POLMED

Polmed is a medical aid scheme specifically designed and exclusively for members of the South African police service and their dependents.

It’s a registered medical aid scheme and offers its members a range of medical aid services. They have a countrywide footprint for their members across each province.

The evolution of Polmed

Polmed, or the South African Police Service Medical Scheme, was established in 1984 to provide healthcare benefits to members of the South African Police Service and their dependents.

Over the years, the scheme has grown to become one of the largest medical schemes in South Africa, providing healthcare coverage to over 430,000 members across the country. Polmed has always focused on providing affordable healthcare solutions to its members and has introduced various innovations to make it easier for members to access medical care.

The scheme has a strong emphasis on preventive care, and it offers a range of wellness programs and services to help members stay healthy. With a commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare, Polmed has become a trusted partner for members seeking reliable and affordable medical coverage.

Seamless communication and access

Their elected and appointed Board along with their management team is mandated to ensure the scheme runs optimally and provides beneficial services for all their members.

Polmeds online platform gives their members access to up to information and provides an easy access communication portal for all applications, queries, claims, and any other information a member might need.

Convenient and secure access to medical records

Their cloud-based health portal and chat facility allow members to access real-time answers from the Polmed consultant team from any computer or smartphone anywhere in the country.

Furthermore, members and medical service providers can access their medical records. This is particularly useful in the event a patient is unable to answer medical questions for themselves should they require emergency medical treatment.

Members can also enrol in the range of lifestyle programs available in their member zone.

This gives members the opportunity to join programs that help them manage medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and many more. The online tutorials and information packs give you the information you need to choose healthy lifestyles.

They also have a WhatsApp app that is available for members to receive relevant and real-time information related to their medical scheme.

Like all medical schemes, there are rules that need to be complied with for membership.

It is advisable for all members to familiarise themselves with the array of rules that apply. There are rules for membership that may be different from other medical schemes.

These include rules regarding the eligibility of beneficiary membership, and termination of membership as well as rules applicable to various medical conditions, specialist medical care, and lifestyle management.

It also includes conditions for exclusions that may be applicable, payments and co-payment requirements, and the general benefits and benefit options including beneficiary waiting periods which may apply. These are all extensively covered in the rules of the scheme.

There are also annexures that supersede some conditions so it is worth keeping up to date with these so you are always aware of what applies and to whom and what may no longer apply to you and or your dependents.

Also included is the host of designated service providers country-wide from which members can choose that fall within a specific plan.

How to nominate a third party with Polmed

As the main member which you will need to apply to become, you will also need to apply to register dependants. You may also find it useful to apply for the third-party consent option, which allows you to nominate an individual who does not have to be a spouse or dependant to gain access to your medical information.

This option is useful to members in the event of emergencies in the line of duty and where spouses or significant others are unavailable to make medical decisions on their behalf.

Membership options

Main members, their spouses, and their biological children will be deemed to be eligible as dependents to the scheme. However, an application to include them as dependents still applies.

Should you wish to include non-biological children or adult dependents please be aware that you will need to apply for continued membership once these dependents turn 21. The applicable documentation for this is clearly stated on the application form.

Student dependents over the age of 21 but under 25 will have the same requirements. You’ll need to submit a separate application per additional dependent member in this category.

It’s important to note as well that any change in your status will require that you complete an amendment form to ensure your information remains accurate and current.