Late-Joiner Penalties for Medical Aid in South Africa

What Are Late-Joiner Penalties?

Late-joiner penalties (LJPs) are additional charges on your monthly premium if you join a medical scheme for the first time after age 35. The penalty is a percentage increase that applies for life.

How Are They Calculated?

The penalty is 5% of your premium for each year without cover after turning 35, up to a maximum of 75%.

Age at First Join | Penalty Range
35–39 | 5–25%
40–49 | 25–50%
50–59 | 50–75%
60+ | Up to 75%

Example: A R2,000/month plan with a 75% penalty costs R3,500/month.

⚠️ The longer you wait, the more you pay

Late-joiner penalties increase every year after 35. Lock in a lower rate by joining now.

Get My Quote Before Penalties Increase →

Who Is Exempt?

People under 35

People with continuous cover since before 35

People switching schemes with no gap

Dependants under 21

How to Minimise Your Penalty

Join as soon as possible

Choose an affordable plan — Lower base premium = lower rand penalty

Never let cover lapse — Gaps over 3 months reset the calculation

💰 Find the most affordable plan — even with penalties

We'll help you find the lowest-premium plan to minimise the impact of late-joiner penalties.

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