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Bonitas BonStart Plus Medical Aid Plan (🇿🇦 2025)

Overall, the Bonitas BonStart Plus Medical Aid Plan is a trustworthy and comprehensive medical aid plan that offers 24/7 medical emergency assistance and unlimited Hospital Cover for its members. The Bonitas BonStart Plus Medical Aid Plan starts from R1,907.

👤 Main Member Contribution	R1,907 ZAR
👥 Adult Dependent Contribution	R1,813 ZAR
💙 Child Dependent Contribution	R840 ZAR
🌎 International Cover	R2.5 million
💶 Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB)	☑️ Yes
⚕️ Screening and Prevention	☑️ Yes
➡️ Maternity Benefits	☑️ Yes
🚑 Hospital Cover	Unlimited
📉 Annual Limit	Unlimited Hospital Cover
🏠 Home Care	☑️ Yes

Bonitas BonStart Review – 11 Key Point Quick Overview

☑️ Bonitas Medical Fund BonStart Plus Overview
☑️ Bonitas BonStart Plus Contributions
☑️ Bonitas BonStart Plus Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown
☑️ Bonitas BonStart Plus Out-of-Hospital Benefits
☑️ BonStart Plus Chronic Benefits
☑️ BonStart Plus Additional Benefits
☑️ BonStart Plus In-Hospital Benefits
☑️ Bonitas BonStart Plus Exclusions and Waiting Periods
☑️ Bonitas BonStart Plus vs. Other Bonitas Medical Fund Plan Options
☑️ Our Verdict on Bonitas BonStart Plus
☑️ Bonitas BonStart Plus Frequently Asked Questions

Bonitas Medical Fund BonStart Plus Overview

The Bonitas BonStart Plus starts from R1,907 and includes cover for maternity, in- and out-of-hospital, international travel, PMBs, and more.

Gap Cover is available on BonStart Plus, along with 24/7 medical emergency assistance.

According to the Trust Index, Bonitas Medical Fund has a trust rating of 4.5.

👉🏾 Download the Bonitas Bonstart plus plan for 2025

Bonitas BonStart Plus Contributions

👤 Main Member	👥 +1 Adult Dependent	💙 +1 Child Dependent
R1,907 ZAR	R1,813 ZAR	R840 ZAR

Bonitas BonStart Plus Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown

Bonitas BonStart Plus Out-of-Hospital Benefits

🔎 Virtual Care GP and Nurse Consultations	Unlimited network GP and Nurse Virtual Care consultations.
📌 GP Consultations	Unlimited GP consultations require an online wellness questionnaire or screening. Emergency GP consultations cost R70 per visit. Two non-network GP consultations are allowed per family. Authorization after the 10th visit.
📍 GP-Referred Acute Medicine, X-Rays, Blood Tests	Family limit of R3,320. Radiology and pathology formulary. Acute medicine: 20% co-payment per script. Avoid a 40% co-payment by using Bonitas Pharmacy Network. Subject to medicine formulary use.
💊 Over-the-Counter Medicine	Event limit of up to R175. Maximum R825 per family per year. Formulary/Bonitas Pharmacy Network. Bonitas Pharmacy Network users avoid 20% co-payments.
💉 Specialist Consultations	Two visits per family. R2,380. All acute medicine, basic radiology, specialized radiology, and pathology prescribed by the specialist R125 co-payment per visit. Must be referred by GP.
🤓 Optometry	One eye test per beneficiary at network providers. R110 co-payment applies. Limited to R400 at non-network providers.
🦷 Basic Dentistry	Dental consultation per beneficiary. An R70 co-payment is necessary. Managed Care Protocols will apply. Beneficiaries receive one annual scale and polish. Only children under 16 can get fissure sealants. Limited to 1 per tooth every 3 years. Children under 16 can receive fluoride treatments.
🚩 General Appliances and Devices	Only PMBs are covered under this benefit. There is a limit of R6,600 per family. Members must use a preferred supplier to avoid co-payments. The benefit is subject to frequency limits according to the Managed Care Protocols
☑️ Physiotherapy	4 sports injury consultations per beneficiary R70 co-payment Your network GP or specialist must refer you.
✅ Mental Health	Only PMBs are covered
🔍 HIV/AIDS	If you register for the HIV/AIDS program, the cover is unlimited. Buying chronic medicine from the Designated Service Provider avoids a 30% co-payment.

💙 POLL: 10 Best Medical Aids in South Africa

BonStart Plus Chronic Benefits

BonStart Plus guarantees coverage for the 28 Chronic conditions. Minimum Benefits outlined on the applicable formulary. You must obtain your medication from Pharmacy Direct, the 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 30% co-payment.

Furthermore, BonStart Plus Covers the following PMBs.

✅ 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 Chronic benefits.

BonStart Plus Additional Benefits

Available upon completion of a wellness questionnaire or screening. There is an R1,160 limit per family that can be used for a range of out-of-hospital claims, including the following:

✅ GP 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.
✅ X-rays
✅ Blood tests
✅ Non-surgical procedures and tests, for instance, wart removal.

When an adult recipient has completed a wellness screening or online wellness questionnaire, dependent children are eligible for the Benefit Booster.

👉🏾 READ more about how to Report a Medical Aid Scheme for misconduct

BonStart Plus Maternity Care

This benefit offers the following:

✅ Six antenatal consultations with a gynecologist, GP, or midwife.
✅ Two 2D ultrasound scans.
✅ One amniocentesis
✅ Four postpartum consultations with a midwife (1 can be used for a consultation with a lactation specialist).
✅ R195 per month for antenatal vitamins during pregnancy
(Paid from available Benefit Booster, subject to formulary)

👉🏿 Try our free Ovulation Calculator

BonStart Plus 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

BonStart Plus 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

BonStart Plus Preventative Care

This benefit includes the following:

✅ One HIV test and counseling for each recipient.
✅ One flu vaccine per beneficiary.
✅ One pap smears every three years for women ages 21 to 65.
✅ Dental fissure sealants prevent tooth decay in permanent teeth in children younger than 16 years.
✅ Vaccines and boosters for Covid-19 as directed by the National Institutes of Health.
✅ 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

BonStart Plus Contraceptives

✅ R1,540 per household for BonStart Plus (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.

BonStart Plus Africa Benefit

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

BonStart Plus Childcare

This benefit offers the following benefits:

✅ A Babyline with a 24-hour medical advice line for children younger than 3 years.
✅ 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.
✅ Milestone reminders for children under 3 years
✅ Online screenings for infant and toddler health
✅ Two vision screening tests for premature newborns up to 6 weeks, in or out-of-hospital
✅ Congenital hypothyroidism screening for infants under 1 month old
✅ Immunisation (including reminders) according to Expanded Programme on Immunisation in South Africa up to the age of 12

BonStart Plus International Travel Benefit

Before departure, you must register for this benefit. The BonStart Plus International Travel Benefit covers up to R2.5 million in medical emergency coverage per family when traveling outside South Africa.

Furthermore, an additional benefit for medical quarantine is up to R10,000 per recipient if Covid-19 is detected.

BonStart Plus 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.

BonStart Plus Cancer Cover

The BonStart Plus 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.

BonStart Plus 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.

BonStart Plus In-Hospital Benefits

🔎 Private Hospital Care	Unlimited at the applicable hospital network A co-payment of R1,190 applies per admission unless it is an emergency.
📌 GP Consultations in-hospital	Unlimited, with 100% cover according to Bonita’s Rate.
📍 Specialist Consultations in-hospital	Unlimited, with 100% cover according to Bonita’s Rate.
✳️ Blood Tests	Unlimited, with 100% cover according to Bonita’s Rate.
☑️ Blood Transfusions	Unlimited, with 100% cover according to Bonita’s Rate.
➡️ X-Rays and Ultrasounds	Unlimited, with 100% cover according to Bonita’s Rate.
⚕️ MRI and CT scans	There is an R19,130 limit per family. Pre-authorization is required for MRIs and CT scans. There is an R2,240 co-payment per scan unless it is for a PMB.
☑️ Allied Medical Professionals	Subject to a referral from a treating physician. Only PMBs are covered.
✅ Physiotherapy and biokinetics	Subject to a referral from a treating physician. Only PMBs are covered.
🍼 Childbirth	Unrestricted at the relevant hospital network. Utilize a hospital in the applicable network to avoid an R12,680 co-payment. Managed Care protocols cover only approved emergency C-sections.
👶 Neonatal Care	There is a limit of up to R55,080 per family unless it is a PMB.
🔍 Internal Prostheses	There is a limit of R19,130 per family unless PMB applies. Subject to Managed Care Protocols. Pre-authorization is required to access this benefit.
📌 External Prostheses	Only PMBs are covered.
💙 Mental Health Hospitalization	Only PMBs are covered. Physiotherapy for mental health admissions is not covered. Members must use a hospital on the relevant network to avoid an R12,680 co-payment.
💊 Take-Home Medicine after discharge	Members receive up to 7 days’ supply, up to R465 per hospital stay
💉 Physical Rehabilitation	There is a limit of up to R60,210 per family. Pre-authorization is required.
🏥 Hospitalization Alternatives	There is a limit of R20,090 per household. Managed Care rules apply, and pre-approval is needed.
🚩 Palliative Care (Only for Cancer)	Unlimited if DSP Managed Care protocols are followed. Includes hospice and private nursing, oxygen at home, pain management, and support from a psychologist and a social worker.
👁️ Cataract Surgery	If you use the Designated Service Provider, you can avoid an R7,130 co-payment.
🦷 Dentistry	Only PMBs are covered under this benefit.
☑️ Cancer Treatment	Unlimited for PMBs at a service provider that has been chosen. Authorization is necessary. Use a Designated Service Provider to avoid a 30% co-payment.
✅ Cancer Medicine	Subject to the Medicine Price List and the Preferred Product List Use a Designated Service Provider to avoid a 20% co-payment.
❤️ Organ Transplants	Only PMBs will be covered, and pre-authorization is required. Members can avoid a 30% co-payment by using a DSP.
✔️ Kidney Dialysis	Only PMBs will be covered, and pre-authorization is required. Members can avoid a 30% co-payment by using a DSP.
✳️ HIV/AIDS	If you register for HIV/AIDS, the cover is unlimited. Buying chronic medicine from the Designated Service Provider avoids a 30% co-payment.
☑️ Defined List of Day Surgery Procedures	Using a network day hospital avoids an R12,680 co-payment.
✅ Co-payments on procedures	R3.040 co-payment (Includes non-network hospital co-payment) Surgical arthroscopy Hysterectomy laparoscopically

Bonitas BonStart Plus Exclusions and Waiting Periods

Exclusions

The following is currently not covered by the BonStart Plus 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

and many more…

Waiting Periods

Depending on pre-existing or existing conditions, the following might apply when you register for medical coverage with BonStart Plus:

A 3-month general waiting period in respect of all benefits.
A 12-month exclusion in respect of a pre-existing condition.

Medical Aid Comparison : Bonitas BonStart Plus vs. Other Bonitas Medical Fund Plan Options

🔎 Medical Plan	🥇 Bonitas BonStart Plus (2025)	🥈 Sizwe Hosmed Gold Ascend	🥉 KeyHealth Origin (2025)
👤 Main Member Contribution	R1,907	R3,418	R2,451
👥 Adult Dependent Contribution	R1,813	R3,282	R1,746
💙 Child Dependent Contribution	R840	R944	R799
🔁 Gap Cover	☑️ Yes	❎ No	☑️ Yes
💶 Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB)	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes
⚕️ Screening and Prevention	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes
🍼 Maternity Benefits	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes
➡️ Chronic Conditions	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes
🏠 Home Care	☑️ Yes	❎ No	❎ No

Our Verdict on Bonitas BonStart Plus

💙 Bonitas BonStart Plus offers much the same as BonStart. However, it has much higher limits on certain in and out-of-hospital treatments and procedures, including Specialist Consultations, Optometry, General Appliances, Hospitalization Alternatives, and more.

💙 Furthermore, Bonitas BonStart Plus also offers additional benefits under childcare and the maternity program, which can be beneficial for young families with newborns and toddlers. Furthermore, the BonStart Plus offers unlimited hospital coverage.

💙 However, it requires co-payment for several treatments, which can lead to costly out-of-pocket expenses.

You might also like to consider the following plans Bonitas has to offer:

Bonitas BonStart Plus Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Benefit Booster of Bonitas Medical Aid?

After completing the wellness assessment, you can access the Benefit Booster. Benefit Booster can be used to pay for non-hospital outpatient services.

What is BonStart Plus 2024?

In January 2022, Bonitas introduced the BonStart Plus option. The BonStart Plus plan is intended for economically active singles and couples residing in major metropolitan areas. The plan provides access to a private hospital network and comprehensive emergency coverage.

Does Bonitas cover braces?

Bonitas covers the cost of orthodontic treatment according to the DENIS dental protocol.

Can a person have 2 medical aids in South Africa?

No, being a member of more than one medical aid is illegal. Furthermore, Section 28 of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 prohibits participation in multiple medical plans.

Does medical aid pay for teeth whitening?

As teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, medical aids will not cover it.

How do I claim money back from Bonita’s medical aid?

To claim back, you can email your completed form and relevant account to Bonitas. Alternatively, you can upload it onto the website or app, post it, fax it, or drop it off at the closest Bonitas walk-in center.

What happens to unused medical aid savings?

The Health Savings Account functions similarly to a bank account. What is not spent is carried over to the following year.

What happens when the main member of the medical aid dies?

Upon the demise of a member, their dependents will continue to be covered so long as there is no break in membership and contributions are paid.

What benefits are included in the Bonitas Medical Aid BonStart Plus plan?

The Bonitas Medical Aid BonStart Plus plan offers a range of benefits, including hospital cover, specialist consultations, day-to-day benefits, chronic medication coverage, emergency medical services, and more.

What is the waiting period for the Bonitas Medical Aid BonStart Plus plan?

The waiting period for the Bonitas Medical Aid BonStart Plus plan is 3 months for general healthcare services, 12 months for pre-existing conditions, and 24 months for certain specified conditions.

Can I add dependents to my Bonitas Medical Aid BonStart Plus plan?

Yes, you can add dependents such as your spouse, children, and other family members to your Bonitas Medical Aid BonStart Plus plan.

Adriaan Schoeman

Adriaan holds an MBA and specializes in medical aid research. With his commitment to perfection, he ensures the accuracy of all data presented on medicalaid.com every three months. When he is not conducting research, Adriaan can be found indulging in his passion for trout fishing amidst nature.