Best Medical Aids for Orthodontics Cover

  In this guide we reveal the 5 best medical aids for dental (orthodontics) cover. When choosing a medical aid plan, dental cover is an essential benefit to consider.   Good oral health is a key aspect of overall well-being, and having access to routine and specialized dental care can prevent long-term issues and costly treatments. In this guide you will learn:  

• ☑️ Important features to consider in dental cover
• ☑️ The 5 best medical aids for dental cover
• ☑️ Frequently asked questions

  This guide explores some of the top medical aid plans that offer comprehensive dental benefits. We answer common questions and explore the main features to help you choose the best dental / teeth cover for your needs.    

Best Medical Aids for dental coverage - A Comparison 2026

   

💙 Learn more: Best Medical Aids for cover Braces

   

Important Features to Consider in Dental Cover

  💙 When selecting a medical aid plan that includes dental coverage, it's essential to consider several features that will offer comprehensive care for both routine and specialized dental needs.   💙 These features can make a major difference in the quality and extent of care you receive, as well as how much of the cost is covered by your medical aid. Below are the most important aspects to keep in mind:  

Preventative Care

💙 Preventative dental care is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing future issues. Look for plans that cover regular check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, and fluoride treatments. These services are often covered under annual or bi-annual allowances and can help catch potential problems early, reducing the need for costly treatments later on.  

Specialist Treatments

💙 Beyond routine care, it's important to check if the plan covers specialist dental treatments. This can include procedures like root canals, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Some plans offer full or partial cover for these services, while others may limit coverage or require co-payments. If you anticipate needing more advanced care, a plan that includes specialist treatments is essential.  

Orthodontics

💙 Orthodontic care, such as braces and aligners, is another key feature to consider, especially if you have children or anticipate needing orthodontic treatment yourself. Many medical aids offer orthodontic cover, but the extent of the coverage can vary significantly. Some plans may fully cover orthodontic treatments, while others may only offer a limited benefit or require a waiting period before the benefit becomes available.  

Network Access

💙 Some medical aid schemes require you to use specific dentists within their network to receive full benefits, while others allow you to visit any dentist of your choice.   💙 Plans with a network might offer lower premiums or higher coverage for in-network providers, but it’s essential to make sure that the network includes reputable dental professionals in your area.   💙If you prefer flexibility in choosing your dentist, look for plans that do not restrict access to a particular network.   [elementor-template id="43315"]   You might also consider:

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The 5 best medical aids for dental / teeth cover

 

Discovery Health Classic Comprehensive Plan

    ☑️ The Classic Comprehensive Plan from Discovery Health offers solid dental cover so that members have access to both routine and specialized dental care.   ☑️ The plan provides an annual limit of R37,500 per person  in 2026 for dental appliances, prostheses, orthodontic treatment, and related accounts. This includes treatments like crowns, bridges, and orthodontic care for children and adults.   ☑️ Dental benefits are subject to day-to-day cover, which is deducted from the Medical Savings Account (MSA) and the limited Above Threshold Benefit (ATB) once the annual threshold is reached.   ☑️ For severe dental and oral surgery, the plan offers cover with no upfront payment required and no overall limit, ensuring comprehensive care for necessary dental procedures that require hospitalization.   ☑️ The plan also includes a Basic Dental Trauma Benefit, which covers urgent dental treatment needed after an accident or trauma, with a high annual limit of R70,800 per person in 2026.   ☑️ The plan provides full coverage for anesthesia during dental procedures, with payments up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) for anaesthetists. This makes the Classic Comprehensive Plan ideal for individuals and families who need extensive dental care coverage.    

What is the monthly premium for the Discovery Health medical aid plans?

• ☑️ From R1 278.00 (KeyCare Series) to R12 338.00 (Executive Plan) a month, you can choose from a number of different medical aid plans offered by Discovery Health.

 

What Is the Waiting Period for the Discovery Health medical aid plan Benefits?

• ☑️ Discovery Health bases different waiting times depending on the situation of the individual. Two main characteristics frequently define waiting times:

 

• ☑️ Except in cases of emergencies, members cannot collect benefits during the three-month waiting period. This covers those starting a medical aid plan for the first time or those without medical aid coverage for the past ninety days.

 

• ☑️ A 12-month waiting period covers any pre-existing conditions the member possessed prior to scheme membership. Claims for the pre-existing condition will not be paid for during this period. Discovery Health will always keep offering PMB coverage, including life-threatening disease emergency treatments.

 

How to Claim for Discovery Health Medical Aid Benefits

• ☑️ Verify whether the provider belongs to Discovery Health's network or whether the services are covered.
• ☑️ Usually, most healthcare providers would submit claims on your behalf straight with Discovery Health.
• ☑️ Use the Discovery app or log on to your Discovery Health account online to check whether your claim has been handled.
• ☑️ Should the provider not file the claim, you can send the invoice to [email protected] or upload it to the Discovery website or app.
• ☑️ Discovery Health will pay the healthcare provider straight or reimburse you based on the benefits of your plan, if relevant.

 

Discovery Health Medical Aid Contact Details

✅ Phone: 0860 99 88 77​

✅ International Calls: +27 11 529 6900​

✅ Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 20:00; Saturday, 08:00 to 13:00; Closed on Sundays and public holidays​

✅ Website: www.discovery.co.za

✅ Physical address: 1 Discovery Place Sandhurst Sandton 2196   👉🏾 Read more about Discovery Health Authorisation Process    

BonComprehensive Plan

    ☑️ The BonComprehensive Plan from Bonitas Medical Aid offers comprehensive dental benefits for members. It covers both basic and advanced dental care, making routine procedures and specialized treatments accessible. This plan includes cover for preventative care, such as routine dental check-ups, cleanings, and fillings, ensuring that members can maintain good oral hygiene.   ☑️ For more complex dental procedures, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, the BonComprehensive Plan provides cover, with limits applied to certain treatments. Members also have access to orthodontic benefits, making it a good option for families with children who may require braces or other forms of dental alignment.   ☑️ Dental treatments that require hospitalization, like severe dental trauma or surgery, are covered under the hospital benefit. This provides peace of mind for members who might require urgent or extensive dental work. With its combination of preventative, routine, and advanced dental care coverage, the BonComprehensive Plan allows members to receive comprehensive dental support.  

What is the monthly premium for the Bonitas medical aid plans?

• ☑️ From R1275.00 (BonCap Plan) to R12 509.00 (BonComprehensive Plan) is the price range for medical aid plans offered by Bonitas Medical Aid Scheme.

 

What Is the Waiting Period for the Bonitas medical aid plan Benefits?

• ☑️ Bonitas Medical Aid's waiting periods are as follows:

  ✔️ With the exception of Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) in an emergency, the General Waiting Period is three months and it is not feasible to collect any benefits during this period. This relates to people who have not had medical aid coverage for more than ninety days or are fresh to a medical aid plan.   ✔️ Those with pre-existing medical conditions have to wait twelve months. Claims for those specific illnesses will not be reimbursed during this period.   ✔️ Bonitas may penalize anyone over 35 years old with no or limited medical aid coverage a late joiner penalty. This penalty affects contribution rates; deferral periods have no effect.   ☑️ PMBS are safeguarded in both kinds of waiting times in emergencies.  

How to Claim for Bonitas Medical Aid Benefits

• ☑️ To find out whether your claim has been handled, log on via the Bonitas member site or the Bonitas app.
• ☑️ Should the provider neglect to file the claim, you should either forward the invoice to [email protected] or the Bonitas website or app.
• ☑️ Bonitas will either pay the provider straight-forward or reimburse you in line with the advantages of your plan.

 

Bonitas Medical Aid Contact Details

✅ Phone: 0860 002 108 (local)​

✅ International Calls: +27 11 351 2200

✅ Email: [email protected]​

✅ Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00

✅ Website: www.bonitas.co.za

✅ Physical address​

34 Melrose Blvd Birnam Johannesburg 2196  

Momentum Health Summit Option

    ☑️ The Summit Option from Momentum Health offers a comprehensive dental cover that includes both basic and specialized dentistry. For basic dentistry, such as extractions, fillings, and preventative care, the plan covers treatments as part of the overall annual day-to-day limit, which is R34,500 per beneficiary. This includes GP visits, prescribed medications, and other day-to-day medical expenses.   ☑️ For specialized dentistry, including procedures like crowns, bridges, and dentures, the Summit Option provides a more generous sub-limit of R20,700 per beneficiary or R49,800 per family. These limits apply to both in-hospital and out-of-hospital dental specialist accounts. If impacted wisdom teeth need to be extracted, the costs are covered under the Major Medical Benefit at 100% of the Momentum Medical Scheme Rate, subject to pre-authorization.   ☑️ Dental benefits are managed under the overall day-to-day cover, and any specialized procedures requiring hospitalization, such as severe dental trauma, are covered with a co-payment. The Health Platform Benefit also includes one annual dental consultation for preventative care, encouraging members to maintain their oral health.   ☑️ This plan offers extensive dental benefits, making it a strong option for individuals requiring both routine and specialized dental treatments.  

What is the monthly premium for the Momentum medical aid plans?

• ☑️ Momentum Health offers medical aid plans with monthly rates ranging from R645.00 (Ingwe) to R16 469.00 (Summit) for principal members in 2026.

 

What Is the Waiting Period for the Momentum medical aid plan Benefits?

• ☑️ Momentum Medical Aid uses waiting times listed below:

 

• ☑️ There is no claim submission allowed during the three-month General Waiting Period. Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) in an emergency are the one exemption. This is relevant to those who have not had medical aid coverage in the past ninety days or who are first registering in a medical aid plan.

 

• ☑️ Pre-existing medical conditions need for a 12-month waiting period. Claims connected to certain illnesses will not be covered during this period.

 

• ☑️ Momentum may charge members over 35 with no or limited medical aid coverage a late joiner penalty. This penalty affects contribution rates; deferral periods have no effect.

 

• ☑️ Only PMBS are covered under particular conditions, usually related to emergencies, during waiting periods.

 

How to Claim for Momentum Health Medical Aid Benefits

• ☑️ See whether the provider belongs to Momentum Health's network or if your plan covers the offered services.
• ☑️ Most providers of healthcare will send claims straight to Momentum Health on your behalf.
• ☑️ Check the state of your claim via the member portal or Momentum Health app.
• ☑️ Should the provider not submit the claim, upload the invoice to the Momentum Health website or app.
• ☑️ Momentum Health either pays the provider directly or reimburses you in line with the coverage of your plan.

 

Momentum Health Medical Aid Contact Details

✅ Phone: 0860 11 78 59​

✅ International Calls: +27 31 573 4008 or +27 31 573 4000​

✅ Email: [email protected]

19 West St Houghton Estate Johannesburg 2198  

Fedhealth Maxima Plus

    ☑️ The Maxima Exec Plan from Fedhealth offers comprehensive dental benefits. Basic dentistry, such as consultations, cleanings, fillings, and extractions, is covered from the member’s Medical Savings Account (MSA) and continues to be covered once the member reaches the Threshold benefit, which provides day-to-day coverage beyond the MSA. Once the Threshold level is reached, basic dental benefits become unlimited.   ☑️ For advanced dentistry, which includes crowns, bridges, inlays, dentures, and oral surgery, the plan provides an annual limit of R8,530 per beneficiary or R25,470 per family in 2026. These treatments are covered from both the MSA and the Threshold benefit, ensuring that members can access specialized dental care when necessary.   ☑️ Orthodontic treatment and services from periodontists and prosthodontists are also included within the advanced dentistry limits, making the Maxima Exec Plan a strong option for members who anticipate needing more complex dental procedures.   ☑️ Overall, the plan gives members access to essential dental services, both routine and specialized, with the security of coverage that continues even after initial savings are exhausted. This balance between day-to-day and advanced dental care makes the Maxima Exec Plan suitable for families or individuals with ongoing dental care needs.  

What is the monthly premium for the Fedhealth medical aid plans?

• ☑️ Fedhealth offers a variety of medical aid plans with monthly prices starting at R1604.00 (FlexiFED Savvy) and going up to R19 937.00 (maxima PLUS).

 

What Is the Waiting Period for the Fedhealth medical aid plan benefits?

• ☑️ The waiting periods utilized by Fedhealth medical aid are as follows:

  ✔️ With the exception of Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) in an emergency, a three-month period marks general waiting period whereby no claims may be made. This applies to new members as well as those without medical aid coverage for more than ninety-days.   ✔️ Pre-existing conditions have a 12-month waiting period.   ✔️ Contributions for members over the age of 35 with no or limited prior medical aid coverage may be subject to a late joiner penalty. Wait times are not impacted by this penalty.   PMBs cover particular emergency situations during waiting periods.  

How to Claim for Fedhealth Medical Aid Benefits

• ☑️ Most hospitals will send claims straight to Fedhealth on your behalf.
• ☑️ You can get the mobile app or visit the Fedhealth member website to track the state of your claim.
• ☑️ If the provider does not submit the claim, upload the invoice to the Fedhealth website or app or email it to [email protected].
• ☑️ Either Fedhealth will pay the provider directly or repay you in line with the provisions of your plan.

   

Medihelp MedPlus Plan

    ☑️ The MedPlus Plan from Medihelp offers a comprehensive dental benefit that covers both conservative and specialized dentistry. Under conservative dentistry, members have access to routine check-ups, fillings, X-rays, and oral hygiene services.   ☑️ These basic dental services are covered through the Designated Service Provider (DSP) network, ensuring members can maintain their oral health with regular preventative care.   ☑️ For more advanced dental needs, the plan includes cover for specialized dentistry. This encompasses treatments such as crowns, implants, bridges, and orthodontic procedures, which are also accessed through the DSP network. By covering both basic and specialized dental care, the MedPlus Plan gives members access to comprehensive oral healthcare services, catering to both routine and complex dental needs.   ☑️ Specialised Limit for dentistry is R16 200 per family in 2026 & Maxillo-Facial Surgery has a limit of R22 000 per family.   ☑️ The plan’s day-to-day benefits further support dental care by providing pooled family benefits for medical expenses, which can include dental consultations. Medihelp’s wide-ranging dental coverage under the MedPlus Plan makes it a solid option for individuals and families who need access to both routine and advanced dental services while benefiting from Medihelp’s extensive medical aid network.  

What is the monthly premium for the Medihelp medical aid plans?

• ☑️ Depending on the plan you select, the Medihelp plans begin at R804.00 (MedMove Student) for the principal member and the premium plan R15 486.00 (MedPlus) in 2026.

 

What Is the Waiting Period for the Medihelp medical aid plan benefits?

• ☑️ The waiting periods for Medihelp medical aid are as follows:

  ✔️ Except for Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) given in an emergency, claim filing is not allowed during the three-month general waiting period. This relates to people who have been without coverage for a period more than ninety days or are first enrolling in a medical aid.   ✔️ Pre-existing conditions impose a 12-month waiting period prohibiting coverage for related claims.   ✔️ Those over 35 who have had either no or limited prior medical aid coverage may be subject to a late joiner penalty. While waiting times are not affected, this penalty does influence donation rates.   ✔️During the interim, PMBs are insured in emergencies following the policies of the plan.    

How to Claim for Medihelp Medical Aid Benefits

• ☑️ Most healthcare providers will send claims straight to Medihelp on your behalf.
• ☑️ To track the state of your claim, visit the Medihelp member website or download the mobile app.
• ☑️ Should the provider fail to submit the claim, you can either email [email protected] or upload the invoice to the Medihelp website or app.
• ☑️ Medihelp will either pay the provider straight or reimburse you in line with the coverage of your plan.

 

Medihelp Medical Aid Contact Details

✅ Phone: 086 0100 678 (Local)

✅ International Calls: +27 12 336 9000

✅ Email: [email protected]​

✅ Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 07:00 to 17:00; Friday, 08:00 to 16:00​

✅ Website: www.medihelp.co.za

✅ Physical adress: 189 Clark St Brooklyn Pretoria 0181        

Frequently Asked Questions

What is typically covered under dental benefits in medical aid plans?

Dental benefits generally cover both routine and specialized care. Routine services may include check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and X-rays, while specialized care might cover crowns, bridges, implants, orthodontics, and oral surgery. Coverage can vary based on the plan, so it's important to check the specifics.  

Does dental cover include orthodontic treatment?

Many medical aid plans include orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, but coverage limits and eligibility often apply. Some plans may have waiting periods or annual limits, so it's important to confirm if your plan covers orthodontics and under what conditions.  

Are preventative dental services, like cleanings and check-ups, fully covered?

Preventative dental services, such as routine cleanings and check-ups, are often fully covered under dental benefits. However, these services may be subject to annual limits or might require the use of a designated dental network.  

Do medical aid plans cover dental procedures requiring hospitalization?

Some medical aid plans cover dental procedures that require hospitalization, such as oral surgeries or the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth. These procedures often fall under the in-hospital benefit and may require pre-authorization.  

Can I visit any dentist, or must I use a network provider?

Many medical aid plans require you to use a designated dental network for full coverage. If you prefer to visit a non-network dentist, you may still receive partial coverage, but a co-payment or reimbursement at a lower rate might apply. Always verify if your plan has network restrictions.