The 5 Best Hospital Plans around the R500 mark 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 R500?
✅ Hospital plan vs Medical Aid.
✅ Difference between medical insurance hospital cover plans and medical aid.
✅ Does Capitec have a hospital plan? The answer is NO.
✅ What are the cheapest hospital plans in South Africa in 2024 / 2026 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 (2026)
🩺 Medical Aid
✔️ Offers Hospital Cover?
⚕️ Monthly Premium
1. NetCare
✅ Yes
From R315 on the Accident and Trauma Cover
2. Makoti
✅ Yes
From R406 on the Primary Option
3. Thebemed
✅ Yes
From R625 on the Universal EDO
4. Dischem Health
✅ Yes
From R537 on the MyHealth Core Plan + Accident Cover
5. Momentum Medical Scheme
✅ Yes
From R589 on the Ingwe Student Plan
5 Best Hospital Plans under R500 Summary
☑️ NetCare - Overall, Best Accident Cover Plan with Hospital cover Under R500
☑️ Makoti - Provider with many advantages in healthcare
☑️ Thebemed - Offers Great Customer Service Hospital Plan Options
☑️ Dischem Health - Broadest Range of Low-Cost Accident Cover and Day-to-Day cover
☑️ Momentum - 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 2026 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.
➡️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.
👉🏾 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.
How Much Are Netcare Medical Scheme’s Monthly Premiums?
NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover at a private hospital is available from R315.00 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
Makoti Medical Scheme offers a range of benefit options that cater to the different healthcare needs of its members. The options include the Primary and Comprehensive options. Therefore, members can choose a plan that suits their budget and healthcare needs. Other advantages include:
👉🏾 Generous Cover: Makoti Medical Scheme offers generous cover for a wide range of healthcare services, including hospitalization, chronic medication, and preventative care. The Comprehensive option, for example, covers in-hospital treatment according to the scheme rate, chronic medication up to a certain limit, and a range of preventative care benefits.
👉🏾 Affordable Contributions: Makoti Medical Scheme’s contributions are designed to be affordable and competitive. The scheme offers a range of contribution options that allow members to pay according to their budget and financial situation.
👉🏾 Value-Added Benefits: Makoti Medical Scheme offers a range of value-added benefits, including a wellness program, telemedicine services, and access to a network of healthcare professionals. These benefits promote members’ health and well-being and improve their healthcare experience.
Makoti Medical Scheme has a strong financial position, with a solvency ratio well above the minimum required by law. This means that the scheme can meet its financial obligations to members and providers and provide sustainable healthcare coverage in the long term.
Affordable Makoti Hospital Plans
Makoti provides a comprehensive hospital plan that would be affordable for many South Africans.
☑️ Makoti Primary Option will pay for treatment at a variety of state hospitals and state institutions.
☑️ Cover is as per Prescribed Minimum Benefits only in state hospitals.
☑️ Emergency stabilisation / casualty in a private hospital is subject only to Medical emergencies.
☑️ Maternity benefit : Confinement in a private hospital covered to a maximum of R29 400. Pre-auth to be obtained in 2nd tri-mester of pregnancy.
How Much Are Makoti Medical Scheme’s Monthly Premiums?
Makoti Primary Option is available from R406.00 per month.
What Is the Waiting Period for Makoti Benefits?
Depending on the medical aid scheme you join, the average waiting period for Makoti benefits is three months. Pre-existing conditions have a 12-month waiting period.
👉🏾 Thebemed is a South African medical aid provider that offers a variety of healthcare plans to meet the needs of individuals and families. The plans offer a range of benefits and services, including hospital cover, chronic medication benefits, and wellness programs.
👉🏾 One of the key advantages of Thebemed is its focus on providing affordable healthcare solutions to its members. The plans are designed to be accessible to many individuals with varying healthcare needs and financial situations. The plans offer a range of benefits tailored to different members’ needs, including comprehensive hospital cover, chronic medication benefits, and wellness programs.
👉🏾 Another advantage of Thebemed is its commitment to innovation and customer service. The scheme regularly updates its plans to meet the changing needs of its members and uses advanced technology to enhance the customer experience. Members can access their benefits and claims information online. In addition, the scheme offers a range of digital tools to help members manage their healthcare needs.
👉🏾 One potential drawback of Thebemed is its limited network of healthcare providers. As a result, members may be limited in their choice of healthcare providers, impacting their ability to access certain healthcare services or specialists. Additionally, some members may find that the plans do not offer the level of coverage required for certain healthcare needs, which could result in additional out-of-pocket expenses.
The Universal EDO Plan
☑️ Thebemed Universal EDO Medical Aid Plan is a trustworthy and comprehensive medical aid plan that offers 24/7 medical emergency assistance and in-hospital procedures to up to 3 Family Members. The Thebemed Universal EDO Medical Aid Plan starts from R625 ZAR.
☑️ Universal Efficiency Discount Option (EDO) is designed for members who need affordable healthcare while using restricted hospital and doctor networks for medical procedures and treatment. Gap Cover is unavailable on the Thebemed Universal EDO Plan, but the scheme offers 24/7 medical emergency assistance.
According to the Trust Index, Thebemed has a trust rating of 2.1.
How Much Are Thebemed Medical Aid Monthly Premiums?
Monthly premiums start from R625 per member for the Universal EDO plan with hospital cover for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital treatment by providers in a specified network and goes up to R3,205 per member for the Energy Plan with unlimited hospital cover.
Universal EDO Contributions:
💴 Income Bracket
👤 Main Member
👥 Adult Dependent
🍼 Child Dependent
💵 R0 – R500
R680
R680
R680
💶 R501 – R2,500
R1 680
R1 495
R840
💷 R2,501 – R7,500
R1 870
R1 665
R925
💴 R7,501>
R2 145
R1 840
R1 005
What Is the Waiting Period for Thebemed Medical Aid’s Benefits?
Thebemed Medical Scheme's general waiting period is 3 consecutive months, and the condition-specific waiting period is 12 consecutive months.
How to Claim for Thebemed Medical Aid Benefits
You can submit a claim fast and easy in the following ways:
Add ThebeMed 0861 84 32 36 as a Contact on your device
Open WhatsApp and find new Contact
Simply say "Hi" to your ThebeMed Contact
4. Dischem Health
Overview
Dis-Chem Health Insurance includes hospitalization, chronic medication, and day-to-day benefits such as doctor consultations, basic dentistry, and optometry services. This ensures you have access to various healthcare services when you require them.
✅ Dis-Chem Health Insurance offers excellent value, with premiums significantly less expensive than other medical insurance providers.
✅ Dis-Chem Health Insurance provides generous benefits for chronic medication, including coverage for all Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) and a comprehensive list of chronic conditions not covered by PMBs.
✅ As part of the Dis-Chem Group, Dis-Chem Health Insurance members have access to the Dis-Chem Pharmacy network, which provides various discounted healthcare services and products.
✅Dis-Chem Health Insurance offers emergency medical services such as evacuation, repatriation, and emergency transportation. This ensures that you have access to essential medical services in an emergency.
➡️ Dis-Chem Health Insurance provides a user-friendly online claims submission platform, allowing you to submit claims quickly and easily from the comfort of your home.
Affordable Dischem Health Insurance Plans
Dischem Health offers a comprehensive health insurance that cover in-hospital treatment and is available at an affordable premium for many South Africans.
☑️ Dischem Accident Cover start at R120for Adults and R90 for Children.
Extended Accident cover costs R145 for Adults and R95 for Children.
Dischem Health Insurance offers the following health products:
How Much Are Dischem Health Insurance Monthly Premiums?
🔎 Plan Option
👤 Principal
👥 Adults
🍼 Children
❤️ MyHealth Core
R549
R549
R375
🧡 MyHealth Plus
R765
R765
R492
💛 Accident Cover
R145
R169
R99
💚 Accident Cover with Lifestyle benefits
R200
R169
R99
💜 Extended Accident Cover with Lifestyle Benefits
R242
R202
R120
What Is the Waiting Period for Dischem Health Aid’s Benefits?
Dischem Health Insurance general waiting period is 3 consecutive months and the condition-specific waiting period is 12 consecutive months.
How to Claim for Dischem Health Insurance Benefits
Submitting a claim with Dis-Chem Health Insurance is a simple process that can be done online. Here are the steps to follow:
✅ Log in to your Dis-Chem Health Insurance account on their website.
✅ Go to the “Claims” tab and select “Submit a claim”.
✅ Fill in the required details about your claim. This includes your details, the details of the healthcare service provider, and the treatment or service you received.
✅ Upload any supporting documents related to your claim, such as invoices, receipts, and medical reports.
✅ Submit your claim. Once you have filled in all the necessary information and uploaded your supporting documents, you can submit your claim.
✅ Track your claim status. You can track the status of your claim on the Dis-Chem Health Insurance website under the “Claims” tab. In addition, you will be notified via email or SMS once your claim has been processed.
➡️ Alternatively, you can submit a claim via email or post. To do this, you must download the claims form from the Dis-Chem Health Insurance website and fill in the required information. You will then need to attach the supporting documents and send the form via email or post to the address provided on the claims form.
Dischem Health Insurance Aid Contact Details
Customer Support and General queries: Contact number: 0861 029 892 E-mail: [email protected]
Disclaimers: Dis-Chem Health is not a Medical Scheme or an Insurer.The administrator for Dis-Chem Health is Kaelo Risk (Pty) Ltd, an authorised financial services provider (FSP 36931).Insurance products are insured by Centriq Insurance Company Limited, a licensed non-life insurer and authorised financial services provider (FSP 3417).
👉 Momentum Medical Scheme is one of the top three open medical schemes in South Africa, and its parent firm is largely regarded as a market leader.
👉 Momentum Health is committed to the plan's sustainability and to offering exceptional value to its members.
👉 In choosing Momentum Health Solutions, you have access to a team of doctors who are devoted to providing you with affordable, high-quality care.
👉 Momentum has partnered with financially motivated physician networks to deliver for its members. In addition, users can phone Hello Doctor at any time to get answers to their medical questions from a doctor.
👉 To entice and keep healthy members, incentive and reward programmes can be priced using Momentum's actuarial services.
👉 Momentum's advocacy efforts empower members to make well-informed health care decisions and cut expenses by utilising a revolutionary health coaching strategy.
Momentum Medical Aid Plans Available at Under R1000
👉 Momentum offers a wide range of options for members' medical coverage, including some plans that cost less than R1000 per month.
Ingwe Student Option
👉 Medical coverage for students can be found at a low cost with the Momentum Ingwe Student plan. With a maximum limit of R1.19 million, you have access to a maximum in-patient benefit of 100% of the medical aid scheme rate.
👉 In addition, it provides chronic coverage for twenty-six PMBs and restricted coverage for a smaller number of service providers.
👉 For this plan to be active, students must make a six-month payment in advance. But if you'd like to save yourself the hassle of renewing your plan every six months, you can pay for an entire year in advance, as the programme permits.
👉 Naturally, this plan is best suited to the requirements of students holding Visas or those seeking more affordable medical coverage during their time in school.
👉 Dental work, eye exams, unrestricted primary care physician visits, and specialist consultations are just some of the perks you may look forward to. Your policy includes reimbursement for the cost of a chest X-ray that is required to obtain a visa.
👉 The Student Ingwe Plan is available from R589.00 per month
Ingwe Option Plan
☑️ You and your loved ones can use this plan to visit any hospital you like, as long as the total cost of care doesn't exceed a set yearly maximum. You are restricted to using only private Ingwe-affiliated hospitals. Utilization of public health care facilities is required for the plan's lowest premiums to apply.
☑️ The Ingwe option is a type of medical aid that, in most cases, does not impose any kind of annual cap on how much money can be spent on medical care. Depending on your budget, you can choose between private hospitals in the Ingwe network or public hospitals for a lower monthly payment.
☑️ Only providers in either the Ingwe Active Network or the Ingwe Primary Care Network can be consulted for both urgent care and long-term care needs like prescriptions and doctor's appointments.
☑️ In terms of medical aid, Momentum has a solid reputation. It is the third-largest medical aid scheme and the fifth-largest medical insurance provider in South Africa. There are 284 400 people who would benefit from it, which is equivalent to 3.2% of the market and 5.8% of the open sector.
How Much Are Momentum Health Monthly Premiums?
🔎 Plan
💴 Contributions Range (Main)
💵 Contributions Range (2x Adult)
💶 Contributions Range (1 Adult + 1 Child)
💷 Contributions Range (2 Adults + 1 Child)
💶 Medical Savings (% of contribution or ZAR)
1️⃣ Ingwe
645 – 4,546 ZAR
1,290 – 9,092 ZAR
1,226 – 5,864 ZAR
1,871 – 10,410 ZAR
None
2️⃣ Evolve
2,029 ZAR
4,058 ZAR
4,058 ZAR
6,087 ZAR
None
3️⃣ Custom
3,749 – 4,472 ZAR
6,707 – 8,061 ZAR
5,071 – 6,068 ZAR
8,029– 9,657 ZAR
None
4️⃣ Incentive
4,179 – 6,030 ZAR
7,471 – 10,930 ZAR
5,831 – 8,381 ZAR
9,123 – 13,281 ZAR
Fixed at 10% of total contribution
5️⃣ Extender
9,017 – 11,472 ZAR
16,418 – 20,712 ZAR
11,664 – 14,763 ZAR
19,065 – 24,003 ZAR
Fixed at 25% of Total contribution
6️⃣ Summit
16,469 ZAR
29,544 ZAR
20,225 ZAR
33,300 ZAR
Not applicable. You can add the HealthSaver+
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.
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 (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 Momentum Medical Scheme provides multiple channels of communication with its customer service team.
➡️ Call +27 (0)11 350 0000 to reach the Momentum Medical Scheme help desk.
➡️ Momentum Medical Scheme’s email address for contacting customer service is [email protected].
➡️ You can reach the customer service team of the Momentum Medical Scheme via their website’s online contact form.
➡️ Contacting Momentum Medical Scheme is also possible via various social media channels.
➡️ Stop by a branch: Momentum Medical Scheme has locations across the country where you can get help.
➡️ Momentum medical aid contact details Call or WhatsApp 0860 11 78 59
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.
