Evaluate practical entry-level options such as Medical Aid and Medical Insurance, and then make your decision.
Medical Aid vs Insurance: What’s the Difference?
Medical Insurance
Generally cheaper on a monthly basis, geared towards meeting the general health needs, including general practitioner services, medication, and basic health testing. Generally cheaper but usually do not provide full coverage in hospitals.
Medical Aid
Usually much more comprehensive with a more complete coverage for hospitals and chronic diseases, but usually much costlier. Ideal for those who need comprehensive insurance.
Much more comprehensive, covering more areas in hospitals and chronic diseases, but definitely more costly. Very much recommended for individuals who need comprehensive insurance coverage.
Income-related aspects of SASSA’s approach: there are policies designed to function effectively in poorer areas, like Momentum Ingwe, Bonitas BonCap, and Thebemed EDO (where permitted by service providers).
Unofficial information: Prices quoted above are approximate prices that one might start contributing from. The actual price will depend on age, dependants, salary and choice of plan.
IMPORTANT: Always confirm the costs and benefits offered by each individual service provider and CMS. This webpage is for informational purposes only. Free public clinics still exist
Medical Cover Comparison at a Glance
| Provider | Type | Entry Plan | From (monthly) | Hospital | Day-to-day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makoti | Medical Aid | Primary Option | ~R406 | Network hospital cover | Basic (limited) |
| Discovery | Medical Insurance | Flexicare | ~R459 | None (day-to-day focus) | Four direct GP visits, meds, vaccines |
| Dis-Chem | Medical Insurance | MyHealth Core | ~R549 | None (day-to-day focus) | Unlimited/limited GP, meds, dentistry, eye, tests |
| Momentum | Medical Aid | Ingwe Option | ~R589–R645 | Network-based private hospital cover | Entry-level cover limited outside network |
| Thebemed | Medical Aid | Universal EDO | ~R625–R680 | Network hospitals (DSPs like Mediclinic/Netcare) | Primary care focus, PMB chronic cover |
| Dis-Chem | Medical Insurance | MyHealth Plus | ~R765 | None (day-to-day focus) | All Core + specialists, unlimited docs/scripts |
| Bestmed | Medical Aid | Beat1 Network | ~R950–R2,269 | Network hospital access on entry plans | Basic day-to-day and chronic depending on basket |
| Bonitas | Medical Aid | BonStart | ~R1,000–R1,603 | Hospital network plans available | Basic GP and chronic support depending on option |
| Discovery | Medical Aid | KeyCare Start | ~R1,100–R1,184 | Network hospitals only | Very limited, mostly network GP and clinic benefits |
| Fedhealth | Medical Aid | flexiFED 1 / Savvy | ~R1,100–R1,155 | Private hospital network cover | Savings-linked structure on some options |
✅ Pros
- ✓Ultra-low entry price
- ✓Income-based scaling
- ✓Basic chronic support
⚠️ Check Before Joining
- •Strict network rules
- •Limited extras on entry level
✅ Pros
- ✓Cheapest entry point
- ✓Easy access at Clicks stores
- ✓Cashback reduces effective cost
⚠️ Check Before Joining
- •No hospital cover
- •Insurance, not full medical aid
✅ Pros
- ✓Pharmacy rewards
- ✓Basic private access
- ✓Rewards offset cost
⚠️ Check Before Joining
- •No hospital cover
- •Insurance, not full aid
✅ Pros
- ✓Unlimited consultations
- ✓Specialist access
- ✓Good for ongoing needs
⚠️ Check Before Joining
- •Still no hospital cover
- •Higher than Core but still affordable
✅ Pros
- ✓Affordable entry options
- ✓Clear in-hospital benefits
- ✓Strong admin support
⚠️ Check Before Joining
- •Out-of-network limited
- •Day-to-day claims capped
✅ Pros
- ✓Efficiency discount for affordability
- ✓Chronic PMB support
- ✓Network hospital access
⚠️ Check Before Joining
- •Income-based increases
- •DSP restrictions
✅ Pros
- ✓Lower entry options
- ✓No self-payment gaps
- ✓Family-oriented
⚠️ Check Before Joining
- •Benefits tight for specialists
- •Confirm network
✅ Pros
- ✓Competitive entry pricing
- ✓Established scheme
- ✓Network choices
⚠️ Check Before Joining
- •Benefits vary by option
- •Co-payments possible
✅ Pros
- ✓Strong hospital footprint
- ✓Digital tools
- ✓Well-known
⚠️ Check Before Joining
- •Strict network rules
- •Out-of-network high costs
✅ Pros
- ✓Flexible structure
- ✓Digital tools
- ✓National access
⚠️ Check Before Joining
- •Savings can run out
- •Understand tiers
Things to Know Before Buying
Public care first
Healthcare services rendered via clinics and public hospitals remain at the heart of the provision of health services to the majority of those who have access to such grants. In the case of privately insured individuals.
Aid vs insurance
Affordable insurance on a day-to-day basis could be helpful for GP visits and prescriptions, but it will not include insurance against hospitalization. Medical insurance is generally broader and
Networks and waiting periods
Entry plans normally include a certain set of hospitals, GPs, or chemists. Leaving the network could lead to exorbitant co-pays. Verify the waiting periods of hospitals and chronic cover before depending on the insurance.
Debit orders and payday
Align your debit dates with your SASSA payment cycle so that your premium does not bounce back. The bounced debits will put your benefits on hold. Leave some room between your payday and
Medical Cover FAQs
Is it necessary to get any form of medical assistance if I have been receiving a SASSA grant? ▾
No. Many beneficiaries of grants use public health facilities without charge.
What is the difference between medical aid and medical insurance? ▾
Health Aid Schemes have varying regulations and have good hospital cover. Health insurance is more affordable than medical aids and concentrates on daily health care.
How much of my grant should be used for cover? ▾
Another such rule is the one that states that your health insurance premium must not be so high as to deny you access to food.
Are there any medical aid programs based on income? ▾
Some schemes allow for lower contributions from employees with lower incomes, based on their proof of income levels.
Prior to signing, what should I ensure? ▾
Clarify waiting periods, network hospitals/pharmacies, chronic drug rules, and whether you have hospital cover, and also when the debit order falls in relation to your SASSA payment.
Is this page giving any financial or medical advice? ▾
No. AllSASSA provides only general comparative information. Please consult the service provider, a registered advisor, or a clinic in relation to your health and insurance needs.