Letters
Letter to add or remove a dependant template
By Naledi Mokoena · 5 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
To add or remove a dependant, send your scheme a written request with the dependant's details and supporting documents, such as a marriage or birth certificate. Register a newborn within 30 days of birth and most schemes cannot apply waiting periods to the baby.
Use the template below. Replace every [PLACEHOLDER] and attach the right certificate.
Adding a dependant changes your monthly contribution, so ask the scheme to confirm the new amount and the effective date in writing.
Who counts as a dependant
Schemes recognise different dependant types, each priced differently:
- Adult dependant: a spouse or partner.
- Child dependant: usually up to age 21, or older if a full-time student, depending on scheme rules.
- Other dependant: a parent or family member the main member supports, subject to scheme approval.
Each type needs its own proof, and each changes your contribution.
Add or remove a dependant template
[Your full name]
[Membership number]
[Email] | [Cellphone]
[Date]
The Membership Department
[Scheme name]
RE: [ADD / REMOVE] a dependant - member [MEMBERSHIP NUMBER]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I request that you [add / remove] the following dependant on my membership.
Dependant name: [FULL NAME]
ID number: [ID NUMBER]
Date of birth: [DATE]
Relationship: [SPOUSE / CHILD / NEWBORN / OTHER]
Effective date requested: [DATE]
[FOR ADDING] I attach: [marriage certificate / birth certificate / proof of dependency / ID copy].
[FOR A NEWBORN] Please register my baby from the date of birth as a prescribed minimum benefit, with no waiting period.
[FOR REMOVING] Please remove this dependant from [DATE] and confirm the revised contribution.
Please confirm in writing the effective date and my new monthly contribution.
Yours faithfully,
[Your full name]
[ID number]
Register a newborn within 30 days
Register a new baby within 30 days of birth. Do this and the scheme generally cannot impose waiting periods on the child, and the birth itself is usually covered as a prescribed minimum benefit. Miss the window and the baby may be treated as a new applicant and made to serve waiting periods. Send the birth certificate or hospital record as soon as you have it.
Waiting periods for new adult dependants
Adding a new adult dependant, such as a spouse who has not had cover, can trigger a general waiting period of up to three months and a condition-specific waiting period of up to 12 months. If the dependant moves across from another scheme with a membership certificate and no break in cover, many of those waiting periods fall away. Send the certificate with your request.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add a dependant to my medical aid?
Send the scheme a written request with the dependant's details and the right certificate, such as a marriage or birth certificate. Use the letter above. The scheme will confirm the effective date and your new contribution in writing.
How long do I have to register a newborn?
Register the baby within 30 days of birth. Do this and the scheme generally cannot apply waiting periods, and the birth is usually covered as a prescribed minimum benefit. After 30 days, the baby may be treated as a new applicant.
Will adding a spouse trigger waiting periods?
It can. A new adult dependant may face up to three months of general waiting and up to 12 months on pre-existing conditions. If they transfer from another scheme with a membership certificate and no gap, many waiting periods are waived.
What documents do I need to add a child?
Usually the child's birth certificate and a copy of their ID or yours. For a student dependant over the normal age limit, the scheme may ask for proof of full-time study. Attach these to the request to avoid delays.
Can I add my parents as dependants?
Some schemes allow it as an other or special dependant if you support them financially, subject to approval and a higher contribution. Ask your scheme for its dependant rules and what proof of dependency they need.
How quickly does removing a dependant change my contribution?
Removal usually takes effect from the date you request, or the start of the next month, depending on scheme rules. Ask the scheme to confirm the effective date and your revised contribution in writing so the debit order is corrected.
