What is the HealthCard?

• The Healthcard is a Visa Electron Debit Card issued by Mercantile Bank Ltd.
• It provides a safe and convenient way of paying for medical expenses at Medical Service Providers, provided they avail of a credit card swipe facility.
• It assists you to save for Medical Aid shortfalls and unexpected medical emergencies.
• It acts as a cash payment bargaining tool with service providers in negotiating cash discounts.

Must I belong to a medical aid to have a HealthCard?

• No. Any person who requires the need to save for medical care may open a Healthcard account and keep it for life.

Are there restrictions on what the HealthCard can be used for?

• The Healthcard is not administered by any Medical Scheme.
• Healthcard can be used at any medical service provider with an electronic Point of Sale terminal (credit card machine).
• There are no restrictions on what can be purchased with the Healthcard at medical service providers.

How do I use the HealthCard?

• Swipe the Healthcard at any medical service provider who has a credit card facility.
• A security pin number issued with your card must be entered at Point of Sale.

Do you get money back from the medical scheme if you use the HealthCard for payment at medical service providers?

• Bills are paid by the member with the Healthcard.
• Member submits paper claim to their Medical Scheme who in turn will reimburse this claim against available medical aid benefits.
• Member can have the reimbursement paid back into the Healthcard.
• Healthcard cannot pay a medical service provider on behalf of the member.

Up to what limit can i spend?

• You can only spend what is available in the account.
• There is no maximum amount per day or limits on number of transactions.

What is the minimum or maximum i can pay into the?

• There is a minimum of R50 required per card applied for. We recommend R100 per month as a minimum deposit into the account.
• The R100 will be waived in the case of lump sum payments.
• There is no maximum on what can be deposited into the card account.

Does HealthCard have a credit facility?

• Limited credit is available. Terms and Conditions apply.
• Credit facility will not be available for corporate groups where the employer contributes to the card.
• Approved credit will be paid into the Healthcard account.

What are the costs on the HealthCard?

• There is a R4.50 per transaction fee regardless of transaction.
• R 50 annual fee is charged to the principal account holder on the card issue date.
• R 50 once off fee is charged for secondary / replacement cards.
• VAT is charged on purchases – Government fees.
• R5.25 is charged by ABSA for over-the-counter deposits.
• Statements are currently sent every second month at a cost of R5.
• R40 on return debit order

Do I earn interest on my money?

• Yes, market-related annual compounded interest paid monthly.

How is the HealthCard Funded?

• Payments can be made via debit order, cash and cheque deposits through the ABSA Branch network or by electronic transfer directly to Mercantile Bank via the internet.
• No Medical Scheme funds or Government Salary deductions can be used to fund the Healthcard.

Are the monthly cotributions advanced for the year?

• No. As the Healthcard is not linked to a Medical Scheme and it is Savings, we cannot advance funds.
• Only funds accumulated on a monthly basis, or due to random deposits, are available for use.
• Credit is available to pre fund the account (Terms and Conditions apply)

Can you withdraw money with the HealthCard?

• No cash withdrawals allowed. There is no ATM facility available.
• Balances remaining at year-end can, at our discretion, be refunded to the member’s banking account; minimum of R200 must remain in the Healthcard.

Is information and application available on the web?

• All information and the application form is available on www.healthcard.co.za
• Existing members can also download additional documentation from the above website.

What happens when i resign from my medical scheme?

• The Healthcard is freestanding and can be used without a Medical Scheme.

How can I find out what the balance is on the HealthCard?

• Phone the Healthcard Helpline on 011 796 6464.
• Or send an email to: info@healthcard.co.za

How often do i get statements?

• Statements will be sent out – end of February, May, August and November.
• Should you require an interim statement, you can obtain a faxed or e-mailed copy from Healthcard at a fee of R5 per statement.

How do I apply for the HealthCard?

• Complete the application form, including the Terms & Conditions, a copy of your ID, as well as secondary applicants, and post all required documentation to Healthcard at P.O. Box 1555, Fontainebleau, 2032. (Click here for Healthcard forms)

Are credit checks done?

• No credit checks are necessary for application on the Healthcard.
• Credit checks are required when applying for credit.

Can I have more than one HealthCard?

• Yes, up to 9 additional cards can be applied for under one account.
• Secondary cards are issued in the secondary applicant’s name.
• A secondary application request and ID are required.
• A card issue fee is applicable for every card application.

What happens to the money if i pass away?

• Just like any other bank account, your assets and banking accounts are frozen until your estate is wound up, unless your Will & Testament appoints your spouse as sole beneficiary, then a new card-account is opened in the spouse’s name.
• Funds can be paid out to your Estate Account on request by your Executor.

What happens if I want to close the HealthCard account?

• You can stop contributing to the Healthcard at any time.
• Debit Order cancellation must be notified in writing to avoid Debit Order return charges.
• HealthCard cancellations are processed during the middle and at the end of each month. The available balance will be transferred into the member’s personal account.

What happens if a service provider cannot transact my purchase successfully or does not avail of a p.o.s terminal?

• Quite often a service provider’s P.O.S. terminal is registered outside the authorised merchant codes allocated to the Healthcard.
• You would need to find another service provider to provide this service; we unfortunately cannot enforce the service provider to change his personal banking code for his P.O.S. facility.
• At times the enquiring bank communication line facility is temporarily unavailable. You need to try the transaction again or provide alternative payment.
• Service providers without the required facility – you would need to pay cash or per cheque for the service and claim a refund from your card account (Terms & Conditions apply).
• You would need to make use of an alternative method of payment as this is an electronic banking card.
• You would need to determine if your selected service provider has the relevant technology to effect your payment before visiting such a provider.
• Alternatively the account may be sent to Healthcard together with a refund request form.

Can I change my payment dates and debit order details?

• A debt authority form must be completed to change dates, amounts and banking details.
• Click here for Healthcard forms or call 011 796 6464.

Tax implications on your HealthCard?

• The Healthcard is a bank-based facility and will be subject to taxes due on interest earned.
• Statements can be submitted along with Tax Returns to indicate medical expenses incurred during a Tax period.
• A Tax Certificate on interest only is posted at the Tax year-end.

Lost and stolen cards

• You need to notify us on the Helpline 011 796 6464 immediately and a form will be sent to you for confirmation and signature.
• This helpline is available 24 hours per day.
• A replacement card is issued immediately and the previous card will be voided.
• A replacement card fee is applicable.

Replacement of damaged cards

• A replacement Healthcard notification must be obtained from us, for completion and signature.
• A replacement card fee is applicable.

Application for a secondary HealthCard

• You can apply for up to 9 secondary cards per principal account.
• A Secondary Card request form must be completed and submitted directly to Healthcard along with the secondary member’s ID document.
• Secondary cards can only be issued to persons who are registered as dependants on the principal applicant’s account.

What happens when you receive your HealthCard?

• The Healthcard is sent via registered mail to your postal address. A SMS will be sent to advise the postal tracking number.
• A Security Bank PIN number is mailed directly to your postal address and should be memorised to use when you swipe your card.
• Sign the reverse of the card with a ballpoint pen.
• Phone our Helpline on 011 796 6464 to activate the card.
• Keep your card in a safe place.
• Please remember to advise us, on the above number, when your card is stolen, lost or misplaced.
• Relevant questions are asked to verify that it is you who has received the card.
• We then activate the status of your card.
• The funding of your card will take place via your choice of a debit order, cash payments or electronic transfer, as specified on your application.
• You can now use your card as intended.