Waiting periods – how they affect medical scheme benefits
This edition of Cover to Cover explains waiting periods, helping advisers guide clients on when benefits start and strategies to avoid gaps in cover.
Industry News
Tribunal proposes no change to levy in 2026/27
Although the percentage will remain the same, supervised firms will pay more to the Tribunal because of the FSCA and PA levy increases.
No easy answers when valuing living annuities at divorce
Courts and practitioners face contested valuation methods – from present-value drawdowns to post-death capital – with tax and drawdown assumptions driving outcomes.
Optimum Investment Group takes 40% stake in Obsidian Capital
The deal aims to enhance efficiency, broaden product capability, and deliver greater value for clients.
Asia soars, America slips: inside the 2025 passport power shift
Singapore reclaims the world’s top passport as South Africa stays strong at third in Africa with access to 102 visa-free destinations.
Absa partners with Ripple to offer cryptocurrency custody services in SA
The partnership positions Absa among South African banks exploring blockchain infrastructure, offering secure custody for cryptocurrencies.
Sanlam Collective Investments hit with R10.6m FIC Act penalty
Despite the FSCA’s findings of RMCP gaps, SCI confirms that client funds remain secure and no money laundering or terrorist financing was detected.
SIU flags interference as SCOPA inquiry exposes governance and financial failures at RAF
The Special Investigating Unit has raised serious concerns over potential interference by the Road Accident Fund in its ongoing investigation.
CMS: No complaints about brokers’ conduct in 2024/25
The Council for Medical Schemes’ latest annual report shows a decline in registered complaints – continuing a three-year downward trajectory.
Judge slams motor dealership for ‘sharp practice’ in defective vehicle case
The High Court upheld the NCT’s ruling against Avura Motors, criticising the dealership for attempting to discredit an assessor’s report it had previously relied on.
Consumer Goods Medical Scheme launches new options as it opens to entire sector
The Council for Medical Schemes has approved two savings plans that will be marketed from 1 November.
CMS research points to urgent need for chronic disease and cost-of-care reforms
Two new CMS studies highlight the growing strain of chronic diseases and soaring out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
High Court confirms curatorship of medical scheme
The Court ordered Sizwe Hosmed’s principal officer to personally pay legal costs after dismissing the scheme’s attempt to overturn the provisional curatorship.
How the two-pot system reshapes pension rights in divorce settlements
The two-pot rules redefine ‘pension interest’ at account level, meaning funds must deduct awarded sums proportionally from the savings, retirement, and vested components.
Medihelp limits 2026 contribution increases to as low as 6%
New benefits, flexibility, and holistic well-being support strengthen Medihelp’s role as a healthcare partner, not just a funder.
RAF inquiry | ‘You can’t fix liabilities through accounting’
Treasury says the RAF must address its claims and payments processes, not try to manage its massive liabilities by changing accounting standards.
Move to two-pot system drives jump in complaints to the Adjudicator
Outgoing Adjudicator Muvhango Lukhaimane says the system has laid bare long-standing non-compliance with section 13A of the Pension Funds Act.
