
5 Best Hospital Plans for Kids (πΏπ¦ 2025*)
TheΒ 5 Best Hospital Plans in South Africa revealed.
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We tested them side by side and verified their hospital plans.
This is a complete guide to the best hospital plans in South Africa.
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In this in-depth guide youβll learn:
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- π What is a Hospital Plans?
- π Which health insurers are best for children only?
- π How to choose the best affordable hospital plan for your needs?
- π How to compare hospital plans against each other?
- π Should you get medical aid or a hospital plan for your child?
- π How do you choose the best hospital plan for your family?
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So if youβre ready to go βall inβ with the best hospital plan for kids in South Africa, this guide is for you.
Letβs dive right inβ¦
Best Hospital Plans for Kids (2025*)
π©Ί Medical Aid | βοΈ Offers Plans for Kids? | βοΈ Plan Offered | π Sign Up |
1. Discovery Health | Yes | Discovery KeyCare Plan | π Apply Now |
2. Bonitas | Yes | Hospital Standard | π Apply Now |
3. FedHealth | Yes | flexiFED 2 | π Apply Now |
4. Affinity Health | Yes | Junior Hospital Plan | π Apply Now |
5. Medihelp | Yes | MedVital, MedVital Elect | π Apply Now |
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5 Best Hospital Plans for Kids Summary
- Discovery Health Medical Scheme – Overall, Best Hospital Plans for Kids in South Africa
- Bonitas Medical Scheme – Broadest Range of Low-Cost Hospital Plans
- Fedhealth – Best Pay-As-You-Go Private Healthcare
- Affinity Health – Best Customer Service Health Insurer
- Medihelp – Top Extensive Medical Protection in SouthΒ
Introduction to Hospital Plans for Kids
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π You love your child very much, so it makes sense that you want to give them the best things in life.
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π In South Africa, there are many different kinds of medical aid to choose from. People of all ages can get medical care from companies, but you might not know which plan covers the important things your child needs.
Can You Get Medical Aid for Children Only?
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π People often worry about cost, and they want to know if they can only get medical aid for their child in South Africa. In the last few years, this question has come up more often since many children in South Africa live with only one parent or with other family members.
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π At the moment, South African medical help will only cover children as dependents. A person must be at least 18 years old to have their own medical aid plan.
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π If a child is named as a dependent on a health insurance plan and the main member dies, the child can stay on the plan as the only member. Sadly, this rarely makes the monthly fee go down.
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π Whether you are a single mum looking for medical aid or a family with kids of different ages, it can be hard to choose the best hospital plan. In South Africa, there are a lot of different medical plans, and each one has its own perks and choices.
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Read more: 5 Best Medical Aids for Children only
How to Pick the Best Hospital Plan
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π Before you choose one of the hospital plans in South Africa, think about the perks and monthly payment costs. It is important to know the following:
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π Only join a health plan with a “critical mass” of enough people. This means it can stand up to a lot of big medical claims, which is true of all the plans we list below.
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π Secondly, hospital plans that are listed under the Short-Term Insurance Act, which are usually sold by banks, offer much less than the hospital plans given by the Medical Aid Schemes. This is partly because they do not have to meet the basic standards set by the Medical Schemes Act and partly because they pay higher commissions than Medical Aid Schemes.
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π’ Complete below form and receive a free, no obligation quote
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Get the Best Medical Aid Quotes from Hippo Advisory Services
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What should be included in a medical aid for kids?
π Most plans for medical aid cover the same basic things. But when picking a plan for a child, there are some things to watch out for:
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- βοΈ Day-to-Day Benefits – Kids often get colds and stomach bugs, which can be treated with a quick trip to the doctor and some over-the-counter medicine. Make sure that these costs are covered by the plan you choose.
- βοΈ Hospital Cover – Children like to play rough, and you never know when they might break a bone. Hospital stays are expensive, so choose a health plan with enough benefits for hospital stays. If your kids do not have long-term illnesses or need to see the doctor often, you could also just get a hospital plan.
- βοΈ Special Benefits – Having a medical aid plan that covers other needs that children may have is a good idea. These include basic dental and eye care, trips to a doctor, and immunizations for children.
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ππΏ You might like Health Insurance for Kids
1. Discovery Health Medical Scheme
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πΒ Discovery offers seven different options to choose from. The Smart Series is the best cost-effective option for plans that cover the most important medical care for your child.Β
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π The Smart Series is divided into the Classic and Essential plans, which offer similar benefits but to different extents. Active Smart Option monthly premium start at about R1 350Β per month.
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π You and your children will get unlimited GP visits and private hospital cover from providers in Discoveryβs network. Cover is also given for over-the-counter medicine and sports-related injuries.
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π Discovery has various Vitality programmes like the Vitality Baby, Vitality Kids, and Vitality Teens programmes you can use to earn points and get rewards.
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ππΏ Other options:
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Coastal Core & Classic Core
π These are hospital plans with unlimited hospital benefits but cover claims at different rates; Coastal at medical aid rate and Classic at 2X medical aid rate.
π Both have the same chronic medication benefit as well as emergency evacuation i.e. ambulance and helicopter, etc.Β
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Keycare Core
π The Keycare Core is an inexpensive hospital plan with unlimited hospital cover paid at 100% medical aid rate but only available from a limited list of private hospitals. It has a chronic medication benefit as well as emergency evacuation.
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Discovery Keycare Plus
π The Keycare Plus is an inexpensive hospital plan with unlimited hospital cover paid at 100% medical aid rate but is only available from a limited list of private hospitals.
π This is a network option, which means that you get unlimited primary care doctorβs consultations, medicines and basic dentistry is unlimited from a network of practitioners.
2. Bonitas Medical Scheme
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π Bonitas Medical Aid brings you affordable quality health care benefits for safeguarding your child at every stage of unpredictable life.
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π A hospital plan helps to have the possibility to receive the best treatment without being charged the cost of to treat an emergency or to be hospitalized.Β
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π When considering a Bonitas Hospital Plan to include your child. Keep the following in mind:
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- βοΈ Hospital Networks: BonEssential Select for if you would like to have a smaller premium amount and are willing to use network hospitals.
- βοΈBudget: Inequality between the cost of service and the quality of service to be offered should be compared among different plans.
- βοΈPreventative and Emergency Care Needs: Take advantage of plans with perks including vaccinations and trauma protection.
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Hospital Standard
The most comprehensive hospital plan for children is the Hospital Standard. You only pay R1 236 for a child dependent (2025).
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π Bonitas offers a series of plans at different prices. The Edge series is good entry level plan for families with children, since costs start around R1 498 for the BonStart plan and around R1154 for the income based plans Boncap.
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π A family get unlimited hospital cover at any network hospital, with out-of-hospital GP and specialist consultations being paid from available benefits. Basic dentistry and optometry are covered up to fixed amounts.
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π Child immunisations are covered. The Standard plan covers one GP and paediatric consultation more than the Primary plan. Each family member can receive one flu vaccination per year.
ππΏΒ READ more about Dis-Chem Gap Cover
3. Fedhealth
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π Fedhealth has three option plans that are designed for families with children. Prices range from R1953 (FlexiFed 1)Β to R3 236 (Flexifed 3) per month.
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π The FlexiFED 2 plan is aimed at those who want to start a family with comprehensive health cover, while the FlexiFED 3 plan is for families with young children.
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πThese plans offer the same benefits with the only difference being that FlexiFED 3 has more money in the MediVault, which gives members access to emergency funds for unexpected medical bills.
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- β Β Childhood sickness specialized drug benefit for children under 18 is a great benefit to have in your plan.
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π These plans cover unlimited GP visits and hospital treatment costs for a family at Fedhealthβs network doctors. Childrenβs immunizations are covered from birth up to 12 years old. Family members can also get one flu vaccination per year.
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π There is also cover for chronic medication and emergency evacuation cover by ambulance and helicopter.
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ππΏ Read more about 5 Best Medical Insurance for Kids in South Africa compared and revealed
4. Affinity Health
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π One of the few firms in South Africa that focuses completely on delivering medical aid to children isΒ Affinity Health. You have the option to cover only your child under their Affinity Junior option, which provides you with the choice between a day-to-day plan, a hospital plan, or a combination plan.
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π This option has a monthly cost of around R809 for the day to day cover and R1 228 for hospital cover.
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π The Junior Hospital plan has a monthly fee of around R1228 for the first kid, with an extra R408 (up to the age of 6 years) required for each subsequent child after that. It grants you access to private hospitals and covers the fees associated with ordinary hospital stays as well as the costs associated with medical treatments.
π You have the ability to cover solely your children under their Affinity Junior option, which gives you the choice between a day-to-day plan, a hospital plan, or a combination plan.
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π If your primary care physician (GP) recommends it, the Junior Day-to-Day option covers an unlimited number of radiological and pathology tests in addition to an unlimited number of medical visits.
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Download the Affinty 2025 brochure.
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Affinity HealthΒ has the following three options to choose from:
- βοΈ Affinity Health Hospital Insurance Plan
- βοΈ Affinity Health Day-to-Day Medical Aid Plan
- βοΈ Affinity Health Combined Medical Insurance Plan
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π The Junior Combined day-to-day and hospital plan has a monthly premium of R1,848Β for first child and the other kids R688 (up to the age of 6 years old).
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A Summary of the Affinity Junior health insurance plan
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Affinity Junior is a medical insurance plan specifically designed for children, offering a range of coverage options to suit different needs and budgets.
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Key Features of the Affinity Junior Plan:
- β Focus on Children: The plan is tailored to the specific healthcare needs of children, with benefits that address common childhood illnesses and injuries.
- β Affordable Options: Affinity Junior offers various plans at different price points, allowing you to choose the level of coverage that best suits your budget and your child’s needs.
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Essential Coverage: Depending on the plan chosen, it may include coverage for:
- Doctor Visits: Unlimited or limited doctor consultations.
- Medication: Coverage for prescribed medication.
- Hospitalization: Hospitalization cover for various conditions.
- Preventative Care: Some plans may include benefits for vaccinations and check-ups.
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Benefits of the Affinity Junior Plan:
- β Peace of Mind: Provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses for your child.
- β Access to Quality Healthcare: Allows your child to access quality healthcare when needed.
- β Affordability: Offers more affordable healthcare options compared to comprehensive adult medical aid plans.
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Considerations:
- β Coverage Limits: The extent of coverage varies depending on the specific plan chosen.
- β Exclusions: Certain conditions or treatments may not be covered by the plan.
- β Age Limits: The plan may have age limits for children to be eligible for coverage.
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Who Might Benefit fromΒ the Affinity Junior Plan:
- π Parents and guardians of children who want to ensure their children have access to quality healthcare.
- π Families looking for an affordable medical aid option specifically for their children.
Medihelp Medical Scheme
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πΒ MedihelpΒ 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.
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π Medihelp offers a variety of plans, including hospital plans, comprehensive plans, and specialized plans for specific needs like maternity or chronic conditions.
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π Many plans include savings accounts that allow members to accumulate funds for out-of-hospital expenses.
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π Medihelp has a vast network of healthcare providers across South Africa, ensuring easy access to medical services.
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π Medihelp provides online platforms and mobile apps for convenient claim submissions, benefit inquiries, and managing your membership.
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π In addition to medical coverage, Medihelp offers additional benefits like discounted gym memberships, wellness programs, and travel insurance.
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π Following options are available:
- β‘οΈΒ MedAddΒ Elect
- β‘οΈΒ MedAddΒ
- β‘οΈΒ MedSave
- β‘οΈΒ MedPrime Elect
- β‘οΈΒ MedPrime
- β‘οΈΒ MedElite
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children get hospital plans from medical aid companies in South Africa?
No, children cannot get hospital plans on their own. At the moment, South African medical aids will only cover children as dependents. A person must be at least 18 years old to have their own medical aid plan. Affinity Health, however, offers an insurance plan for children.
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How do I choose a hospital plan for children?
When choosing a hospital plan for children, affordability, network of healthcare providers, coverage, and your children’s unique requirements should all be taken into account.Β
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Which is better for children, a medical aid or hospital plan?
A medical aid has more benefits because it pays for medical costs in and out of hospital while a hospital plan does not cover other costs than those incurred in hospital.
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Is it good to have a hospital plan if you have children?
Yes, it is good to have a hospital plan since its benefits include cheaper premiums than full cover options. If you are prepared to use a Designated Service Provider (DSP), you can enjoy comprehensive care.
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