How can I save on medical aid premiums by using a Healthcard to self-pay out-of-hospital costs?

One approach is to combine a hospital-only benefit option with a Healthcard for day-to-day out-of-hospital medical costs. This can reduce monthly premiums compared with plans that include built-in savings components, while still giving you a way to budget for routine medical expenses. By self-paying for GP visits, dental work, and medication, you can avoid the higher premiums of comprehensive plans while maintaining hospital cover for major events.

What makes the Agility Healthcard different from a traditional medical aid savings account?

The Agility Healthcard is a separate medical spending card rather than a medical aid savings account built into a scheme contribution. It can be used to budget for qualifying medical expenses and may offer more flexibility than a traditional medical aid savings structure, depending on the product terms. Unlike medical aid savings which are often 'use it or lose it,' the Healthcard can be used on your terms for various healthcare expenses.

How does combining a hospital-only plan with the Healthcard help control high medical aid costs?

A hospital-only plan is aimed at covering major in-hospital costs, while the Healthcard can be used for routine out-of-hospital expenses. This split approach may help some members manage healthcare spending more directly by separating day-to-day budgeting from hospital risk cover. It allows you to pay lower monthly premiums while still having a mechanism to cover routine healthcare costs.

Can I boost my medical savings with rewards using the Agility Platinum cash-back programme?

If the product includes a cash-back rewards programme, those rewards may help supplement funds set aside for future medical expenses. The exact value and rules would depend on the programme terms and qualifying transactions. This can be a valuable way to stretch your healthcare budget further when combined with disciplined spending.

What types of medical expenses can I pay for using the Healthcard that medical aids typically don't cover?

Depending on the product rules, the Healthcard may be used for certain out-of-hospital medical expenses such as co-payments, levies, medicines, and other qualifying healthcare costs that are not fully covered by a medical aid option. This can include over-the-counter medications, certain specialist consultations, and other expenses that fall outside your medical scheme's benefit structure.

Is the Healthcard a replacement for medical aid?

No, the Healthcard is not a replacement for medical aid. It is a supplementary tool designed to help you manage out-of-hospital healthcare expenses. You should maintain a registered medical aid plan, especially a hospital plan, to cover major medical events, chronic conditions, and Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs). The Healthcard works alongside your medical aid to give you more control over day-to-day healthcare spending.

How do I get an Agility Healthcard?

You can obtain an Agility Healthcard through an authorised broker or directly from the provider. The application process typically involves completing a form and providing identification. Once approved, you'll receive your card which can be loaded with funds for qualifying medical expenses. Contact our brokers for assistance with the application process and to understand if a Healthcard is right for your healthcare needs.

What are the fees associated with the Agility Healthcard?

The Agility Healthcard may have various fees including activation fees, monthly maintenance fees, and transaction fees. The exact fee structure depends on the specific product and plan you choose. Some plans may offer fee-free options for certain transactions. Always review the fee schedule before applying. Our brokers can explain all costs upfront and help you choose the most cost-effective option for your healthcare spending needs.

Home: bestmedicalaid.co.za

✅ Updated for 2026 • Compliant with Medical Schemes Act • Independent Information • Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) Aligned. FSP Licence 2995 and Medical Aid Accreditation BR 7428

Peter Pyburn - Authorised Financial Services Provider fully licensed to provide expert financial services since 1991.

Medical Aid Savings Debit Healthcard

Healthcard

Save on Your Medical Aid Premium

Self-pay out-of-hospital medical costs and take control of your premiums today.

Health Card Solutions in South Africa: A health card serves as your key to accessing medical scheme benefits, whether for private cover or the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) system. It simplifies hospital admissions, enables cashless treatment at network providers, and provides quick identity verification for claims. Available for individuals, families, and employers through registered medical schemes.

Who: Medical scheme members and NHI registrants
What: Identification and access tool for healthcare benefits
Why: Streamlines admissions, reduces paperwork, enables cashless care
Where/When: Available at accredited providers nationwide

Get your health card and compare plans today

The ideal way to make your medical aid VERY affordable!

Medical Aid is just so expensive! The greater the benefits you need - the higher the premium you pay!

So how do you make your medical aid affordable?

Medical aids offer 3 areas of cover;

RISK - in hospital benefits and must be the best you can afford!
SAVINGS from which you pay all your out-of-hospital costs.
CHRONIC illness.

Savings is the only benefit where you can save considerable costs!

Most medical aids offer a savings fund for your out-of-hospital costs. They advance you an amount of money (from which you pay these costs) and increase your monthly premium, to repay these funds over a year.

This is a loan you are forced you to take - you have no choice if you want to join that plan!
And the loan-repayment can be as high as 25% of your total premium! That is a lot!

The greatest risk of high medical costs we face is the costs of Private Hospitalisation.
I have never heard of a member going bankrupt over out-of-hospital costs.

Why not join a medical aid plan that offers unlimited private hospitalisation and self-pay your day to day costs?

This is a real way you can make your medical aid premium affordable and why the HealthCard Debit card is so popular!

The Agility Healthcard is like your very own medical savings account without the "forced loan" from a medical scheme!
It is a debit card allowing you to take full control of your healthcare expenses.
It only pays for medical costs, so you always have a way to pay for unplanned medical costs.
You budget on what you save monthly into the card.
It is independent of any medical aid scheme. You can use it with (or without) a medical aid.
Every year, you can withdraw any amount you need, to spend on whatever you want. You can't do that with a medical aid savings account!
Buy vitamins - most medical aids do not offer this benefit!
Pay for prescription medication - medical aids can limit what schedule medicines you can get.
Pay any levies and co-payments - a Gap plan ONLY pays in-hospital costs.
Ensure you have cover in case your medical scheme benefits are used up.

You can boost your savings by joining the Agility Platinum amazing cash-back rewards programme.
You could then use your rewards' cash-backs to further boost, supplement, or fund your savings!
Saving for medical costs has never been easier.

The Healthcard Debit Card works the same as most medical aids saving accounts - except that you pay for all out-of-hospital treatments using your Health Card!

Why not reduce your current medical aid premium?

Join a Hospital ONLY benefit plan (with dental benefits) and a debit Healthcard to help pay for your day-to-day costs.
And this plan pays dental costs as well!

It really is the ONLY way to control the high costs of medical aid!
You control your money and protect against your highest financial threat - private hospitalisation!
It compliments a Hospital Plan by providing a savings fund for those day-to-day and unforeseen out-of-hospital expenses.

What is the cost?

Get Your Free Quote

Talk to me — I am here to help you, at no charge.
Send me your questions and concerns. I'll answer them for you.

083 655 2164

You must consult the schemes/company product brochures and rules for comprehensive benefit descriptions.

We will offer you the best help at no cost!

How to Choose a Medical Aid

Easy-to-understand articles on medical aid.

Medical aid pays healthcare costs.
What if a disability stops your income?

Your Trusted, Qualified and Independent Financial Advisor
Trust isn't something you claim. It's something you earn.

Peter Pyburn, Authorised Financial Services Provider Peter Pyburn - Authorised Financial Services Provider has been fully licensed to provide expert financial services since 1991.
Based in Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, we specialise in comprehensive financial planning including: Death and Disability Cover, Retirement Planning, Investment Strategies, Medical Aid, Estate Planning.
FSP Licence 2995 and Medical Aid Accreditation BR 7428.

Why Choose Peter Pyburn?

✔ FSCA Registered Financial Services Provider
✔ Over a decade of hands-on experience
✔ Independent advice across multiple schemes like Discovery, Momentum, Bonitas, Fedhealth, Genesis, CompCare and Medshield.
✔ Focused on your long-term outcomes
✔ No Broker fee as the medical aid pay us.

LinkedIn

Please Share:

Council of Medical Schemes
Medical Disclosure

By submitting an enquiry you agree to us collecting the information in the fields above. Please refer to our POPI Manual.
Your data will be processed according to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) guidelines.

Important Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or healthcare advice.
Medical aid benefits are subject to change.
Please consult the medical aid brochure and speak to bestmedicalaid.co.za before making any decisions.

South African rights reserved.

By Peter Pyburn | CMS Broker Accreditation: BR 7428 | FSP Licence: #2995 (Licensed since 1991)
Regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS)

Last updated: September 21, 2026

This webpage is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or medical advice.
Contact bestmedicalaid.co.za for qualified for advice specific to your situation.