Akiva Medical is primarily aimed at those with chronic health conditions and whose collective family income is below R13,500.00 per month. Akiva considers applications outside of this framework on a case-by-case basis. All applications are subject to a medical and financial needs analysis.
Yes, you should still apply, and Akiva may be able to assist based on the outcome of your needs assessment and consultation with our advisory board.
Yes, we will try our best to help, please be aware though that in the case of limited funding, those with more severe health issues will be prioritised. We would also consult with our advisory board on a case-by-case basis. Should the application not be successful, applicants may be requested to re-apply at a later stage once further funding has been secured.
Akiva funds up to 50% of members’ medical aid premiums. The balance will need to be funded by the member themselves or a co-sponsor secured by the member. Rare exceptions may be made on a case by case basis following a comprehensive needs analysis.
Unfortunately, Akiva is only able to facilitate members’ premiums and any expenses that are not covered by the medical aid will not be paid for by Akiva. Members will need to get pre-authorisation for their medical costs from the medical aid. In the event a specific treatment or procedure is not covered by the medical aid, the treatment should be undertaken at a public facility or paid for directly by the member.
Once your application is received, we will request additional information from you. Once all supporting documentation has been received, you can expect to hear back from us within two weeks. If your application is accepted we will hand your details over to our affiliated broker who will assist you with a formal application to the medical aid. The medical aid will then revert to Akiva with a quote for consideration, which will be submitted to our board for final approval. We will attempt to have you onboarded within a month from having all supporting information that may be required.
Akiva members will be registered on a basic hospital plan, most likely, Discovery’s Keycare Core Plan, the details of which can be found here: Key Care Plan.
Akiva may, at its discretion, place members on different schemes should it be more appropriate in the circumstances.
Discovery’s Keycare core covers in-hospital expenses as well as certain other treatments and medication please go to this link for more information to fully understand the benefits of the plan: Key Care Plan Should you be placed on a different plan for whatever reason, we will provide you with the necessary information to understand your cover.
According to the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, medical schemes may apply waiting periods when new members join the scheme. During waiting periods, the new members (or their sponsors) pay full contributions to the medical scheme, but they cannot claim for full benefits from the scheme.
The medical aid plan members apply for is subject to the following exclusions:
- 3 Month General Waiting Period
- 12-Month Condition-Specific Waiting Period
Once you have submitted your application to the medical aid, they will confirm the details of your applicable waiting periods. It is your responsibility to ensure that you fully understand the Ts and Cs associated with your medical plan. Please note that Akiva Medical is not a medical aid and is not the institution which is imposing these exclusions, but that it is the medical aid itself doing so.
