Bonitas BonEssential Select Hospital Plan (🇿🇦 2026)

  Overall, the Bonitas BonEssential Select Hospital Plan is a trustworthy and comprehensive medical aid plan that offers international cover and maternity care to its members. The Bonitas BonEssential Select Medical Aid Plan starts from R2,345 ZAR.    

Bonitas BonEssential Select Review - 9 Key Point Quick Overview

1. ☑️ Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Overview
2. ☑️ Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Contributions
3. ☑️ Bonitas BonEssential Select Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown
4. ☑️ Bonitas BonEssential Select Chronic Benefits
5. ☑️ Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Additional Benefits
6. ☑️ Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Exclusions and Waiting Periods
7. ☑️ Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan vs. Other Bonitas Medical Fund Plan Options
8. ☑️ Our Verdict on the Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan
9. ☑️ Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Frequently Asked Questions

Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Overview

The Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan starts from R2,345. It includes maternity, in- and out-of-hospital cover, international travel, PMBs, and more.   Gap Cover is available on the Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan, along with 24/7 medical emergency assistance.   According to the Trust Index, Bonitas Medical Fund has a trust rating of 4.2.   BonEssential Select Plan uses a list of specific private hospitals and linked formulary of chronic medication.   👉🏿 Download the Bonitas BonEssential Select plan for 2026

Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Contributions

   

Bonitas BonEssential Select Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown

Bonitas BonEssential Select In-Hospital Benefits

   

Bonitas BonEssential Select Chronic Benefits

BonEssential Select provides coverage for the  Prescribed Minimum Benefits outlined in the applicable formulary. Bonessential Select hospital plan has an additional condition it cover namely Depression. The plan cover a total of 28 Chronic conditions.   You must obtain your medication from Pharmacy Direct, the Bonitas Designated Service Provider. If you choose not to use Pharmacy Direct or if you use an off-formulary medication, you will be responsible for a 40% co-payment.   The Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Covers the following PMBs and more:  

• ✅ Addison’s Disease
• ✅ Asthma
• ✅ Bipolar Mood Disorder
• ✅ Bronchiectasis
• ✅ Cardiac Failure
• ✅ Cardiomyopathy
• ✅ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• ✅ Chronic Renal Disease
• ✅ Coronary Artery Disease
• ✅ Crohn’s Disease
• ✅ Diabetes Insipidus
• ✅ Diabetes Type 1
• ✅ Diabetes Type 2
• ✅ Dysrhythmias
• ✅ Epilepsy

  And many more... A Full list will be supplied on request.  

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Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Additional Benefits

Bonitas BonEssential Select Maternity Care

  This benefit offers the following:  

• ✅ Six antenatal appointments with a gynecologist, general practitioner, or midwife.
• ✅ Two 2-dimensional ultrasound scans.
• ✅ Amniocentesis was performed once.
• ✅ Four post-delivery midwife consultations (one of which can be used for a lactation specialist consultation).
• ✅ R200 per month for antenatal vitamins during pregnancy (Paid from available Benefit Booster, subject to formulary)

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Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Maternity Programme

  With this benefit, members can get the following benefits:  

• ✅ Access to a maternity advice line available around the clock.
• ✅ Dedicated maternity nurse/midwife to support and advise you during your pregnancy.
• ✅ Access to articles on prevalent pregnancy issues.
• ✅ You receive weekly pregnancy education emails and text messages.
• ✅ Online prenatal classes prepare you for childbirth and what to expect at home.
• ✅ A Baby bag containing baby care necessities.
• ✅ Early identification of high-risk pregnancies
• ✅ Weekly engagement for high-risk pregnancies
• ✅ Post-childbirth follow-up calls
• ✅ Online assessments for pregnancy and mental health

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Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Benefit Booster

  This benefit provides up to R1 160, which can be used towards any out-of-hospital claims, including the following:  

• ✅ General practitioner and specialist consultations.
• ✅ Acute and over-the-counter medicine.
• ✅ Biokineticists and physiotherapists consultations and treatment.
• ✅ Paramedical services include dietician, speech, and occupational therapy consultations and treatment.
• ✅ Alternative healthcare such as homeopathic consultations, treatment, and acupuncture.

How to activate it: Complete an online mental health assesment and a wellness screening (at a Bonitas wellness day or participating pharmacy.)  

Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Wellness Benefit

  There is one wellness examination per recipient at a participating pharmacy, biokinetics, or Bonita's wellness day. The health examination includes the following tests:  

• ✅ Blood pressure
• ✅ Glucose
• ✅ Cholesterol
• ✅ Body Mass Index
• ✅ Waist-to-hip ratio

Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Preventative Care

  This benefit includes the following:  

• ✅ One HIV test and counseling for each recipient.
• ✅ One flu vaccine per beneficiary.
• ✅ One mammogram every two years for women over 40.
• ✅ Women aged 21 to 65 should undergo a pap smear every three years.
• ✅ Men between 55 and 69 qualify for one prostate screening antigen test yearly.
• ✅ Members 65 and older receive 1 pneumococcal vaccine every 5 years.
• ✅ One stool test for colon cancer for individuals aged 45 to 75.
• ✅ Dental fissure sealants prevent tooth decay in permanent teeth in children younger than 16 years.
• ✅ 2 doses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for female beneficiaries between ages 9 and 14 (limited to 1 course per lifetime)
• ✅ 3 doses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for female beneficiaries between ages 15 and 26 (limited to 1 course per lifetime)
• ✅ Free online hearing screening for beneficiaries aged 18 and over on the Bonitas website

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Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Contraceptives

• ✅ R1,580 per household for the Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan (for women aged up to 50).
• ✅ It would help if you used the Designated Service Provider for contraceptives dispensed by a pharmacy.
• ✅ A 40% co-payment applies if you choose not to use a Designated Service Provider.
• ✅ Injectable contraceptives and administrations covered by any Bonitas Network Pharmacy.

Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Africa Benefit

  This benefit is subject to authorization but provides in-hospital and out-of-hospital treatment at 100% of Bonita's Rate.  

Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Childcare

  This benefit offers the following benefits:  

• ✅ Hearing screening for infants up to 8 weeks of age, in or outside the hospital.
• ✅ Screening for congenital hypothyroidism in infants younger than one month.
• ✅ Babyline: 24-hour medical advice line for children younger than 3 years.
• ✅ One consultation per child between 2 and 12 years.
• ✅ Milestone reminders for children under 3 years
• ✅ Online screenings for infant and toddler health
• ✅ 2 vision screening tests for premature newborns up to 6 weeks, in or out-of-hospital

Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan International Travel Benefit

  Before departure, you must register for this benefit. The Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan International Travel Benefit covers up to R1.2 million in medical emergency cover per family when traveling outside South Africa.  

Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Hospital-at-Home

  This benefit offers the following:  

• ✅ Care for any acute condition deemed necessary by your treating physician, such as pneumonia or Covid-19.
• ✅ Alternative to general ward admission and step-down facilities, enabling patients to receive quality, safe healthcare in the comfort of their own homes.
• ✅ Remote patient monitoring, including round-the-clock monitoring of vital signs from our clinical command center, continuous virtual visits and clinical support, continuous care from a physician, short-term oxygen (as prescribed), and emergency ambulance services.
• ✅ In addition to remote patient monitoring, daily visits, laboratory services, blood tests, wound dressings, medication/fluids via a drip, allied healthcare services, and physiotherapy, Bonita's hospital setup at home also includes remote patient monitoring (as prescribed)
• ✅ A team of trained medical professionals, including skilled nurses, will bring all the essential elements of hospital care to your home.
• ✅ Re-admissions can be reduced with the help of a transitional care program.
• ✅ Hospital-at-Home requires prior authorization.

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Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Cancer Cover

  The Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan’s Cancer Cover benefit works in the following ways:  

• ✅ Provides you with emotional and medical support.
• ✅ Consults your physician to confirm that your treatment plan is clinically appropriate for your needs.
• ✅ Social worker access for you and your loved ones.
• ✅ Utilizes the Bonitas Oncology Medicine Network. Non-network providers are subject to a 20% co-payment.
• ✅ Matches your treatment plan to your insurance benefits to ensure you have the necessary coverage.
• ✅ Specialists from the Bonitas Oncology Network are utilized.

Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan HIV / AIDS Benefit

  This benefit works in the following ways:  

• ✅ Offers appropriate treatment and the means to live your best life.
• ✅ Provides HIV-related consultations to monitor your doctor’s clinical status.
• ✅ Provides access to telephone support from physicians.
• ✅ Includes drugs to prevent mother-to-child transmission and infection following a sexual assault or a needle-stick injury.
• ✅ Covers routine blood tests to monitor disease progression, therapy response, and possible treatment side effects.
• ✅ Provides ongoing patient support through a team of skilled and seasoned counselors.
• ✅ Prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and influenza.
• ✅ Finds a registered therapist for face-to-face emotional support.
• ✅ Offer 1 annual pap smear for members who had a positive cytology test.

Diabetes Management

  This benefit works in the following ways:  

• ✅ Enables you to make the best decisions to maintain your health.
• ✅ Offers cover tests necessary for managing diabetes and other chronic conditions.
• ✅ Provides access to diabetes specialists, dietitians, and podiatrists.
• ✅ Provides access to a Health Coach who will respond to any questions.
• ✅ Offers a tailored care plan to meet your specific requirements.
• ✅ Provides education to improve your understanding of your condition.
• ✅Provides education to help you understand your condition better.

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Back and Neck Programme

  This benefit works in the following ways:  

• ✅ Evaluation of back and neck pain to determine the level of care necessary before surgery for the best possible outcome.
• ✅ Provides a customized treatment plan for up to six weeks.
• ✅ Contains care from physicians, physiotherapists, and biokinetics.
• ✅ Provides access to a home care plan for long-term results maintenance and aids in managing severe back and neck pain.
• ✅ Highly efficient and low risk, with a high rate of success.
• ✅ Excluding X-rays, Bonitas will cover the cost of the program.
• ✅ Members can use the DBC network.
• ✅ Programme will cover shoulder and knee pain aswell.

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Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Exclusions and Waiting Periods

Exclusions

  The following is currently not covered by the Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan:  

• ✅ Aromatherapy
• ✅ Ayurvedics
• ✅ Herbalists
• ✅ Iridology
• ✅ Reflexology
• ✅ Therapeutic Massage Therapy (Masseurs)
• ✅ Ambulance Services that are not authorized or already included in the contract with the provider
• ✅ Appliances, devices, and procedures not scientifically proven or appropriate
• ✅ Back rests and chair seats
• ✅ Bandages and dressings (except medicated dressings)
• ✅ Beds, mattresses, linen savers, pillows, and overlay

Waiting Periods

  Depending on pre-existing or existing conditions, the following might apply when you register for medical cover with the Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan:  

• A 3-month general waiting period in respect of all benefits.
• A 12-month exclusion in respect of a pre-existing condition.
• A late-joiner contribution penalty will apply for members joining after the age of 35 years old.

Medical Aid Comparisons :

Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan vs. Other Bonitas Medical Fund Plan Options

   

Our Verdict on the BonEssential Select Plan

  💙 The Bonitas BonEssential Select plan is a comprehensive hospital cover option that provides both in-hospital and day-to-day benefits. It caters to individuals or families seeking a comprehensive plan without the added costs of more expensive options.   💙 With coverage for preventive and curative care, including chronic medication, dentistry, optometry, and maternity benefits, the plan offers ample benefits.   👉🏿 You might also like to consider the following plans Bonitas has to offer:

• Bonitas Standard Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas Boncore Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas BonPrime Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas Primary Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas Hospital Standard Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas Standard Select Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas BonStart Plus Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas BonStart Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas BonSave Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas BonFit Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas BonEssential Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas BonComprehensive Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas BonComplete Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas BonClassic Medical Aid Plan
• Bonitas BonCap Medical Aid Plan

Bonitas BonEssential Select Plan Frequently Asked Questions

What does BonEssential cover?

The BonEssential Select hospital plan provides unlimited hospitalization in any hospital in South Africa at 100% of the scheme rate. You will also get prescribed minimum chronic medication benefits for 28 different conditions and maternity consultations, among other benefits.  

Is Bonitas BonEssential a hospital plan?

This hospital plan includes comprehensive hospital benefits and some value-added features.  

What is the difference between medical coverage and medical aid?

Medical aid ensures that you are covered if you require hospitalization or have a chronic condition requiring minimum or day-to-day benefits.  Medical insurance, on the other hand, ensures that you receive a payment if you are hospitalized and unable to work or earn a living.  

Can I put my mother on my medical aid?

Adult dependents are financially dependent on the primary member are only accepted into schemes. Evidence may be required.  If your parent has never belonged to a medical scheme or has taken a break from coverage, they might be subject to a late-joiner penalty.  

How long can I stay on my parents’ medical aid?

It depends on the medical aid. Most medical aids consider the children of the primary member as independent between 21 and 24, after which they are removed automatically unless they are still financially dependent.  

Can you change your medical aid during the year?

Open medical scheme members can switch to a new medical scheme at any time. However, it is important to note that waiting periods may be involved. These waiting periods will be determined by the length of time they have been members of a medical scheme and their responses to underwriting questions.  

Can a child be a main member of a medical aid plan?

Membership for a single person is an option. However, the minimum age requirement is 18, which explains why medical aid for a child alone is impossible under current legislation.  

Is there medical aid for the elderly in SA?

There is no age limit in South Africa for enrolling in a medical aid scheme. However, if you enroll for the first time after age 35, a fee could be charged.  

Do you get tax returns on medical aid?

Members of the scheme are eligible for a second medical tax rebate, known as the additional medical expenses tax credit (AMTC). The AMTC provides tax relief for qualifying medical expenses not covered by the medical aid scheme.  

What are the co-payments for day procedures/surgeries under the BonEssential Select plan?

The co-payments for day procedures/surgeries will depend on the specific procedure/surgery. Generally, the plan has lower co-payments compared to other plans from Bonitas.  

How does the BonEssential Select plan cover oncology treatment?

The plan covers oncology treatment but with a lower threshold than other Bonita plans. This means that it provides less coverage for certain oncology-related expenses.  

What options are covered less under the BonEssential Select plan?

The plan offers fewer cover options for certain benefits, such as GP consultations and specialized dentistry.  

Is the BonEssential Select plan more of a hospital plan for basic coverage?

While the plan includes day-to-day benefits, it is more of a hospital plan, offering basic coverage for hospitalization, chronic medication, and certain-day procedures/surgeries.  

Can I upgrade to a more comprehensive plan if I need more coverage?

Yes, you can upgrade to a more comprehensive plan if you require additional coverage for certain benefits. However, this may result in a higher premium.