5 Best Hospital Plans under R500
The 5 Best Hospital Plans Under R500 in South Africa compared and reviewed.
We tested them side by side and verified their hospital plans.
This is a complete guide to a list of the best hospital plans under Five Hundred Rand in South Africa.
In this in-depth guide you’ll learn:
- What is a Hospital Plan?
- How do you find affordable hospital plans in South Africa?
- How to choose the best affordable hospital plan for your needs?
- Which hospital plans are the cheapest under R200?
- Hospital plan vs Medical Aid.
- Does Capitec have a hospital plan? The answer is NO.
- What are the cheapest hospital plans in South Africa in 2023 / 2024 that suit your pocket?
So if you’re ready to go “all in” with the best hospital plans under R500 in South Africa, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive right in…
Best Hospital Plans under R500 (2023/2024*)
| 🩺 Medical Aid | ✔️ Offers Hospital Plan Under R500? | ⚕️ Monthly Premium | 👉 Sign Up |
| 1. NetCare | Yes | From R500 | 👉 Apply Now |
| 2. Medihelp | Yes | From R500 | 👉 Apply Now |
| 3. Discovery Health | Yes | From R500 | 👉 Apply Now |
| 4. Genesis Medical Scheme | Yes | From R500 | 👉 Apply Now |
| 5. Affinity Health | Yes | From R500 | 👉 Apply Now |
5 Best Hospital Plans under R500 Summary
- NetCare – Overall, Best Hospital Plan Under R300 in South Africa
- Medihelp – Best Pay-As-You-Go Private Healthcare
- Discovery Health – Offers Best Customer Service Hospital Plan Options
- Genesis Medical Scheme – Broadest Range of Low-Cost Hospital Plan Options
- Affinity Health – Top Extensive Medical Protection in South Africa
Why South Africans need affordable hospital plans
Recent data from the South African Customer Satisfaction Index for medical schemes indicates that many members have moved to plans with cheaper features. Participants look for an equitable compromise between cost and other factors.
A medical emergency may rapidly rack up bills in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Rands. This emphasises the significance of having enough risk coverage (including for medical costs).
With the ability to pay for necessities as they arise, more people are thinking about purchasing affordable health insurance.
More people may decide to abandon the medical plans company in 2023 as a result of the harsh economic condition. Consumers can’t afford quality medical care nowadays. Those who have medical insurance yet are nonetheless looking for cheaper options.
For 2021, the Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services have suggested that health insurance providers max out their annual rate increases at 4.2%. Most health insurance schemes have announced price hikes.
In an effort to reduce members’ financial burdens, some plans have delayed contribution hikes for a few months. Meanwhile, the yearly cost of living increases in several other plans remained below the median increase.
What do hospital plans cover?
As a result of developments in the insurance sector, buyers now have more policy options than ever before. When it comes to health insurance, only full medical aid is acceptable.
It appears that there are currently a number of initiatives that can be adjusted to meet a wide range of budgetary constraints. Medical help, hospital plans, hospital cover, and medical assistance are just few of the options available to a family today.
If you need medical attention while in the hospital, a hospital plan will help pay for it. While this charity healthcare system will help out financially while you’re in the hospital, it won’t cover everything.
Different hospital insurance plans have different premiums since each plan individually negotiates coverage and has its own limitations and exclusions. Whether or not you have to pay for your own medical care out of pocket depends on the type of plan you have.
If you need to go to a hospital in South Africa for any reason (a procedure, an accident, or an illness), the best hospital plan will pay for everything. Prior to signing up for a hospital plan, it’s important to find out exactly what services will be covered. For some services, you may be required to make a partial payment beforehand.
Daily costs are not covered by hospital insurance, however at least 27 chronic diseases are required to be covered by all medical aid plans.
If you’re just starting out in your career and need reasonably priced coverage in case of an emergency, a hospital plan is a great option. The price is far more reasonable than that of a comprehensive health insurance plan.
Most people, data show, begin their search for medical insurance with a hospital plan and progress to other types of medical aid as their needs evolve. Medical insurance is something that most people wait to sign up for until they are either older or have started a family.
A hospital plan is preferable to no protection at all, given the rising expense of healthcare, but selecting a medical plan is a personal decision.
Learn more about Medical Insurance in South Africa
1. NetCare
Overview
Netcare Ltd., which began as a holding firm, is now directly or indirectly responsible for the employment of about 29,000.
Investment in developing and upgrading talents and capacities and interaction with the public sector are two ways in which the Netcare Group works towards its mission of improving the efficiency of the national healthcare systems in which it operates.
Because of its commitment to ground-breaking research, gold-standard clinical practice, and genuine concern for each patient, Netcare is at the vanguard of healthcare delivery.
You can get the top-notch private care you need whenever you need it thanks to NetCare’s wide range of medical professionals and flexible payment plans.
NetCare’s new offerings include methods for both altruistic donating and personal family healthcare.
You can save money for preventative care and checks since these insurance shields you from the risk of bankruptcy caused by unforeseen medical costs.
When it comes to private hospitals, primary care clinics, emergency rooms, and dialysis centres in South Africa, NetCare is in charge of the largest network.
Akeso provides services for mental health and psychiatric treatment, National Renal Treatment handles dialysis patients, while Medicross and Netcare 911 handle primary care, subacute care, day surgery, occupational health, and employee wellness.
There are few private institutions that can compete with NetCare when it comes to emergency medical and nursing education.
Affordable Netcare Hospital Plans
NetCare provides a comprehensive hospital plan that would be affordable for many South Africans.
NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover
NetcarePlus Accident and Trauma Insurance will pay for treatment at a variety of private hospitals and contracted institutions in the event of an accident or trauma.
Patients will be able to rest easy knowing that their physical impact injuries (such as those incurred in vehicle accidents, assaults, or falls) will be treated.
- NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover is available from R240.00 per month
How Much Are Netcare Medical Scheme’s Monthly Premiums?
NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover is available from R240.00 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]
2. Medihelp
Overview
As a self-administered medical aid, Medihelp’s primary mission is to provide for its members’ healthcare need.
Whether you’re a student, a new hire looking to enrol in a medical assistance for the first time, the owner of a business in search of an affordable healthcare solution for your staff, or the caretaker of a growing family, Medihelp is here to serve you.
Affordable Medihelp Hospital Plans
Medihelp offers a comprehensive hospital plan available at an affordable premium for many South Africans.
MedElect Student Hospital Plan
MedElect’s premium networks offer comprehensive protection at a reasonable cost so you can focus on your studies.
The following perks are included in the plan:
- 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 R756.00 pm for the student hospital plan, R1 254.00 pm for the Vital Plan, R2 310.00 pm for the Savings plans, and R2 394.00 pm for Comprehensive plans.
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 for 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
3. Discovery Health
Overview
According to the Commission for Medical Schemes Quarterly Report for the quarter ended 30 June 2019, Discovery Health Medical Plan (DHMS) has 2,808,106 members at the end of 2019.
Under the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, as modified, the Commission for Medical Schemes may conduct inquiries. The System is available to anyone who qualifies because it is a publicly funded healthcare endeavour.
Every policy decision is made with the members of the Scheme in mind. Discovery uses mutually held values to mediate conflicts between specific needs and the overarching goals of the Scheme.
Health care costs for Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS or the Scheme) members in South Africa are covered by a centrally managed pooled fund that prioritises social solidarity over financial gain.
Affordable Discovery Health Hospital Plans
Discovery Health offers a comprehensive hospital plan available at an affordable premium for many South Africans.
The KeyCare Series
KeyCare Series of plans has connections to extensive hospital networks that deliver high-quality medical treatment. When seeing a specialist in the KeyCare network, there are no out-of-pocket costs, and out-of-network visits are reimbursed at up to 100% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR).
Preconception care for mothers and their newborns is highly valued.
The KeyCare network allows patients to see their primary care physician as often as they like, regardless of whether they have KeyCare Plus or KeyCare Start.
All conditions on the KeyCare Chronic Disease List are covered when patients see a DSP in our network. The cost of your medical insurance will influence how safe you will be.
- The KeyCare plan is available at R930.00 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 goes 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.
Discovery Health versus other Medical aid providers:
- Discovery Health vs KeyHealth
- Bonitas vs. Discovery Health
- BestMed Medical Scheme vs Discovery Health
- Discovery Health vs Medihelp
- Discovery Health vs Medimed
- Discovery Health vs Medshield
- Discovery Health vs. Momentum Medical Scheme
- Discovery Health vs. Sizwe Hosmed Medical Scheme
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 easy 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
4. Genesis Medical Scheme
Overview
Genesis is the most reliable health insurance provider in South Africa since it consistently offers high-coverage options at reasonable prices.
On the basis of objective metrics including claims ratio, ability to pay claims, access to medical facilities, and benefits supplied relative to payments levy, Genesis has been recognised as one of the most effective plans in South Africa.
When compared to other medical aid plans in South Africa, Genesis provides its members with greater safety against financial ruin, greater value for their money, a broader range of benefits, and better service.
Thanks to the Plan’s excellent management and administration, Genesis has been at the forefront of implementing modest contribution increases alongside enhanced benefits in recent years.
In 2014, yearly contribution increases for Genesis members were only 6.4%, which was much lower than the average increase for all open schemes.
Affordable Genesis Medical Scheme Hospital Plans
Genesis Medical Scheme offers a comprehensive hospital plan available at an affordable premium for many South Africans.
Med 100 Hospital Plan
It’s best to sign up for this hospital plan today, when you and your family are still relatively young. Coverage applies to any and all hospitalisations, whether planned or unplanned.
The Scheme Tariff will pay for 100% of your medical care costs. Genesis will pay for any necessary emergency dental care.
- The Med 100 Hospital Plan is available at R1 465.00 a month
How Much Are Genesis Medical Aid Monthly Premiums?
Genesis Medical Aid premiums are highly competitive and range from R1 465.00 to R2 815.00
What Is the Waiting Period for Genesis Medical Aid’s Benefits?
Genesis Medical Scheme’s general waiting period is 3 consecutive months and the condition-specific waiting period is 12 consecutive months.
How to Claim for Genesis Medical Aid Benefits
- Genesis will accept signed claims by the principal member via e-mail, fax, post or by hand.
- Where a member has paid an account, please attach the receipt to the claim. Claims can be scanned and e-mailed to [email protected] or faxed to 021 447 4707.
- Alternatively, a PDF document(s) or a good quality photo (image) of the claim, clearly indicating your membership details, may also be emailed to the Scheme directly from your Smartphone App.
- Always ensure that you insert your membership number in the “Subject Line” of claims that are sent via email.
- Monthly statements will be sent to each member that has claimed in that month. Alternatively, members can log in to the secured Member section on the website or mobile app to view the status of their claims.
- Genesis encourages members to check that the services were in fact rendered to them or their dependents.
Genesis Medical Aid Contact Details
Email: [email protected]
Existing Members – 0860 10 20 10
New Members – 0861 56 46 66
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5. Affinity Health
Overview
Affinity Health was founded in 2011 to provide South Africans with access to private healthcare that is both inexpensive and of excellent quality. Affinity Health’s sole mission is to provide continuous support to those who require it.
With their extensive expertise, boundless zeal, and revolutionary spirit, Affinity Health has completely transformed the medical aid industry.
It is imperative that all citizens of South Africa have access to affordable private healthcare. Affinity Health is trying to expand the variety of private medical aid plans available to South Africans so that everyone has access to affordable, high-quality medical care.
Affinity Health is able to offer a formidable team of specialists to its market because to its broad partner network.
To ensure the timely introduction of game-changing goods, Affinity Health is investing heavily in both its staff and cutting-edge technology.
Affordable Affinity Health Hospital Plans
Affinity Health offers a comprehensive hospital plan available at an affordable premium for many South Africans.
Affinity Health Hospital Plan
Should you require hospitalisation due to an unforeseen sickness, injury, or other medical emergency, you will be fully covered by this plan.
Affinity Health, one of South Africa’s fastest-growing Hospital Plan and Health Cover providers, gives you access to a wide range of advantages without breaking the bank.
More hospitals and doctors are available to you as an Affinity Health Hospital Plan member than you would have with Medicaid or Medicare.
Your room and board, all of your meals, and any medically necessary procedures will be covered in full by the plan. If you require hospitalisation, these costs will accumulate daily.
Fees for specialists such as surgeons, radiologists, and anaesthesiologists are covered by the plan.
- The Affinity Health Hospital Plan is available from R1170.00 per month
Affinity Health has the following three options to choose from:
- Affinity Health Hospital Insurance Plan
- Affinity Health Day-to-Day Medical Aid Plan
- Affinity Health Combined Medical Insurance Plan
How Much Are Affinity Health’s Monthly Premiums?
Affinity Health offers a comprehensive hospital plan from R1170.00 per month. The Day-to-Day Plan is available from R759.00 per month. The Combined Plan is available from R1 728.00 per month.
What Is the Waiting Period for Affinity Health Benefits?
Depending on the medical aid scheme you join, the average waiting period for Affinity Health benefits is three months. Pre-existing conditions have a 12-month waiting period.
How to Claim for Benefits from Affinity Health
- General practitioner visits also need pre-authorisation. In the event of visiting a doctor who may not be on the Affinity Health network, you will need to pay the full consultation fee upfront. You can then claim up to R250.00 back from Affinity Health.
- For assistance with reimbursement, please email the detailed account and a signed Affinity Health reimbursement form to [email protected].
- Network doctors can claim directly from Affinity Health. The practice may charge additional administration fees, which cannot be recovered from Affinity Health. These will be for the member’s account.
- Procedures conducted in the rooms of Affinity Health network doctors are also covered, provided you have obtained pre-authorisation.
- If you need to consult a specialist, you will have to get a referral letter from your GP, for the consultation to be eligible for cover by Affinity Health. Once you have your referral letter, you will need to call to get pre-authorisation before the actual consultation.
- With hospital cover, the insurer will pay a set portion of the cost. The patient is still fully liable for the bill and will need to claim from the insurance to pay the hospital.
- As always, pre-authorisation is required before going into hospital. Affinity Health has a 24-hour hospital pre-authorisation line.
Affinity Health Contact Details
1 Dingler Street, Rynfield, Benoni 1501
Call Centre: 0861 11 00 33
WhatsApp: 079 479 3230
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a hospital plan for less than R200 in South Africa?
Currently there is not a hospital plan for less than R200 in South Africa, however there are a variety of affordable options available at various price points.
How long is the waiting period of a hospital plan?
The time varies by insurer, but it usually applies to the first 6 to 12 months of coverage. This means you must continue to pay your hospital cash back cover premiums even if you are unable to make a claim.
How much does a private hospital cost in South Africa?
A hospital bed costs between R1,200 and R2,000 per day, depending on your city, the private hospital in issue, and the ward. This just includes the expense of each day spent in the hospital as well as meals.
Can you pay cash at private hospitals in South Africa?
Private hospitals in South Africa will only accept medical aid settlements or payments in cash or by credit card from the patient. They will only allow a medical aid member after they have obtained an authorization number from their medical aid system.
Can I go to a MediClinic without a hospital plan?
Private fixed prices are given to people who will pay for their procedure in advance, thus can they go to MediClinic. This may include those who do not have medical insurance, people whose insurance does not cover specific operations, or people whose medical aid benefits have run out for the year.
