Affordable Medical Aid Under R1,000
Hospital cover without breaking the bank.
Medical aid in South Africa is expensive - there's no way around it. But you don't have to pay R3,000+ per month for basic protection.
If you're young, healthy, or simply on a tight budget, there are legitimate medical aid options under R1,000 per month that will cover you for hospitalisation. Here are your best options in 2025.
What You Get for Under R1,000
At this price point, expect hospital-focused cover with limited or no day-to-day benefits. You'll pay for GP visits and medication out of pocket, but you're protected against catastrophic hospital bills.
All options below include PMBs (Prescribed Minimum Benefits) - legally required cover for 270+ conditions including emergencies, chronic diseases, and maternity.
2025 Plans Under R1,000
Prices shown are for a single principal member. Family rates vary.
| Plan | Monthly |
|---|---|
KeyCare Start Discovery Health | R920 |
BonStart Bonitas | R850 |
Ingwe Option Momentum Health | R890 |
MediPhila Medshield | R780 |
Primary Select Selfmed | R920 |
Nectar Resolution Health | R680 |
Beat 1 Profmed | R950 |
Hospi-Plan Keyhealth | R720 |
Plan Details
KeyCare Start
Discovery HealthBonStart
BonitasIngwe Option
Momentum HealthMediPhila
MedshieldUnderstanding "Network Hospitals"
Most affordable plans use designated hospital networks or state hospitals with private ward upgrades. This is how they keep costs low.
What this means:
- • You must use specific hospitals in the network
- • Going out-of-network may mean co-payments
- • Networks include major hospital groups
Common networks include:
- • Netcare hospitals
- • Life Healthcare
- • Mediclinic (some plans)
- • National Hospital Network (NHN)
Hospital Plan vs Comprehensive: What's the Difference?
| Feature | Hospital Plan (Under R1k) | Comprehensive (R3k+) |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Admission | Covered (Network) | Covered (Any hospital) |
| GP Visits | Limited or out of pocket | Unlimited from savings |
| Medication | Chronic only (PMB) | From day-to-day savings |
| Specialists | PMB conditions only | Covered |
| Dental & Optical | Usually not covered | Included |
Tips for Maximising Cheap Medical Aid
- • Use the GP network: Many plans include limited GP visits at network doctors - use them!
- • Register for chronic benefits: If you have diabetes, hypertension, etc., register immediately for medication cover
- • Know your PMBs: Emergency care, cancer treatment, and 270+ conditions are covered by law
- • Add a gap cover policy: R150-R300/month extra can cover specialist shortfalls
- • Use state facilities for minor issues: Save your benefits for when you really need them
Important Warnings
- • Waiting periods apply: 3 months general, 12 months for pre-existing conditions
- • Late joiner penalties: If you're over 35 and haven't had medical aid before, expect higher premiums
- • Co-payments: Some plans require you to pay a portion of hospital bills - check the fine print
- • This is NOT health insurance: Avoid cheap "hospital cash plans" that are insurance products, not proper medical aid
Medical Aid vs Health Insurance - Know the Difference!
Many companies advertise "hospital cover from R200/month" - these are health insurance products, not medical aid schemes.
Medical Aid (What you want)
- • Pays hospital directly
- • Must cover PMBs by law
- • Regulated by CMS
- • No limits on claims for PMBs
Health Insurance (Be careful)
- • Pays YOU a fixed amount
- • May not cover full bill
- • Not regulated by CMS
- • Often has claim limits
Our Top Picks
Best Value: KeyCare Start (Discovery)
R920/month. Vitality integration, good hospital network, GP visits included. Best if you value rewards and app experience.
Cheapest: Nectar (Resolution)
R680/month. Pure hospital cover with PMBs. Best if you just need emergency protection and will pay for GP visits yourself.