FAQs

To ensure that you are able to pay for treatment from either a GP or specialist, or while in hospital. It is very important to “insure” your health. Accidents can happen and you and your family’s health are unpredictable.

Simply walk into the Emerald Medical Aid offices or visit the website www.emerald.co.zw and submit your application. Fill out your form; attach a passport sized photo for the member and each family member to be covered, a copy of ID each for the member and dependents over 16 years, and a copy of birth certificate for each dependent less than 16 years.

Upon payment of your subscriptions, you will then be registered as a member, awaiting access to benefits.

Generally, a 3 months waiting period applies, any waivers will be communicated on a case by case basis.

Please visit the Emerald Medical Aid offices or website to view the list of designated service providers (DSP) which is constantly expanded to ensure that members enjoy a wide choice of service providers country-wide.

A group of medical service providers specified in the scheme rules from whom services must be obtained to enjoy appropriate treatment and lower or no co-payments.

Emerald Medical Aid is in partnership with various medical service providers, including specialists nationwide, and of course with ZB Bank, a well-established financial services provider. The medical cover can be accessed through the vast service provider network, and the funeral cash pay-out from over 50 branches nationwide between the Bank and the Building Society.

There will not be a waiver to the waiting period, as it is necessary to reduce the risk to existing members’ contributions.

No, the funeral plan covers natural death or death by accident but only after the waiting period has elapsed.

• Spouse
• Children
• Extended family members

New-borns receive instant cover only if the mother completed the 9 months waiting period for maternity cover. This applies only when the new-borns are registered under their parents’ medical aid plan within 72 hours of birth.

After 72 hours, if a baby is not registered, it will have to undergo the specific waiting periods specified by the membership plan that their parents fall under upon payment of the baby’s membership fees.

No, a member has to serve the full 9 months’ waiting period.

This is a facility where the service provider will withhold the requested service and only provide the service to the client after seeking clearance/ authorization from Emerald Medical Aid.

Pre-authorisation is important as it assists the Medical Aid to manage the combined members’ funds allocation, limits the risk by making sure that only eligible services are provided, and that correct rates are being charged by service providers.

Pre-authorisation also assists members to manage their limits in the most cost-effective manner.

The benefits requiring pre-authorisation include optical cover, elective surgery, hospitalisation, dental cover, dialysis and chemotherapy.

It is a portion of the cost of a service rendered to the member for which the member is responsible for.

Please approach Emerald Medical Aid with your doctor’s details upon joining and our Business Development team will engage with your GP on agreed terms and conditions. Emerald Medical Aid also has a vast network of designated service providers where you can access convenient and affordable service.

The eldest dependent may continue with the membership as the principal member, with the status of the other dependents remaining unchanged, provided that Emerald Medical Aid receives a death certificate of the member.

Membership will commence on the day following that of the principal member’s death unless Emerald Medical Aid is informed that the dependents have chosen to terminate their membership.

Bank details should be furnished to Emerald Medical Aid Society to avoid any interruption in the payment of contributions and obtaining benefits.