Tips on Selecting and Joining a Medical Aid in South Africa

Review Network Options for Savings

Medical schemes, like Discovery Health, Momentum Health, and Bonitas, offer discounted premiums through the use of Network plans. These plans require the use of designated network hospitals and providers.
In return, premium savings of up to 20% on monthly contributions (sometimes more) make quality private healthcare more affordable whilst not reducing benefits.

Network hospitals are carefully selected based on clinical outcomes, cost efficiency, and service quality, ensuring access to top-tier treatment for planned procedures, emergencies, and day-to-day needs.
A family on a mid-level plan might reduce contributions from R5,000 to R4,200 monthly.

Check the extent of the network providers in your area and penalties for out-of-network use. These plans suit cost-conscious members who prioritise premium savings over unlimited hospital choice.

Join a Gap Cover plan

Private doctors and specialists can charge what they want, often up to 5 times what your medical aid pays!

In addition, medical aids are increasingly charging co-payments for expensive procedures. Procedures like knee replacement surgery, colonoscopies, or using hospitals outside of your medical aid's network incur co-payments.

The only way to address the threat of you having to pay these high medical expenses is to join a Gap and CoPay plan today.

Many medical aid members have already done this and are stress-free medical aid members.

Instead of joining an expensive comprehensive plan (to avoid out-of-pocket costs), consider joining an in-hospital only benefit plan, combined with a separate Gap Cover policy.
This is often a cheaper option than a comprehensive plan. The premium savings may also fund the Gap cover!

Maximise Rewards Programs

Programs like Discovery Vitality or Momentum Multiply incentivise healthy behaviour.

By engaging with these programs, you can earn cash back on premiums, pharmacy spends, and gym memberships, effectively lowering the "net cost" of your medical aid and improving your health.

These rewards can reduce your effective premium by thousands.

Avoid Late Joiner Penalties

If you are young and healthy, do not wait too long before joining a medical aid.

South African regulations allow schemes to impose "Late Joiner Penalties" on individuals over 35 who haven't had prior cover.
These can be as high as 75% per month, depending on your age when joining, so applying early ensures you pay the standard rate (with annual increases) for life.

Use an Independent Medical Aid Broker

It costs you nothing, as brokers are paid by the medical schemes, not you. You get expert, independent advice at zero cost!

We will find you the right medical aid for your needs and budget.

For over 30 years we have helped many members get medical aid and we know how medical aid works!

Always Compare Quotes from Several Major Schemes

Never accept the first quote you receive.
We will provide quotes that compare rates for plans that meet your needs, completely free!

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Choose the Right Plan for Your Stage of Life

A young healthy couple doesn't need Executive cover.

A family with teenagers needs strong day-to-day benefits.

Use us to instantly match your family needs to the perfect plan.

We offer free expert help to choose the right medical aid plan for your family.