5 Best Hospital Plans under R3000 in South Africa
The 5 Best Hospital Plans under R3000 in South Africa revealed.
We tested them side by side and verified their hospital plans.
This is a complete guide to the best hospital plans under Three Thousand Rand in South Africa.
In this in-depth guide you’ll learn:
- 💙 What is a hospital plan?
- 💙 How do you find an affordable hospital plan in South Africa under R3000
- 💙 How to choose the best affordable hospital plan for your needs?
- 💙Difference between R2000 and R3000 hospital cover.
- 💙 How to compare hospital plans against each other?
- 💙 How do you choose the best hospital plan for your family?
So if you’re ready to go “all in” with the best hospital plans under R3000 in South Africa, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive right in…
Best Hospital Plans under R3000 in South Africa (2024)
| 🩺 Medical Aid | ✔️ Plans Under R3000? | ⚕️ Plan Offered | 💵 Pricing | 👉 Sign Up |
| 1. Bonitas | Yes | BonEssential Select | R2 033 per member, per month | 👉 Apply Now |
| 2. Discovery Health | Yes | KeyCare network, KeyCare Plus and KeyCare Start | R1,102 per member, per month | 👉 Apply Now |
| 3. Momentum Medical Aid | Yes | Incentive Plan | R2 354 per member, per month | 👉 Apply Now |
| 4. Medihelp | Yes | MedVital Elect | R2022 per main member, per month. Dependents are less. | 👉 Apply Now |
| 5. FedHealth | Yes | FlexiFED 1 | R1 583 per member, per month | 👉 Apply Now |
5 Best Hospital Plans under R3000 (2024*)
- Bonitas – Overall, Best Hospital Plans under R3000 in South Africa
- Discovery Health – Top Extensive Medical Protection in South Africa
- Momentum Health – Broadest Range of Low-Cost Hospital Plans
- Medihelp – Affordable Healthcare plans
- Fedhealth – Best Customer Service Medical Aid
Understanding hospital plans in South Africa
👉 A hospital plan assists you in paying for medical expenses that may emerge if you are hospitalised. Your plan will pay a set amount towards your admission, stay, doctor’s fees, and other expenses.
👉 Some hospital plans offer more benefits and have fewer co-payments, while others have tougher rules, exclusions, and limits.
👉 It is crucial to realise that hospital plans only cover expenses spent while in the hospital. You will be responsible for out-of-hospital expenses such as GP visits and acute medicines.
👉 However, even if you are not hospitalised, all medical aid plans, including hospital plans, are required to provide prescription coverage for a set list of 27 chronic conditions stated in the Medical Schemes Act as Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs).
👉 Except in the case of an emergency, when the hospital will arrange admittance with your provider, you will need to acquire pre-authorization from your provider before being admitted to the hospital.
👉 All medical aids have the authority to impose a three-month general waiting period during which no claims will be paid, as well as a 12-month exclusion for any pre-existing medical conditions.
👉 There are no waiting periods for hospitalisation due to an accident. Benefits will not be provided if the commencement date of the hospitalisation falls within the waiting period and the hospitalisation lasts longer than the waiting period.
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The difference between a hospital plan and a medical aid
👉 Medical aid provides far greater coverage than hospital plans. A hospital plan covers treatment and medical expenditures incurred while the insured is in the hospital, but a comprehensive medical aid plan covers hospital charges as well as other private medical needs such as specialist consultations, GP visits, and further tests or procedures.
👉 A hospital plan is less expensive than full medical aid, thus it may be a useful alternative for people with lower incomes or who are in better health and want access to private healthcare.
👉 Because medical aid hospital plans cover the 25 required minimum benefit chronic diseases, your decision should be impacted by whether you are willing to self-fund other general out-of-hospital expenses rather than paying the higher monthly premium for comprehensive medical aid.
👉 The difference between a medical aid and a hospital plan explained in more detail.
The benefits of getting a hospital plan
👉 Every medical scheme has its own set of packages, and hospital plans may differ from one scheme to the next. However, there are some key differences between hospital plans and medical aid.
👉 A hospital plan, for obvious reasons, only covers surgeries and treatments performed in a hospital. That is the most important factor to consider while deciding between packages.
👉 If you want a safety net to cover unexpected accidents or significant expenditures associated with being hospitalised, this plan may be right for you.
👉 A hospital plan isn’t the ideal option if you want comprehensive coverage for day-to-day services, specialist appointments, and regular visits to your general practitioner. However, in other circumstances, less expensive hospital coverage may be preferable.
👉 Hospital plans provide the following advantages:
➡️ Premiums are less expensive than full coverage choices.
➡️ When you employ a Designated Service Provider (DSP), you have very few restrictions on your service and are frequently limited to no co-payments.
➡️ It is available when you need it the most, such as when a dependent is unexpectedly hospitalised.
➡️ It must cover a specific list of chronic illnesses.
People that should consider a hospital plan
👉 If you don’t have any health problems, rarely need to see a doctor, and don’t use medications on a regular basis, you might want to look into a hospital plan.
👉 Your budget is another reason that may make a hospital plan the safest option. It makes no difference if you have the best medical aid plan if you continually miss payments because you can’t afford it.
👉 If you don’t spend a large portion of your monthly salary on medical bills, you could profit from a less expensive option. This way, you know you’re covered in an emergency and can still see a doctor if you’re feeling sick.
👉 Hospital plans are popular among younger people for the reasons stated above.
📌 READ more about Medical Insurance below R3000 per month.
Why pensioners should consider a hospital plan
👉 As a pensioner, it is necessary to have some form of medical cover, as the demand to seek medical treatment increases with old age and the ability to make an income reduces.
👉 Even while a hospital plan would require the retiree to fund a percentage of their annual medical bill is, they would have the plan accessible to cover the most expensive medical expenses connected with an in-hospital stay.
Why pregnant women should have a hospital plan
👉 As a pregnant woman on a hospital plan, you must pay for any out-of-hospital charges. However, the hospital visit for labour and any accompanying fees will be paid. A maternity hospital plan is a low-cost option that covers the majority of the expenditures connected with birthing.
👉 If your hospital plan does not cover all of your expenses, you may need to consider gap cover, which pays the difference between medical assistance rates and the higher hospital fee. So gap insurance is something you add on top of your existing medical aid or hospital coverage.
5 of the Best Known Hospital Plans in South Africa under R3000
👉 We have listed the 5 best hospital plans available to South Africans at less than R3000 a month.
1. Bonitas
Overview
👉 Bonitas assisted 649,032 young people in South Africa alone in 2014. Employees of significant corporations such as Nestlé, BHP Billiton, and Eskom are included. Bonitas has a solvency ratio of 30.7% and an international credit rating of AA-.
👉 Because the average age of a Bonitas member is under 30, and the average age of a Bonitas beneficiary is under 30, the magnitude of annual contribution increases is reduced.
👉 Bonitas offers a variety of low-cost medical assistance plans, including hospitalisation, long-term care, and pharmaceutical coverage. When it comes to medical aid, this organisation is ideal for both young employees and families.
👉 Bonitas was formed in 1982, but its quick expansion has allowed it to overtake the former market leader and become South Africa’s largest health insurer.
👉 The Bonitas network of 4,500 doctors is committed to providing exceptional care to their patients at predetermined rates.
👉 Bonitas supplies its customers with two unique solutions to help them manage and reduce rising healthcare costs: oncology management and hospital and medicine management.
👉 Several Bonitas plans include dental and vision care coverage, including Lasik eye surgery. Unused funds generate interest the following year and are carried over from year to year by each member.
Bonitas Hospital Plans are Available Under R3000
👉 Bonitas offers a comprehensive hospital plan that costs less than R3000 per month.
BonEssential Select
👉 Bonitas BonEssential Select is a low-cost hospital plan that uses a provider network. All operations and treatments performed in-network hospitals are fully covered.
👉 There is only limited coverage for expenses related to mental health, physical rehabilitation, blood tests, scans, and kidney dialysis. There are procedure-specific co-payments.
👉 Basic maternity, child-care, and preventative-care benefits are available to members. Under the wellness benefit, a benefit booster can be used to offset certain day-to-day expenses.
➡️ The BonEssential Select Plan is available at R2 033.00 per month
Hospital Standard Plan
👉 The Hospital Standard Plan offers extensive hospital benefits with some value-added benefits.
➡️ The BonEssential Standard Plan is available from R2 592.00 per month
How Much Are Bonitas Medical Aid Monthly Premiums?
👉 Bonitas monthly contributions start at R 2 033 for a Principal Member, R 1 555 for a spouse/adult dependant and R 596 per child (max 3) on the BonEssential Hospital Plan and go up to R 8 217 for a main member, R7 749 for additional adult, and R 1 672 for a child for the BonComprehensive plan that offers abundant savings, an above threshold benefit and extensive hospital cover.
What Is the Waiting Period for Bonitas Medical Aid Benefits?
👉 The minimum general waiting period for Bonitas medical aid is three months for all benefits. Some plans, however, have a waiting period of 12 months, especially regarding a pre-existing condition.
How to Claim Breast Reduction Benefits from Bonitas
👉 You can send in your claim for breast reduction in the following ways:
➡️ Email your claims to [email protected].
➡️ Post your claims to Bonitas Claims Department, PO Box 74, Vereeniging, 1930.
➡️ Submit your claims in person at one of the walk-in centres.
👉 Follow these simple steps to get your claims paid quickly:
➡️ Ensure your banking details are correct for refunds by electronic transfer (EFT) into your bank account
➡️ Make sure that your account and receipt show your name and initials, membership number, treatment date, the name of the patient as shown on your membership card, the amount charged and ICD-10 code.
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Bonitas Contact Details
34 Melrose Blvd, Birnam
Johannesburg
2196
Phone for General Queries: 0860002108
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
2. Discovery Health
Overview
👉 According to the Council for Medical Schemes Quarterly Report for the quarter ending 30 June 2019, Discovery Health Medical Plan (DHMS) is the largest open medical scheme in South Africa, with 2,808,106 members as of December 31, 2019.
👉 The Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, as amended, and the non-profit Council for Medical Schemes Control Discovery. The System is a public healthcare system, which means that anyone who meets the eligibility requirements can enrol.
👉 The Scheme’s primary goal is to help its members, and this reality guides every decision. Discovery uses shared values to strike a balance between the requirements of individual members and the needs of the Scheme as a whole.
👉 Medical costs for Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS or the Scheme) participants in South Africa are paid for through a pooled fund managed with an emphasis on social solidarity rather than financial gain.
Discovery Hospital Plans are Available Under R3000
👉 Discovery Health offers a comprehensive hospital plan that costs less than R3000 per month.
The KeyCare Series
👉 KeyCare’s hospital networks offer comprehensive medical coverage. Hospitalization expenses for KeyCare network specialists are always fully covered, and expenses for other doctors and hospitals are paid at up to 100% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR).
👉 Prenatal and postnatal care for expectant moms and infants is also included.
👉 Within the KeyCare Series Plans the KeyCare Plus and KeyCare Start cover an unlimited number of visits to your primary care physician, as well as any necessary lab work, X-rays, or prescriptions.
👉 When using a participating physician for chronic medicine from the KeyCare medicine list, KeyCare provides comprehensive coverage for all Chronic Disease List diseases (DSP). What you are protected for is determined by the medical aid plan you choose.
➡️ The KeyCare plan is available at R1,102 per month
The Core Series
👉 The Core Series fully covers hospitalisation costs, the Classic plan pays up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR), and the Essential and Coastal plans pay up to 100% of the DHR for other healthcare professionals with whom Discovery has a payment arrangement.
👉 The plan covers all Chronic Disease medications, regardless of how long they are required. It also contains any limitations for utilising MedXpress or a MedXpress network pharmacy on your list.
👉 Comprehensive prenatal and postnatal healthcare services are given for birthing and early infancy, as well as coverage in the event of a medical emergency while overseas.
➡️ The Core Series is available at R2,281.00 per month.
How Much Are Discovery Medical Aid Monthly Premiums?
👉 Monthly premiums start from R930 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 go up to R8 298 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
Discover more about the 5 Best Medical Aids under R2000
3. Momentum Health
Overview
👉 Momentum Medical Scheme is managed by one of South Africa’s largest and most respected healthcare solution providers, and it is ranked as one of the top three open medical schemes in the country.
👉 Momentum Health‘s key aim is to ensure the scheme’s long-term stability while providing exceptional value to its members.
👉 When you sign up with Momentum Health Solutions, you’ll have access to a network of doctors and hospitals who offer cheap pricing and high-quality care.
👉 Members have a variety of alternatives open to them, ranging from the 24/7 Hello Doctor medical advice line to the financially-incentivized doctor networks with which Momentum has collaborated to deliver treatment.
👉 Momentum’s actuarial services can be used to design and price incentive and rewards programmes that encourage members to live a healthy lifestyle.
👉 Momentum’s ground-breaking health coaching technique, which groups members into care cohorts, enables them to give tailored support through their advocacy programmes, empowering members to make informed decisions about their health care and lowering expenses.
Momentum Hospital Plans are Available Under R3000
👉 Momentum Health offers a comprehensive hospital plan that costs less than R3000 per month.
Momentum Incentive Option
👉 Momentum Health’s Incentive plan is a hybrid medical aid plan designed specifically for the elderly. It provides comprehensive in-hospital benefits, and chronic coverage for 26 CDL conditions, and 10% of payments are set aside for day-to-day medical expenses.
👉 The major medical benefit includes generous oncology benefits, as well as coverage for medical rehabilitation, private nursing, step-down facilities, and hospice.
👉 The health platform benefit provides access to health-management programmes, preventative-care benefits, and early-detection tests.
👉 Members who choose to use hospitals, doctors, and pharmacies in the Momentum Health affiliated network are eligible for a monthly contribution reduction.
➡️ The Incentive Plan is available at R2 354.00 per month
How Much Are Momentum Health Monthly Premiums?
👉 Momentum monthly premiums start at R1 539 for the main member on the Evolve Option and go up to R12 345 for the main member on the Summit Option.
What Is the Waiting Period for Momentum Health’s Benefits?
👉 The general waiting period is 3 months, but since pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition, it is excluded from all benefits for the first 12 months of scheme membership.
👉 Read more about Momentum Health late joiner penalty for new members over the age of 35 years.
How to Claim Momentum Health Benefits
👉 You can submit a claim in several ways:
➡️ Use the Momentum App
➡️ Use the web chat facility in the bottom left corner.
➡️ Send an email to [email protected] or send normal mail to PO Box 2338, Durban, 4000
👉 To make sure your claim is processed quickly and accurately, including the following information:
➡️ Membership number.
➡️ Principal member’s surname, initials, and first name.
➡️ Patient’s surname, initials, and first name.
➡️ Date of treatment.
➡️ Amount charged.
➡️ ICD–10 code (code to indicate what condition you’ve been diagnosed with), tariff code (product-specific code for procedures and claims), and NAPPI code (a unique identifier for a given ethical, surgical, or consumable product).
➡️ Service provider’s name and practice number.
➡️ Proof of payment if you’ve paid the claim out of your own pocket.
Momentum Health Contact Details
201 Umhlanga Ridge Blvd
Cornubia
Blackburn
PO Box 2338
Durban
4. Medihelp
Overview
👉 Medihelp is a leading medical aid provider in South Africa. They offer a wide range of plans to cater to diverse healthcare needs in South Africa. With a strong reputation for reliability and quality service, Medihelp has been serving South Africans for over 118 years.
👉 Medihelp offers a variety of plans, including hospital plans, comprehensive plans, and specialized plans for specific needs like maternity or chronic conditions.
👉 Many plans include savings accounts that allow members to accumulate funds for out-of-hospital expenses.
👉 Medihelp has a vast network of healthcare providers across South Africa, ensuring easy access to medical services.
👉 Medihelp provides online platforms and mobile apps for convenient claim submissions, benefit inquiries, and managing your membership.
👉 In addition to medical coverage, Medihelp offers additional benefits like discounted gym memberships, wellness programs, and travel insurance.
Medihelp Hospital plans under R3000
Medihelp offers a hospital plan called MedVital Elect, which costs around R2,022 for a principal member, making it an affordable option under R3000 per month.
Here are the key details:
- 💙 Hospitalization Coverage: It provides unlimited in-hospital cover at 100% of the Medihelp Tariff (MT), ensuring protection for major surgeries and emergencies.
- 💙 Emergency Transport: Netcare 911 is the designated service provider for emergency transport.
- 💙 Chronic Medication: It covers both prescribed minimum benefit (PMB) and non-PMB chronic conditions. Pre-approval is needed, and the plan offers unlimited cover for chronic medications within the formulary.
- 💙 Day-to-Day Benefits: Limited coverage for GP consultations, physiotherapy, and virtual consultations, with co-payments for specialist visits if not referred by a network GP.
- 💙Preventative Care: Benefits include screenings like mammograms, pap smears, and cholesterol tests at designated intervals.
Is there a waiting period before I can use my Medihelp MedVital Elect?
Yes, a waiting period of up to three months applies to certain benefits such as hospitalization and major medical procedures.
How do I make a claim under the Medihelp MedVital Elect Plan
Members can submit claims online or through the Medihelp mobile app. Alternatively, claims can be submitted through a paper-based form on the Medihelp website.
This plan is ideal for those seeking hospital cover for emergencies and major medical events but with minimal day-to-day medical expenses covered
Medihelp Medical Scheme Contact Details
- Phone: 086 0100 678 (South Africa)
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: 012 336 9540
- Physical Address : Garsfontein Office Park, 412 Garsfontein Road, Pretoria, 0042
5. Fedhealth
Overview
👉 Fedhealth has been meeting South Africans’ medical requirements since its founding in 1936. Much has changed throughout the years, but their commitment to providing affordable high-quality medical care has not.
👉 Fedhealth continues to function as a cooperative administered by and for its members, and as such is continually seeking new methods to meet the healthcare needs of its members in an ever-changing world.
👉 Fedhealth’s emphasis is on personalisation, so as a member, you may have a role in the type of healthcare coverage you receive. Fedhealth, as a membership organisation, prioritises the requirements of its members.
👉 Because of the Scheme’s robust financial position, it has been able to maintain an AA- Global Credit Rating for the past 14 years and provide for its members in times of need by setting aside more than the required 25% reserve.
👉 Fedhealth is well-known for its one-of-a-kind Risk-based rewards, which allow members’ usual benefits to stretch even further.
👉 Free upgrades at any time of year within 30 days of a major life change, lower costs for children with dependents up to the age of 27, and no limits on the number of network doctor’s appointments are just a few examples.
Fedhealth Hospital Plans Available at Under R3000
👉 Fedhealth offers a comprehensive hospital plan that costs less than R3000 per month.
flexiFED 1
👉 FlexiFED 1 delivers great medical aid protection as a low-cost hospital plan. Take advantage of the Threshold Benefit, which kicks in after your claims exceed a certain threshold, and use Fedhealth Savings, which are enabled by the MediVault, to help pay unexpected day-to-day medical expenses. This hospital plan is ideal if you are young and healthy.
➡️ flexiFED 1 is available at R1 583.00
flexiFED 2
👉 If you and your spouse are new parents, flexiFED 2 is the best family hospital plan for you, with complete coverage for both you and your child. When you consider in Fedhealth Savings for ordinary medical situations and the Threshold Benefit, which kicks in after your claims surpass a specified level, you have an amazing bargain.
➡️ flexiFED 2 is available at R2 196.00 per month
flexiFED 3
👉 The flexiFED 3 plan is ideal for new parents because it covers pregnancy, birth, and the early years of a child’s life.
👉 Your healthcare problems will be addressed when you consider the availability of Fedhealth Savings for out-of-pocket expenditures associated with regular medical care and the Threshold Benefit, which becomes active once the required number of claims has been paid.
➡️ flexiFED 3 is available at R2 508.00 per month
How Much Are Fedhealth Medical Scheme Monthly Premiums?
👉 The monthly premiums for the salary-banded myFED option is from R 1 275 per month for the main member. The maxima PLUS extensive medical cover will cost 13 122 per month per the main member.
What Is the Waiting Period for Fedhealth Benefits?
👉 The general waiting period for Fedhealth benefits is usually three months, depending on the medical aid scheme you join. The waiting period for pre-existing conditions is 12 months.
How to Claim Benefits from Fedhealth Medical Scheme
👉 Members can submit claims using one of the following:
➡️ On the Fedhealth Family Room,
➡️ Through a WhatsApp service
➡️ On the Fedhealth Member phone App
➡️ You may also email, fax or post the claims to email: [email protected], fax: (011) 671 3842 or post to Private Bag X3045, Randburg, 2125.
Fedhealth Medical Scheme Contact Details
Flora Centre Shop 21 and 22
Corner Conrad street and Ontdekkers Rd
Florida Glen
Johannesburg
Phone: 0861 116 016
READ more about the 5 Best Gap Cover Options for Under R500 in South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hospital Plan under R3000 in South Africa?
An insurance policy known as a Hospital Plan under R3000 covers hospital-related medical costs up to a daily cap of R3000. For people who wish to make sure they are covered for hospitalization without paying for more extensive medical aid, it is a cost-effective solution.
How does a Hospital Plan under R3000 in South Africa work?
You pay the insurance company a monthly charge for a hospital plan under R3000. The plan will pay your in-patient medical costs up to a maximum of R3000 per day if you are admitted to the hospital. The plan might also pay for specific hospital-related procedures and therapies.
What are the benefits of a Hospital Plan under R3000 in South Africa?
If you don’t have insurance, in-hospital medical costs, which can be quite expensive, can be covered for a reasonable price with a hospital plan under R3000. Additionally, it gives you financial security to know that you are covered for unplanned hospitalization.
What types of medical expenses does a Hospital Plan under R3000 in South Africa typically cover?
In-hospital medical costs include hospital lodging, surgery, anesthesia, and other treatments connected to your hospitalization are normally covered by a hospital plan around R3000. However, you must keep in mind that it might not cover specific surgeries, treatments, or medications, thus it is crucial to thoroughly study the policy.
How can I sign up for a Hospital Plan under R3000 in South Africa?
In order to enroll in a Hospital Plan under R3000, get in touch with an insurance company that provides this level of protection. They will help you with the application procedure and give you the information you need. To discover one that meets your demands and budget, it is crucial to examine several providers and plans.
READ more about the list of the best hospital plans
