98Medical examinations for entitlement to full benefits

98 Medical examinations for entitlement to full benefits

(1)  A contributor is entitled to be treated as a full benefits contributor only as provided by this regulation.

(2)  A contributor who is not so entitled to be treated as a full benefits contributor is taken to be a limited benefits contributor.

(3)  A contributor becomes a full benefits contributor if –

(a) a medical practitioner employed or approved by the Commission has examined the contributor and has signed a certificate stating that, in his or her opinion, the contributor is not affected by any physical or mental defect likely to render the contributor incapable, before attaining the age of 60 years, of performing his or her duties; and

(b) after considering the certificate of the medical practitioner, the Commission accepts the contributor as a full benefits contributor.

(4)  A contributor who –

(a) does not undergo a medical examination referred to in subregulation (3) ; or

(b) having undergone such a medical examination, is not accepted by the Commission as a full benefits contributor –

is taken to be a limited benefits contributor and to remain such a contributor until he or she –

(c) undergoes a medical examination referred to in subregulation (3) and is accepted by the Commission as a full benefits contributor; or

(d) has, while being continuously employed, made contributions to the contributory scheme for a total period of 10 years, in which case he or she is taken to be a full benefits contributor.

(5)  For the purpose of subregulation (4)(d) , the total period of 10 years is not taken to include –

(a) any periods purchased under regulation 17 ; or

(b) any service while on sick leave without pay after the commencement day.