3 Best Hospital Plans under R1000 in South Africa
The 3 Best Hospital Plans under R1000 in South Africa revealed.
We tested them side by side and verified their hospital plans under R1000.
This is a complete guide to the best hospital plans under R1000 in South Africa.
In this in-depth guide you’ll learn:
- What is a Hospital Plan?
- Which hospital plans are most affordable?
- What do you get from a hospital plan?
- How to compare hospital plans against each other?
- What is the best way to sign up for a hospital plan?
So if you’re ready to go “all in” with the best hospital plans under R1000 in South Africa, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive right in…
Best Hospital Plans under R1000 in South Africa (2024)
| 🩺 Medical Aid | ✔️ Plans Under R1000? | ⚕️ Plan Offered | 💵 Pricing | 👉 Sign Up |
| 1. Discovery Health | Yes | Discovery KeyCare Plan | R1,102 per month | 👉 Apply Now |
| 2. NetCare | Yes | NetCare Hospital Plans | R280 per month | 👉 Apply Now |
| 3. MediHelp | Yes | MedElect Student Hospital Plan | R894 per month | 👉 Apply Now |
Other Cheap Hospital Cover Plans to consider in South Africa:
✅ You might also consider FedHealth Medical Aid Scheme plan called FlexiFed Savvy Option where the main Member can get cover from R965 per month subject.
✅ You might also consider Thebemed Medical Aid Scheme plan called Universal EDO where the main Member can get cover from R574 per month subject to income category.
3 Best Hospital Plans under R1000 in South Africa (2024)
- Discovery Health – Overall, Best Hospital Plan just over a R1000 in South Africa
- NetCare – Broadest Range of Low-Cost Medical Aid Plans
- Medihelp – Best Customer Service Medical Aid
A closer look at hospital plans for South Africans
👉 If you expect to need medical care while in the hospital, a hospital plan might help you pay for it. A percentage of your hospital bill, co-pay, and doctor’s fees will be covered by your plan.
👉 While some hospital plans may have more generous benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs, others may have stricter limitations and restrictions.
👉 Plans only reimburse you for money you spend while actually in the hospital, so keep that in mind. You will have to pay for things like urgent medication and doctor’s appointments outside of the hospital.
👉 Nonetheless, the Medical Schemes Act mandates that all medical aid plans, including hospital plans, cover prescriptions for a list of 27 chronic diseases known as the Prescribed Minimum Benefits, regardless of whether or not the insured person is hospitalised (PMBs).
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👉 Pre-authorization from your provider is required prior to hospital admission unless you are admitted due to an emergency and the hospital arranges your admittance with your provider.
👉 A general waiting time of three months during which no claims will be paid may be imposed by any medical assistance provider, and a 12-month exclusion for any pre-existing medical conditions may be imposed by any provider.
👉 When someone suffers an accident, they do not need to wait to be admitted to the hospital. If the inpatient stay starts during the waiting period and continues for longer than the waiting period, no benefits will be paid.
Why hospital plans are not medical aid plans
👉 Over 7 million people in South Africa are enrolled in one of the roughly 160 medical aid plans available. Almost R35 billion is contributed annually to various medical schemes (according to the Council for Medical Schemes – 2006).
👉 Think about the fact that there are more than 47 million people living in South Africa! Fifteen per cent or fewer of South Africans are enrolled in a medical aid plan or have hospitalisation coverage.
👉 Several hospital and health care plans are not available to the general public. Even though there are 160 medical plans, only roughly 30 are available to the general population. Due to consolidation, this number may decline over time.
👉 In most cases, hospitalisation is required before a hospital plan will pay for any medical expenses, including prescription medication. Benefits of a daily nature are rarely covered (plan dependent).
👉 This is why hospital-only plans are much more affordable than comprehensive medical aid plans (where both hospital cover and day-to-day benefits are included).
👉 If you are young and healthy and do not anticipate any major medical needs in the near future, a hospital plan may be the best choice for your medical aid (e.g. optometry, dentistry, medication, doctor visits etc.)
👉 Basic dental care and a few other non-hospital services may be covered by some hospital plans. The Specified Minimum Benefits mandate that all medical assistance and hospital plans cover 27 chronic diseases.
👉 Read more about the Best Medical Aids for Physiotherapy in South Africa
How to choose an affordable hospital plan
👉 Some believe that the high cost of medical aid stems from the fact that only the most comprehensive policies can protect their loved ones. Everyone’s healthcare requirements are unique, and as a result, everyone’s healthcare habits are varied.
👉 These top-tier policies are created to give premium comprehensive protection at a cost commensurate with this level of protection. Although substantial protection is nice to have, it is not necessary for the average person.
👉 If hospital plans are effective in meeting their intended purpose, they can be reasonably priced. This means that when you select a plan that is tailored to your individual healthcare needs, you will either save money or avoid incurring excessive costs.
👉 You are the most knowledgeable about your own health and treatment requirements. Identifying the greatest quality, most cost-effective hospital plan for you can be made easy with the following guidelines:
➡️ Evaluate your budget
👉 Find out how much money you may put aside each month for medical care. You won’t get very far with a hospital plan if you can’t afford the regular premiums. You may narrow down the seemingly endless options by first determining your budget.
➡️ Assess your healthcare needs
👉 When it comes to your health, nobody is more knowledgeable than you are. You are aware of the medical conditions you have, the frequency with which you become ill, the frequency with which you seek medical attention, and the total amount of money you have spent on your medical needs.
👉 Get the most out of this knowledge by using it to zero in on a plan that provides the services you require. A hospital plan may be adequate protection against unexpectedly high hospital charges if, for instance, you rarely visit the doctor.
➡️ Compare the different plans
👉 You can begin comparing plans now that you have settled on a scheme (or many), your healthcare requirements, and your financial constraints. Using your criteria as a checklist, you may eliminate any strategies that won’t work financially or won’t provide the features you need most.
👉 To narrow down your alternatives to the best, you should get rid of the ones you are unsure about. Make sure you learn about all the perks, extras, and trips that come with each package. It’s not the most exciting way to spend a Sunday, but it’s definitely worthwhile.
1. Discovery Health
Overview
👉 By the end of the year 2019, Discovery Health Medical Plan (DHMS) has 2,808,106 members, making it the largest open medical scheme in South Africa, as reported in the Commission for Medical Schemes Quarterly Report for the quarter that ended 30 June 2019.
👉 Under the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, as amended, the Commission for Medical Schemes has the power to conduct investigations. The System is open to anyone who fits the requirements because it is a publicly sponsored healthcare programme.
👉 All policy decisions are made with the goal of aiding Scheme members in mind. Discovery uses shared values to find common ground between individual needs and the collective goals of the Scheme.
👉 In South Africa, members of Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS or the Scheme) have access to a pooled fund that is administered with a focus on social solidarity rather than commercial gain in order to pay for their medical costs.
Discovery Hospital Plans are Available at Under R1000
👉 Discovery Health offers a comprehensive hospital plan that costs less than R1,000 per month in 2023. With the yearly escalation it is just over a R1,000 for 2024
The KeyCare Series
👉 The hospital networks that KeyCare is affiliated with allow for extensive medical coverage. No co-pays or deductibles apply to KeyCare network specialists, and up to 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for visits to non-network providers (DHR).
👉 Maternal and infant health are prioritised from the time of conception onwards.
👉 Benefits such as coverage for diagnostic testing, prescription medicine, and more are included in both KeyCare Plus and KeyCare Start, and patients can visit their primary care physician as often as they like within the KeyCare network.
👉 All diseases on the KeyCare Chronic Disease List are covered when patients see an in-network provider for treatment (DSP). Your level of protection depends on the medical aid you purchase.
➡️ The KeyCare plan is available at R1,102 per month (Main Member)
➡️ The KeyCare plan is available at R664 per month (Child)
How Much Are Discovery Medical Aid Monthly Premiums?
👉 Monthly premiums start from R1,102 per member for the KeyCare Series with medical cover for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital treatment by providers in a specified network and goes up to R10,303 per member for the Executive Plan with extensive cover for in-hospital and day-to-day benefits, extended chronic medicine cover, and unlimited Above Threshold Benefit.
What Is the Waiting Period for Discovery Medical Aid’s Benefits?
👉 Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s general waiting period is 3 consecutive months, and the condition-specific waiting period is 12 consecutive months.
How to Claim for Discovery Medical Aid Benefits
👉 You can submit a claim fast and easily in the following ways:
➡️ Scan and upload your claims on the website.
➡️ Scan and email your claims to [email protected].
➡️ Use the Discovery app on your smartphone. If the claim has a QR code, scan the QR code or alternatively take a photo of the claim from within the app.
➡️ You can also submit your claims by post.
Discovery Medical Aid Contact Details
PO Box 784262,
Sandton,
2146
Phone: 0860 99 88 77
2. NetCare
Overview
👉 Netcare Ltd began as an investment holding company and has now grown to employ 29,000 employees across its many businesses.
👉 Investment in growing and enhancing capabilities and capacities, as well as engagement with the public sector, are two ways in which the Netcare Group works towards its goal of improving the efficiency of national healthcare systems in which it operates.
👉 Netcare is a frontrunner in the healthcare industry because of its dedication to cutting-edge research and development, high standards of clinical excellence, and genuine care for each individual patient.
👉 Thanks to the flexible payment plans and wide range of doctors in the NetCare network, you may get the best private medical care on an as-needed basis.
👉 New products from NetCare include options both for charitable giving and for meeting your own family’s healthcare need.
👉 These plans help you plan ahead for routine doctor’s visits and other medical needs by covering any costs that may arise unexpectedly.
👉 South Africa’s largest network of private hospitals, primary care clinics, emergency rooms, and dialysis centres are all managed by NetCare.
👉 The Group also provides mental health and psychiatric care through Akeso, dialysis services through National Renal Care, basic healthcare, subacute care, day surgery, occupational health, and employee wellness services through Medicross, and emergency medical services through Netcare 911.
👉 When it comes to emergency medical and nursing education, few private institutions can compare to NetCare.
NetCare Hospital Plans Available at Under R1000
👉 NetCare offers a comprehensive hospital plan that costs less than R1000 per month.
NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover
👉 NetcarePlus Accident and Trauma Insurance cover medical expenses at a wide selection of private hospitals and contractual facilities in the event of an accident or trauma.
👉 Injuries sustained by patients as a result of physical impact (such as those sustained in automobile accidents, assaults, or falls) will be treated, so those patients who have no other access to medical care can rest easy.
➡️ NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover is available from R280.00 per month
How Much Are Netcare Medical Scheme’s Monthly Premiums?
👉 NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover are available from R280.00 per month.
What Is the Waiting Period for NetCare Benefits?
👉 Depending on the medical aid scheme you join, the average waiting period for NetCare benefits is three months. Pre-existing conditions have a 12-month waiting period.
How to Claim for Benefits from NetCare Medical Scheme
👉 Members can submit claims using one of the following:
➡️ Select a product you would like to submit a claim for
➡️ Email NetCare at [email protected]
NetCare Medical Scheme Contact Details
76 Maude Street,
Corner West Street,
Sandton,
2196
Phone: 0860 638 2273
Email: [email protected]
3. Medihelp
Overview
👉 In its capacity as a self-administered medical aid, Medihelp’s sole mission is to serve its members by satisfying their healthcare requirements.
👉 Medihelp welcomes all South Africans, whether you’re a student, a new employee looking to join a medical aid for the first time, a business owner in need of a solid healthcare plan for your staff, or the head of a family with expanding medical requirements.
Medihelp Hospital Plans Available at Under R1000
👉 Medihelp offers a comprehensive hospital plan that costs less than R1000 per month.
MedElect Student Hospital Plan
👉 MedElect’s quality networks enable comprehensive coverage at an affordable premium while you concentrate on your studies.
👉 The plan includes the following benefits:
➡️ Network GPs & virtual consultations
➡️ Medication
➡️ Provision for out-of-network GP visits
➡️ Physiotherapy & occupational therapy
➡️ Dental and optical care
➡️ A care extender benefit
➡️ Contraceptives
➡️ Benefits for health tests, cover for vaccinations and screenings
➡️ Cover for quality network private hospitalisation with no overall annual limit
➡️ Trauma and emergency medical cover
➡️ Specialised radiology benefit
➡️ Post-hospital benefit to help you recover after hospitalisation
How Much Are Medihelp Medical Scheme’s Monthly Premiums?
👉 Medihelp monthly premiums range from R894.00 pm for the student hospital plan, R2 022.00 pm for the MedVital Plan, R2 676.00 pm for the MedAdd Savings plans, and R3 918.00 pm for MedPrime Elect plan.
Medihelp Medical Scheme offers the following plans
Medihelp offers 11 medical aid plans
- ➡️ MediHelp Medprime
- ➡️ MediHelp MedPrime Elect
- ➡️ MediHelp MedPlus
- ➡️ MediHelp MedElite
- ➡️ MediHelp MedVital
- ➡️ MediHelp MedVital Elect
- ➡️ MediHelp MedSaver
- ➡️ MediHelp MedMove
- ➡️ MediHelp MedElect
- ➡️ MediHelpMedAdd
- ➡️ MediHelp MedAdd Elect
What Is the Waiting Period for Medihelp Benefits?
👉 Depending on the medical aid scheme you join, the average waiting period for NetCare benefits is three months. Pre-existing conditions have a 12-month waiting period.
How to Claim Benefits from Medihelp Medical Scheme
👉 Members can submit claims using one of the following:
👉 Doctors and healthcare practitioners usually submit claims for their services directly to Medihelp on your behalf, but some healthcare practitioners require you to pay their accounts first and then claim a refund from Medihelp.
👉 To ensure that your claim is valid according to the Medical Schemes Act and Medihelp’s Rules, please ensure that the following details appear on the printed account:
➡️ Your membership number and correct dependant code (e.g., “01” for the principal member)
➡️ The member’s name and surname
➡️ The name, surname and date of birth of the patient
➡️ Medihelp Medical Scheme – not “Private” (this has tax implications)
➡️ The healthcare practitioner’s name and practice number
➡️ Your proof of payment (attached)
➡️ The amount you have paid
➡️ The amount charged per item
➡️ The relevant codes such as ICD-10, NAPPI and item codes
➡️ The date on which the service/procedure was rendered/performed
Medihelp Medical Scheme Contact Details
086 0100 678
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hospital plan for less than R1000 in South Africa?
✅ A medical insurance plan known as a hospital plan for less than R1000 in South Africa covers hospital-related medical costs up to a daily maximum of R1000. For people who want hospitalization insurance but don’t want to pay for more extensive medical coverage, it is an affordable option.
What does a hospital plan under R1000 cover?
✅ An in-hospital medical expense such as hospital lodging, surgery, anesthesia, or other hospital-related procedures is typically covered by a hospital plan under R1000. It is important to remember that this plan might not cover specific operations, treatments, or medications. It is crucial to properly read the policy in order to comprehend what it covers.
How do I sign up for a hospital plan under R1000 in South Africa?
👉🏾 You can get in touch with an insurance company that provides this kind of cover if you want to enroll in a hospital plan in South Africa for less than R1000. 👉🏾 They will give you important details and help you finish the application procedure.
What are the benefits of having a hospital plan under R1000?
✅ In-hospital medical costs can be covered by a hospital plan under R1000 without incurring a substantial cost. For individuals who wish to make sure they are protected for unforeseen hospitalization without paying for more expensive medical aid, it is a cost-effective solution.
Can I add additional coverage to a hospital plan under R1000?
✅ Depending on the insurer and the policy, it may be able to upgrade a hospital plan under R1000 to include additional coverage. However, as this could incur additional costs, it is crucial to carefully weigh your options and make sure the extra coverage is required and affordable for your particular circumstances.
👉🏾 READ more about the Gap Cover under R500
