May a medical scheme refuse to admit my dependant?
No, in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, no medical scheme may refuse to admit persons who are trulydependent on the member. Dependants of a member are his/her spouse or partner; a child under the age of 21; a child over age 21 dependent upon the member due to a mental or physical disability, or being financially dependant; immediate family in respect of whom the member is legally liable for family care and support and such other persons who are recognised by the scheme as dependants. Immediate family is classified as the mother or father of the member. The scheme concerned may require proof of such financially dependency and appropriate additional contributions in respect of such extended cover must be expected.