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Bonitas

Bonprime

About this plan

🥇 Best suited for families seeking flexible savings with comprehensive healthcare cover.
Principal Member
From
R3,255
per month
Adult Dependant
From
R2,546
per month
Child Dependant
From
R1,035
per month

What's covered

Hospital cover
Savings account
Day-to-day
Chronic cover
Dental
Optical
Maternity
Mental health

Waiting periods

General
3 months
Pre-existing conditions
12 months

Bonprime

Bonitas BonPrime Medical Aid Plan 🇿🇦 (2026*)

Bonitas BonPrime Plan – 2026 Review

Overview

Bonitas BonPrime Overview Bonitas is one of South Africa’s established medical aid schemes, registered with the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) under FSP No. 1512, assuring South African members of regulated, compliant cover.  

Bonitas BonPrime Plan Overview

"The Bonitas BonPrime plan starts from R3,255 for a main member and includes cover for hospital care, out-of-hospital benefits, chronic conditions, international medical emergencies, and Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs). Gap Cover is available, and you also have access to 24/7 medical emergency support. According to the Trust Index, Bonitas has a trust rating of 4.5.  

Bonitas BonPrime Plan Contributions 2026

 
👤 Main Member👥 +1 Adult Dependent👶 +1 Child Dependent
R3,255R2,546R1,025
 

Bonitas BonPrime Plan vs. Similar Plans from other Medical Schemes

 
BenefitBonitas BonPrimeMomentum ExtenderBestmed Beat 3
Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB)☑️ Yes☑️ Yes☑️ Yes
Screening and Prevention☑️ Yes☑️ Yes☑️ Yes
Medical Savings AccountMain R6,252 Adult R4,884 Child R1,99225% of contributionPrincipal R503 Adult R359 Child R177
Maternity Benefits☑️ Yes☑️ Yes☑️ Yes
Pre- and Postnatal Care☑️ Yes☑️ Yes☑️ Yes
Chronic Conditions☑️ Yes☑️ Yes☑️ Yes
Home Care☑️ Yes☑️ Yes☑️ Yes
Oncology Cover (Maximum ZAR)R224,100/family (PMB unlimited)R500,000/beneficiary100% scheme tariff (no rand cap)
Extended Cover for Oncology☑️ Yes☑️ Yes❎ No
Hospital Cover☑️ Yes☑️ Yes☑️ Yes
Optometry Benefit☑️ Yes☑️ Yes☑️ Yes
Dentistry Benefit☑️ Yes☑️ Yes☑️ Yes
Advanced Dentistry☑️ Yes☑️ Yes☑️ Yes
Internal ProsthesisPMB only❎ NoR92,145/family
External Prosthesis☑️ Yes❎ No☑️ Yes
Mental Healthcare Program☑️ Yes☑️ Yes☑️ Yes
Diabetes Care Program❎ No❎ No❎ No
HIV Care Program☑️ Yes❎ No❎ No
Cardio Care Program❎ No❎ No❎ No
Spinal and Neck Program❎ No❎ No☑️ Yes
Disease Prevention Program☑️ Yes☑️ Yes☑️ Yes
Cover for Covid-19 & WHO Outbreaks❎ No❎ No☑️ Yes
Annual LimitNo overall limitNo overall limitNo overall limit
Above Threshold Benefit (ATB)❎ No☑️ Yes❎ No
International CoverR1,200,000/familyR8,220,000/beneficiaryR5,000,000/family (USA R1,000,000)
Main Member ContributionR3,255Depends on family composition (From R9,129 main member)R3,724 (non-network) R3,352 (network)
Adult Dependent ContributionR2,546VariesR2,656 (non-network) R2,391 (network)
Child Dependent ContributionR1,035VariesR1,314 (non-network) R1,183 (network)
Gap Cover☑️ Yes☑️ Yes☑️ Yes
 

Bonitas BonPrime Plan Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown

With Bonitas’ BonPrime, you get cover for private hospital care with set rules and limits. Pre-authorisation applies, and using network providers helps you avoid extra co-payments. All benefits are annual unless indicated otherwise.   👉🏾 Download the BonPrime Plan for 2026

In-Hospital Benefits

 
🔎 Benefit✅ What you get
🏥 Private hospital carePrivate hospital cover with pre-authorisation. Avoid a 30% co-payment by using a hospital on the applicable network.
📌 Specialists in hospitalUnlimited. Network specialists covered in full at the Bonitas Rate. Non-network specialists paid at 100% of the Bonitas Rate.
👨‍⚕️GP services in hospitalUnlimited at 100% of the Bonitas Rate.
🩸 Blood tests and transfusionsUnlimited at 100% of the Bonitas Rate.
✅ X-Rays and UltrasoundsUnlimited cover at 100% of the Bonitas Rate.
MRI and CT scansR15,960 per family per year. Pre-authorisation required. R2,240 co-payment per scan event, except for PMB.
👁️Cataract surgeryAvoid an R8,400 co-payment by using the Designated Service Provider.
👩🏿‍⚕️Allied health in hospitalSubject to available savings, except for PMB. Covered at the Bonitas Rate with referral by the treating practitioner.
☑️ Physiotherapy, Podiatry, and biokineticsSubject to available savings, except for PMB. Covered at the Bonitas Rate with referral by the treating practitioner.
✅ Internal and External ProsthesesPMB only, subject to managed care protocols.
🏥 In-hospital dentistryPMB only via the Designated Service Provider, with pre-authorisation required.
👨‍⚕️IV conscious sedation in roomsAllowed only in place of general anaesthetic for in-hospital PMB dental benefits, with pre-authorisation.
🔎 Mental Health HospitalizationR28,590 per family. No cover for physiotherapy during mental health admissions. Avoid a 30% co-payment by using a network hospital.
📍 Take-Home Medicine after dischargeUp to 7 days’ supply, limited to R470 per hospital stay.
☑️ Physical RehabilitationR63,340 per family.
⚕️Alternatives to hospitalHospice and step-down facilities up to R20,310 per family. Managed Care protocols apply.
🔎 Palliative care (cancer)Unlimited at the DSP. Includes hospice or private nursing, home oxygen, pain management, psychologist and social worker support.
📌 Cancer TreatmentUnlimited for PMB. Non-PMB up to R224,100 per family, paid at 80% at a DSP, with no cover at a non-DSP once the limit is reached. Brachytherapy sublimit of R63,110 per beneficiary.
📍 Cancer MedicineSubject to the Medicine Price List and preferred product list. Avoid a 20% co-payment by using a DSP.
🔎 PET scansPMB only. Avoid a 25% co-payment by using a provider on the network
☑️ Organ TransplantsPMB only, with PMB-only cover for corneal grafts.
✅ Kidney DialysisUnlimited. Avoid a 20% co-payment by using a DSP.
🔎 HIV/AIDSUnlimited if you register on the HIV/AIDS programme. Chronic medicine must be obtained from the DSP.
☀️ Day surgery settingFor selected procedures, avoid an R7,100 co-payment by using a network day hospital.
💰 Specific procedure co-payments·  R2,020 per event for procedures such as colonoscopy, gastroscopy, tonsillectomy and others. ·  R5,130 per event for procedures such as arthroscopy and diagnostic laparoscopy. ·  R9,500 per event for procedures such as laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and Nissen fundoplication. Pre-authorisation required.
 

Out-of-Hospital Benefits

 
🔎 Benefit❓ What you get
1️⃣ Medical savingsAnnual savings: Main member R6,252, adult dependant R4,884, child dependant R1,992.
2️⃣ GP consultationsPaid from available savings. One extra GP visit for the family at the Bonitas Rate once savings are finished.
3️⃣ Specialist consultationsPaid from available savings. A GP referral is required.
4️⃣ Emergency room benefitTwo emergency consultations per family at a hospital casualty or emergency room. If not an emergency, the cost comes from savings.
5️⃣ Children under 6 in ERTwo emergency consultations per family at a hospital casualty or emergency room.
6️⃣ X-rays and standard blood testsPaid from available savings.
7️⃣ Allied health (dietician, speech, occupational therapy)Claims pay from your Benefit Booster first, then PMB only.
8️⃣ Optometry AcessPaid from savings with defined lens benefits and network rules.
9️⃣ Non-surgical proceduresPaid from available savings.
🔟 Eye testOne consultation per beneficiary at a network provider, or R420 per beneficiary at a non-network provider.
👁️Single-vision lenses (clear)100% cover for clear lenses at a network provider, or up to R220 per lens at a non-network provider.
👁️Bifocal lenses (clear)100% cover for clear lenses at a network provider, or up to R480 per lens at a non-network provider.
👁️Multifocal lenses100% cover for base lenses at a network provider, or up to R900 per designer lens per beneficiary, in and out of network.
👁️Frames and contact lensesPaid from available savings, with sub-limits.
1️⃣1️⃣ General medical appliancesPaid from available savings for items such as wheelchairs and crutches.
1️⃣2️⃣ In-room specialist proceduresCovered for a defined list when performed in rooms. Pre-authorisation is required.
1️⃣3️⃣ External prosthesesPMB only.
1️⃣4️⃣ MRIs and CT scans out of hospitalR3,990 per family per year. Pre-authorisation is required. R2,240 co-payment per scan event, except for PMB.
1️⃣5️⃣ PhysiotherapyPaid from available savings.
1️⃣6️⃣ Mental health consultationsPaid from available savings.
1️⃣7️⃣ Basic dentistryClaims pay from your Benefit Booster first, then PMB only.
🦷 Dental check-upsTwo check-ups per beneficiary each year, once every six months.
🦷 Dental X-raysIntra-oral paid from savings. One extra-oral film per beneficiary every three years.
🦷 Preventative dental care·  Two scale and polish treatments per beneficiary each year, once every six months. ·  One fissure sealant per tooth every three years for children under 16. · Two fluoride treatments for children from age 5 to under 16.
🦷 FillingsPaid from savings. One filling per tooth every two years. A treatment plan and X-rays may be required for multiple fillings.
🦷 Root canal therapy and extractionsPaid from available savings.
🦷 Plastic dentures· Paid from savings with pre-authorisation. ·  One upper and one lower set per beneficiary every four years. ·  Mouth guards covered for clinical and lab fees with no pre-authorisation.
🦷 Specialised dentistryPaid from savings at the Bonitas Dental Tariff.
🦷 Partial chrome cobalt denturesPaid from savings with pre-authorisation. Two partial frames per beneficiary every five years.
🦷 Crowns and bridgesPaid from savings. Three crowns per family each year. Each crowned tooth funded once every five years. Pre-authorisation may apply, and a treatment plan or X-rays can be requested.
🦷Orthodontics· Paid from savings with pre-authorisation. Funding is based on a clinical needs analysis and may be up to 100% of the Bonitas Dental Tariff. · Treatment funded only for functional impairment. · Only one family member may start in a calendar year. ·  Fixed comprehensive treatment limited to ages 9 to under 18. ·  One course per beneficiary per lifetime.
🦷 PeriodonticsPaid from savings with pre-authorisation. Limited to conservative non-surgical therapy for beneficiaries registered on the Periodontal Programme.
🦷 Surgery in the dental chairPaid from savings, subject to Managed Care rules and pre-authorisation.
🦷 Dental hospitalisationPMB only for general anaesthetic in hospital. Avoid a 30% co-payment by using a network hospital. Pre-authorisation is required.
1️⃣8️⃣ Inhalation sedation in roomsNo benefit.
1️⃣9️⃣ Moderate or deep IV sedation in roomsPMB only with pre-authorisation.
2️⃣0️⃣ Acute and over-the-counter medicinePaid from available savings.
2️⃣1️⃣ Homeopathic medicinePaid from available savings.
 

Chronic Benefits

The BonPrime option covers a defined list of 28 chronic conditions, including all Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs).   Cover is subject to pre-authorisation, and you must use Marara Pharmacy, the Designated Service Provider (DSP), along with the linked formulary. If you decide to use another pharmacy or opt for medication not on the formulary, a 30% co-payment applies.   Medication for most conditions is covered in full within the formulary rules, but depression is an additional benefit with a set limit of R165 per beneficiary each month. Cover applies per member and is subject to clinical approval and the Council for Medical Schemes’ requirements.   Conditions covered under BonPrime:  
  • ✅ Addison’s Disease
  • ✅ Asthma
  • ✅ Bipolar Mood Disorder
  • ✅ Bronchiectasis
  • ✅ Cardiac Failure
  • ✅ Cardiomyopathy
  • ✅ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • ✅ Chronic Renal Disease
  • ✅ Coronary Artery Disease
  • ✅ Crohn’s Disease
  • ✅ Diabetes Insipidus
  • ✅ Diabetes Type 1
  • ✅ Diabetes Type 2
  • ✅ Dysrhythmias
  • ✅ Epilepsy
  • ✅ Glaucoma
  • ✅ Haemophilia
  • ✅ HIV/AIDS
  • ✅ Hyperlipidaemia
  • ✅ Hypertension
  • ✅ Hypothyroidism
  • ✅ Multiple Sclerosis
  • ✅ Parkinson’s Disease
  • ✅ Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • ✅ Schizophrenia
  • ✅ Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
  • ✅ Ulcerative Colitis
  • ✅ Depression (limited benefit of R165 per month, per beneficiary)

Benefit Booster

The Benefit Booster is an extra pool of cover that unlocks when you complete both an online mental health assessment and a wellness screening. Once active, it helps pay for out-of-hospital medical costs before your savings are used.  
  • ✅GP consultations, including virtual care, are available once savings are depleted.
  • ✅ Specialist visits, with a referral from your GP.
  • ✅ Blood tests and laboratory work.
  • ✅ X-rays and ultrasound scans.
  • ✅ Acute and over-the-counter medicines.
  • ✅ Consultations with allied health professionals, such as dieticians, speech therapists, or occupational therapists.
  • ✅ Physiotherapy, podiatry, and biokinetics.
  • ✅Optometry, including eye tests and lenses within set limits.
  • ✅ Dental care, both basic and preventative, according to the Bonitas dental tariffs.
  • ✅ Specified in-room procedures carried out by specialists, subject to approval.

Mother & Child Care

Support for pregnancy and young children is available across standard hospital benefits, day-to-day benefits, and the Care Programmes. Members must use network providers and obtain pre-authorisation for hospital events to avoid extra co-payments.  

Maternity Care

  • ✅ Private hospital cover for childbirth, subject to pre-authorisation.
  • ✅ Access to gynaecologist and obstetric consultations as part of the out-of-hospital savings.
  • ✅ Cover for antenatal scans and blood tests from available savings.
  • ✅ Specialist treatment linked to maternity covered in full at the Bonitas Rate when using network providers.

Childcare

  • ✅ Two emergency room or casualty consultations per family for children under six.
  • ✅ Preventative dental cover for children, including one fissure sealant per tooth every three years for those under 16.
  • ✅ Two fluoride treatments per year for children between the ages of five and 16.
  • ✅ Orthodontic cover for beneficiaries from age nine to under 18, subject to clinical need and pre-authorisation, once per lifetime.
  • ✅ One annual eye test per child at a network provider, or R420 at a non-network provider, with lens benefits set by the plan.

Maternity Programme

  • ✅ Dedicated Maternity Programme that provides ongoing guidance throughout pregnancy.
  • ✅ Registration grants access to benefits and support tailored to pregnancy care.
  • ✅ Includes advice on wellness, access to maternity information, and assistance with scheme processes like authorisation.

“Be Better” Benefit

The “Be Better” Benefit gives you access to additional wellness and preventative healthcare support, to keep members healthier through early detection and guided care. It is tied to the Care Programmes and wellness screenings.  
  • ✅ Guidance and resources to support healthier lifestyle choices.
  • ✅ Connection to Bonitas Care Programmes, such as diabetes, cardiac, and HIV care, for long-term condition management.
  • ✅ Access to a free annual wellness screening that helps identify risks early.
  • ✅ Support through the Member Information Hub for advice on benefits, claims, and registrations.
  • ✅ An online mental health assessment that forms part of unlocking the Benefit Booster.

Care Programmes

BonPrime includes a suite of Care Programmes that focus on managing long-term or high-impact conditions. These programmes help monitor health, provide specialised treatment pathways, and ensure chronic or complex conditions are managed according to scheme protocols.  
  • ✅ HIV/AIDS Programme: Covers treatment and monitoring once registered, with medicine supplied through the DSP.
  • ✅ Oncology Programme: Unlimited cover for PMB cancers, with a limit of R224,100 per family for non-PMB, managed at network oncology providers.
  • ✅ Diabetes Programme: Clinical support and tailored care pathways for members with diabetes.
  • ✅ Cardiac Programme: Supports those with heart conditions, including monitoring and lifestyle management.
  • ✅ Back and Neck Programme: Focused care for musculoskeletal issues to avoid unnecessary surgery where possible.
  • ✅ Mental Health Programme: Support for psychiatric conditions, hospital cover, and ongoing monitoring.
  • ✅ Hip and Knee Replacement Programme: Managed access to specialist care and treatment for joint replacements.
  • ✅ Palliative Care Programme: Unlimited cover for cancer-related palliative support at DSP facilities.
  • ✅ Renal Dialysis Programme: Unlimited dialysis, provided at DSP without a co-payment.

In-Hospital Care Programme Benefits

 
🔎 Benefit❓ What you get
1️⃣ Mental health hospitalisationR28,590 per family. No cover for physiotherapy during mental health admissions. Network hospitals must be used to avoid a 30% co-payment.
2️⃣ Physical rehabilitationR63,340 per family. Cover for in-hospital rehabilitation following an event such as a stroke or accident.
3️⃣ Alternatives to hospitalHospice and step-down facilities covered up to R20,310 per family. Managed Care rules apply.
4️⃣ Palliative cancer careTwo emergency consultations per family at a hospital casualty or emergency room. If not an emergency, the cost comes from savings.Unlimited at a DSP. Includes hospice or private nursing, home oxygen, pain management, psychologist and social worker support.
5️⃣ Cancer treatmentUnlimited for PMB. Non-PMB limited to R224,100 per family, paid at 80% at DSPs. Once the limit is reached at non-DSPs, no cover applies. Sub-limit of R63,110 per beneficiary for brachytherapy.
6️⃣ Cancer medicineSubject to the preferred medicine list and Medicine Price List. Using a DSP avoids a 20% co-payment.
7️⃣ PET scansClaims pay from your Benefit Booster first, then PMB only.PMB only. Avoid a 25% co-payment by using providers on the designated network.
8️⃣ Organ transplantsPMB only, with corneal grafts limited to PMB cover.
9️⃣ Unlimited cover, with a 20% co-payment avoided by using DSP facilities.Unlimited cover, with a 20% co-payment avoided by using DSP facilities.
🔟 HIV/AIDS in-hospital supportUnlimited cover when registered on the HIV/AIDS programme. Chronic medicine must be obtained from DSP pharmacies.
 

Travel Benefit

The BonPrime plan includes international travel cover that protects members against medical emergencies while abroad. This benefit is available for a limited period each trip and requires authorisation before departure.  
  • ✅ Up to 90 days of international medical emergency cover per trip.
  • ✅ Emergency medical treatment for sudden illness or injury while outside South Africa.
  • ✅ Access to 24/7 medical assistance and support services.
  • ✅ Evacuation and repatriation where medically necessary.
  • ✅ Cover for the return of mortal remains to South Africa in the event of death abroad.

Bonitas BonPrime Plan Exclusions and Waiting Periods

BonPrime Exclusions

  • ✅ Cosmetic surgery or procedures that are not medically required.
  • ✅ Treatment for obesity, including weight-loss surgery.
  • ✅ Care received from practitioners who are not registered with recognised health councils.
  • ✅ Experimental or unproven healthcare treatments.
  • ✅ Treatment for self-inflicted injuries.
  • ✅ Travel costs and transport for medical reasons, unless authorised under a specific benefit.
  • ✅ Examinations done for insurance, visa, employment, or similar non-medical purposes.
  • ✅ Alternative and complementary therapies that are not recognised under the plan (excluding homeopathy, which is included in savings).
  • ✅ Items for comfort or lifestyle purposes, such as toiletries or non-medical equipment.
  • ✅ Cosmetic dental procedures and other dental services are not regarded as clinically necessary.
  • ✅ Sedation in rooms, unless covered as part of a Prescribed Minimum Benefit.

BonPrime Waiting Periods

  • ✅ A general three-month waiting period may apply to all benefits, except for Prescribed Minimum Benefits.
  • ✅ A 12-month waiting period applies to any pre-existing condition.
  • ✅ Additional condition-specific waiting periods may be applied at underwriting, depending on your health history.

Our Verdict on the Bonitas BonPrime Plan

BonPrime Verdict The BonPrime plan from Bonitas stands out by providing a mix of hospital cover, chronic care, and day-to-day benefits without placing a heavy burden on members.   Pricing is competitive, especially compared to some rival schemes that either limit access or push contributions far higher. The Benefit Booster and maternity support give it another layer of value, while the international travel cover is a reassuring inclusion for families who spend time abroad.   Where it narrows is in certain areas like internal prostheses and specialised cover limits, which some competing options extend further. Despite this, the plan is a balanced option for members who want predictable contributions with strong hospital protection.   Bonitas also scores well on trust and member support, which is essential for healthcare decisions. Overall, BonPrime is a credible, reliable plan for families and individuals who want decent coverage backed by a respected scheme.   You might also like to consider the following plans Bonitas has to offer:

Bonitas BonPrime Plan FAQs

What is BonPrime, and how does it differ from other Bonitas plans?

BonPrime is a mid-range option in the Bonitas range that balances hospital cover, day-to-day savings, and chronic care. It has its own limits, co-payments, and additional programs like Benefit Booster and Care Programmes, which set it apart from other Bonitas plans.  

How much does BonPrime cost per month for adults and dependants?

In 2026, the contribution is R3,255 for a main member, R2,546 for an adult dependant, and R1,025 for a child dependant.  

Does BonPrime provide any international or travel medical cover?

Yes, it covers international medical emergencies for up to 90 days per trip, with emergency assistance, treatment abroad, evacuation and repatriation, and cover for mortal remains.  

Are specialist consultations covered under BonPrime, and under what conditions?

Specialist consultations are paid from savings, and you need a referral from a GP. In hospital, network specialists are covered in full at the Bonitas Rate.  

Does BonPrime cover mental health services or virtual care consultations?

Yes, it offers R28,590 per family for mental health hospitalisation, mental health consultations from savings, and one family GP visit (virtual or in-person) at the Bonitas Rate when savings run out.  

How is chronic medication covered under BonPrime, and what formulary applies?

Chronic cover is for 28 conditions, with medicine supplied through the DSP pharmacy and linked formulary. Using other pharmacies or non-formulary medicine means a 30% co-payment. Depression has a set limit of R165 per beneficiary each month.  

What benefits are included in BonPrime?

BonPrime offers private hospital care, out-of-hospital benefits through medical savings, cover for 28 chronic conditions, oncology cover, maternity benefits, optometry, dentistry, mental health, and a Benefit Booster when wellness checks are completed.  

How do I cancel or downgrade BonPrime, and what notice period applies?

You can cancel your membership by giving Bonitas at least one month’s written notice. Once your membership ends, all benefits end as well.  

How do I claim out-of-hospital expenses under BonPrime?

Out-of-hospital expenses are covered from savings. Once savings run out, you can unlock the Benefit Booster by doing a wellness check and mental health assessment.  

What happens if I go outside the BonPrime hospital network — co-payments or exclusions?

Using non-network hospitals often means a 30% co-payment. For certain procedures, fixed co-payments apply, such as R2,020 for scopes, R5,130 for arthroscopies, and R9,500 for advanced laparoscopic surgery.  

Does BonPrime use network (DSP) providers, and what are the restrictions?

Yes, BonPrime works with designated providers. Sticking to them avoids co-payments on hospital stays, oncology, dialysis, chronic medicine, and day surgery.  

Can I enrol my children under BonPrime, and what are the child rates?

Yes, children are covered at R1,025 each per month in 2026.
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