Compare / Medical Aid

Medical Aid - Compare Plans & Prices

Compare medical aid schemes from South Africa's top providers. Find the right balance between cover and affordability.

Medical Aid vs Health Insurance

Medical aid schemes are regulated by the Medical Schemes Act and must cover Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs). Health insurance is different - it's a fixed payout product. Most South Africans need proper medical aid cover for comprehensive healthcare.

Discovery

Executive Plan

Provided by Discovery Health

Vitality rewards Unlimited GP visits Comprehensive cover

Hospital Cover

Unlimited

Monthly (Single)

From R5,500

Discovery

Classic Comprehensive

Provided by Discovery Health

Day-to-day benefits Chronic cover Maternity benefits

Hospital Cover

Unlimited

Monthly (Single)

From R3,200

Discovery

KeyCare Plus

Provided by Discovery Health

Affordable entry GP network Basic chronic cover

Hospital Cover

Network hospitals

Monthly (Single)

From R1,800

Bonitas

Platinum Delta

Provided by Bonitas

No co-payments Full chronic cover Dental included

Hospital Cover

Unlimited

Monthly (Single)

From R4,800

Bonitas

BonFit Select

Provided by Bonitas

Affordable option Selected providers Basic benefits

Hospital Cover

Network hospitals

Monthly (Single)

From R2,100

Momentum

Pace 4

Provided by Momentum Health

Multiply rewards Full day-to-day Travel cover

Hospital Cover

Unlimited

Monthly (Single)

From R3,800

Momentum

Ingwe Option

Provided by Momentum Health

Budget-friendly Essential cover Chronic benefits

Hospital Cover

Network hospitals

Monthly (Single)

From R1,600

Medshield

Dimension Comprehensive

Provided by Medshield

Full benefits No GP limits Optical included

Hospital Cover

Unlimited

Monthly (Single)

From R3,500

GEMS

Plus Series

Provided by GEMS

Government employees Comprehensive cover Chronic benefits

Hospital Cover

Unlimited

Monthly (Single)

From R2,800

Medihelp

Essential Core

Provided by Medihelp

Essential benefits Chronic cover Dental basics

Hospital Cover

PMB hospitals

Monthly (Single)

From R2,200

Types of Medical Aid Plans

Comprehensive

Full hospital + day-to-day benefits. Best cover but highest premiums.

Hospital Plans

Hospital cover only. You pay for GP visits out of pocket. More affordable.

Network Options

Use designated hospitals/doctors for lower premiums. Great for budget-conscious families.

Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs)

All medical aids MUST cover PMBs by law. These include:

  • • Emergency treatment regardless of your plan
  • • 270 defined conditions like diabetes, HIV, and cancer
  • • 25 chronic conditions (Chronic Disease List)
  • • Pregnancy & maternity benefits

Important Considerations

  • • Waiting periods: Most schemes have 3-month general and 12-month condition-specific waiting periods
  • • Late joiner penalties: Joining after age 35 without prior cover may incur penalties
  • • Co-payments: Some plans require you to pay a portion of hospital bills
  • • Annual increases: Premiums typically increase 8-12% each year

Disclaimer:

Premiums shown are indicative starting prices for principal members only. Family rates and dependent costs vary. All medical aid schemes are regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes. This is not financial advice - consider consulting a registered healthcare broker for personalised recommendations.