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How to change or cancel your medical aid
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
To change medical aid you either move to a different plan within your current scheme (usually only at year-end) or move to a new scheme by applying there and cancelling the old one with written notice. The key is to never let your cover lapse, because a gap of more than 90 days can trigger fresh waiting periods.
Changing is normal and you are allowed to do it, but timing and paperwork matter. This guide shows how to switch cleanly and what to watch for so you are not caught out by penalties or waiting periods.
Changing plans vs changing schemes
There are two different moves:
- Changing plans within the same scheme. Most schemes only let you move plans at the annual change window (usually around year-end). You keep your membership history, so no new waiting periods apply.
- Changing to a new scheme. You can do this any time, but the new scheme is a fresh contract. Continuous prior membership protects you from most new waiting periods if you switch without a gap.
How to cancel the old scheme
Give written notice to your current scheme - email or their cancellation form is fine. Notice is commonly one calendar month, so a cancellation sent in one month typically ends cover at the end of the next month. Always:
- Get written confirmation of your cancellation date
- Time it so the new cover starts the day after the old cover ends
- Request your membership certificate as proof of continuous cover
Avoid a coverage gap
This is the single most important rule. If you go more than 90 days without medical scheme membership, the new scheme can treat you as a fresh joiner and apply general and condition-specific waiting periods again, and a late-joiner penalty could apply. Line up the start and end dates so there is no break. See switching schemes without a gap.
What carries over and what does not
Your continuous membership history carries over and protects you from new waiting periods. What does not carry over:
- Any unspent medical savings account balance is paid out or transferred per scheme rules, not automatically topped up
- Benefit limits reset on the new plan
- Chronic medicine registrations must be re-done with the new scheme's formulary and DSPs
Cancelling a Discovery, GEMS or other plan
The process is the same across schemes: written notice, one month's notice in most cases, and confirmation in writing. There is no penalty for leaving, but do not cancel until your new scheme has confirmed acceptance and a start date. Cancel the old one only once the new cover is locked in.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change medical aid at any time?
You can move to a new scheme at any time. Moving between plans inside the same scheme is usually limited to the annual change window around year-end. Confirm your scheme's rules.
How much notice must I give to cancel?
Commonly one calendar month, but check your scheme rules. Send written notice and get confirmation of the exact end date so you can line up new cover with no gap.
Will I face new waiting periods if I switch schemes?
Usually not, if you switch with no break longer than 90 days and provide proof of continuous membership. A long gap lets the new scheme apply fresh waiting periods.
Does switching cost me a penalty?
Schemes do not charge an exit penalty. The risk is a late-joiner penalty or new waiting periods, which only apply if you let cover lapse for more than 90 days.
What happens to my medical savings balance?
Unspent savings are handled per scheme rules, often paid out or transferred. It is not automatically credited to the new scheme, so ask both schemes how the balance is settled.
Should I cancel before the new scheme accepts me?
No. Only cancel once the new scheme confirms acceptance and a start date. Cancelling first risks a coverage gap and fresh waiting periods.
