Updated 10.03.2023

Best Medical Aid in South Africa 2023

Studies have shown that about 9.4 million South Africans use Medical Aid. With the most medical aid members being in Tshwane. You might wonder why so many South Africans use medical cover!

The reason is that government hospitals do not always offer the best care and with private hospitals being excellent, the cost for medical expenses can also be incredibly expensive.

Many private hospitals ask for cash upfront if you do not have Medical Aid. If you’re in an emergency situation, private hospitals will stabilise you by law, but then transport you to a government hospital, if you do not have medical aid. That is why it is a good idea to have a medical aid plan if you want the best medical care in South Africa.

The question needs to be asked though, who are the best medical aid providers in South Africa?

There are so many medical schemes and products to choose from, the price of these will usually increase with your life stage as you tend to be more at risk the older you are. Leep reading for the top 7 best medical aid plans in South Africa.

# Discovery Medical Aid

Discovery has the largest amount of beneficiaries by far. Currently, Discovery is helping over 2.5 million beneficiaries with medical costs. You might wonder why so many South Africans choose Discovery medical aid plans. Here is why:

Discovery offers 27 different types of medical aid plans and over 7 scheme categories.
You receive Vitality Rewards, which can help you earn discounts on gym memberships, movie tickets and so many other things. You can even receive benefit options such as discovery miles, which can help you buy plane tickets for when you travel.
No limits for hospital cover on any Discovery Medical aid schemes.
You have the option go to any private hospital on most medical aid schemes.
You also receive access to screening and prevention benefits that help you test to detect any serious illness that might be lurking.
Discovery also offers day to day benefits once your savings have been depleted.
Prices range from R839 – R6 541

# Bonitas Medical Aid

Bonitas medical aid comes in second to Discovery with 8.3% of the total market share in South Africa. Bonitas has 731,500 beneficiaries. This is why so many South Africans choose Bonitas medical aid plans.

Bonitas offers a managed care programme, that helps you manage chronic illnesses such as HIV, Cancer and mental health problems.
Offering 13 plans, across 9 different schemes.
They offer comprehensive cover for 27 to 60 different chronic conditions and they deliver your medication for free.
If you have 4 or more children, they will receive free medical cover. So you just have to pay for your first 3 children.
Prices range between R1 009 – R6 438

# Momentum Medical Aid

Many South Africans are really happy with Momentum Health. Momentum health is the third-largest medical aid in South Africa, with 284,400 clients. Momentum also offers a variety of options. You can choose between state, open and network hospitals.

You have the choice of 33 plans with 6 different scheme categories.
There are no annual limits when it comes to hospitalization.
Momentum also offers medical scheme benefits with its rewards programme
They cover between 26 and 62 chronic illnesses
Prices range between R401 – R8 342

# BestMed Medical Aid

Best Med has been a medical aid provider for the past 52 years in South Africa. They have about 200 000 beneficiaries. Many South Africans choose BestMed aid for the following reasons.

BestMed is self-administrated. This means that more of your money goes towards benefits and not towards admin.
There are no self-payment gaps.
BestMed has fewer co-payments in comparison to other medical aid schemes.
They also tailor-make corporate solutions, which is great, because they understand that every corporate has different needs and may want a custom option.
Offer 11 plans across 3 different schemes.
Prices range between R1 335 – R7 330

# MediHelp Medical Aid

MediHelp has just under 200 000 beneficiaries. This is a great medical aid scheme that’s offers extensive cover. Their website is easy to use and they offer awesome customer service.

MediHelp offers 7 plans across 4 scheme categories
They offer a maternity plan
They offer full cover for over 270 PMBs and 26 other chronic illnesses
No limit for hospital cover
They offer unlimited cover for emergencies and trauma
If you have Prime options, you only have to pay for your first 2 children, and the rest are covered for free.
MediHelp also has an emergency app.
Prices range between R1 448 – R4 698

# Fedhealth Medical Aid

Fedhealth has amazingly been around since 1936. How is that for a long legacy? Fedhealth also offers a variety of medical aid options for its members at affordable prices.

Offering all cover for hospitalisation
They also have the option for network hospitals and doctors
They cover 25 chronic conditions
You can also choose added benefits, like specialised medication and Day to day cover.
Prices range between R1 611 – R3 031

# Medshield Medical Aid

Medshield has merged with Oxygen Medical Aid. They have approximately 110 000 members. Medshield has been around since 1968, making Medshield one of the most knowledgeable and trustworthy medical aid plans in South Africa. Medshild has also received a global credit rating of AA-.

Offering a free programme for those with HIV/AIDS.
They also offer an oncology programme for cancer patients
They also offer their members free access to emergency services.
Their prices are affordable and they offer a hospital plan for everyone.

These medical aid schemes have been rated as the top medical aid cover providers in South Africa. Hospital plans and private hospital cover are available from many other providers in South Africa, but these above-mentioned are some of the most popular within the medical aid industry. They have the best ratings and the longest track record for hospital treatment in the country. So you can be sure that you will receive the best customer service, peace of mind and payouts if you use any of these medical aid schemes. See also best life insurance in South Africa.

It would be a good idea to compare prices and monthly contribution for each scheme and then see which medical scheme would suit you best. It’s important to have medical aid in South Africa. Sadly in the news lately there have been a few horror stories of how people were refused care at government hospitals. If you want the best health care for you and your family, make sure to have a look at these awesome medical aid plans.

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