your Annual Savings is R34,416, but your Threshold is R36,900. This creates a small 'self-payment gap' of approximately R2,484 where you must pay claims from your own pocket before the Extended Cover activates. Strategy reference: nce-2026.
Can I use any specialist? [Extender Associated Chronic (GP compliance to avoid penalties)]
Yes. Associated specialists are covered in full, and other specialists are covered up to 200% of the scheme rate. If your specialist charges more than 200%, you will have a shortfall. Strategy reference: nce-2026.
Is my depression medication covered? [Extender Associated Chronic (GP compliance to avoid penalties)]
Yes, but within limits. Mental health services (psychiatry and psychology) are limited to R50,600 per beneficiary, and outpatient mental health is limited to R26,300 per family. Strategy reference: nce-2026.
What happens if I use a non-network hospital? [Extender Associated Chronic (GP compliance to avoid penalties)]
On this 'Any' variant, you can use any private hospital. However, if you had chosen the 'Associated' variant, you would face a 30% co-payment for using a non-network facility. Strategy reference: nce-2026.
Extender Associated Chronic (GP compliance to avoid penalties) strategy verified
Covering 1 family members
2026 rates applied
