Yes, you can. Within the medical aid industry, a beneficiary on your medical aid is known as a “dependant”. According to South Africa’s Medical Scheme Act, medical aid dependants can include the spouse or partner of the main member, as well as their biological children or father and mother – if they are financially dependent on the main member. Your boyfriend or girlfriend is also considered to be your spouse, provided they are living with you permanently.

For most medical aids in South Africa, the premium for a dependant is less than for the main member, so it makes sense to combine medical aid costs among one family. This is good to remember when choosing your medical aid plan, many of which are geared specifically towards families.