Bonitas Member Magazine December 2016 | Page 29

LET US HELP YOU WITH THIRD PARTY CLAIMS As a Bonitas member, we try to assist you wherever possible. When you’re involved in a car accident or are accidentally injured at work or in a public place where a third party may be liable for your medical costs (such as slipping on a wet floor in a shopping mall), we can help you get the assistance you need from a reputable firm of attorneys, offering free thirdparty claims advice. If you’re involved in any kind of third party accident, follow these steps: 1. Get medical treatment as soon as possible We will cover treatment for injuries sustained in line with the Scheme Rules and your available benefits. 2. Call us on 0860 001 208 Ask for assistance on third party claims and we’ll transfer you to our legal advisor to discuss your rights and options with you. 3. Complete an accident questionnaire and member undertaking If you appear to have a valid third party claim, you will be asked to complete an accident questionnaire. This will assist in ensuring that you receive accurate advice. You will also need to sign a member undertaking that states you will pay Bonitas back if you reclaim the money which Bonitas may have paid on your behalf. 4. Confirm how you wish to proceed You can submit a claim through the Bonitas-contracted preferred provider who render the service. You should be aware that Bonitas has negotiated agreed lower tariffs with its contracted service provider. However, you may still choose to proceed by yourself or through your own attorney at their normal rates. 5. Taking the next steps Once all required legal documents have been submitted, the Bonitas contracted service provider will take care of the administration and ensure that all required documents for lodging a claim are obtained and that the required legal process is followed. 6. We’ll follow up for you We will regularly follow up with the third party in question and other stakeholders until a settlement has been reached and payment received. You can start a third party claim: • • • • To recover past medical expenses paid by Bonitas or from your own pocket To get an “Undertaking for future, associated medical and other expenses” from parties such as the Road Accident Fund. This will ensure that you are always covered for potential future medical costs that you have to pay as a result of the injuries sustained For general damages (such as pain and suffering), loss of support and/or loss of earnings subject to the requirements and provision of the relevant Act To recover funeral expenses Bonitas Member Magazine 2016 Issue 4 Page 28